A Taste of India: Full-Day Cooking Class in New Delhi

Imagine spending a entire day in a cozy New Delhi home, learning how to craft 7-8 traditional dishes while tasting around 12 authentic foods. At just $112 per person, this private cooking experience offers a rare glimpse into Indian culinary traditions and family recipes. Run by a warm couple, Malika and Arunag, this workshop is designed to satisfy those who crave more than a quick class — it’s an immersive, hands-on journey into Indian cuisine, culture, and hospitality.

What we love most about this experience is how customizable and personal it feels. You’ll enjoy a traditional vegetarian thali for lunch, with options for non-vegetarian dishes in the evening, and a variety of street-style snacks like pakoras and homemade chaat. Plus, the hosts’ passion for sharing their family recipes and tips makes the entire day engaging and authentic. The only potential consideration? You’ll need to climb three flights of stairs, so it may not suit guests with mobility issues.

This experience suits food lovers, culturally curious travelers, and anyone seeking an authentic family-style meal. If you’re eager to go beyond touristy restaurants and want to learn real Indian cooking from locals, this class will hit the spot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic experience: Learn to cook 7-8 genuine Indian dishes in a family home setting.
Personalized menu: The class can be customized to your food preferences, including vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.
All-inclusive tasting: Enjoy around 12 traditional foods, including snacks, main courses, and desserts.
Expert guidance: Hosts Malika and Arunag are praised for their warmth, knowledge, and helpful tips.
Cultural glimpse: It’s not just cooking; it’s about sharing stories, recipes, and family traditions.
Long-lasting support: You receive written recipes and lifelong assistance to recreate Indian flavors at home.

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In-Depth Review of the Full-Day Cooking Experience

Setting and Location

The experience takes place in a welcoming family home in New Delhi, near coordinates 28.618350982666016, 77.02729797363281. The hosts, Malika and Arunag, open their doors and hearts, offering a chance to peek into daily life in Delhi through the lens of a local family. Guests are advised they need to climb three flights of stairs, which is worth noting if mobility is a concern. The address is shared after booking, with suggestions for convenient transportation.

What to Expect at the Start

The day kicks off around 10 AM with a warm greeting — you’ll be offered a cup of chai or coffee and a sweet treat, setting a relaxed tone. Expect a friendly introduction, where your hosts will ask about your taste preferences and any special dietary needs. This personalized touch is one of the highlights, allowing the class to be tailored to your wishes.

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The Cooking Sessions

The core of the day begins around 10:30 AM. You’re not just watching someone cook — you’ll actively participate, learning techniques for making spices bloom, kneading dough, marinating, and frying. The hosts are praised for their patience, clarity, and enthusiasm, making even complex recipes approachable. Their knowledge extends beyond recipes — they share tips and tricks that help bring out the best flavors.

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Lunch: A Traditional Vegetarian Thali or Chhola Bhatura

Lunch is a feast. Depending on your choice, you’ll enjoy either a vegetarian thali or a Chhola Bhatura menu. The thali includes seasonal veggies, potato and paneer dishes, dal, rice, puris, raita, pickles, relishes, and a dessert. Alternatively, the Chhola Bhatura menu features fluffy fried bread with spicy chickpeas, potato dishes, veg pulao, and yogurt-based snacks. Guests have noted that non-vegetarian options can be added on request, making this flexible for different diets.

Post-Lunch Relaxation and Prep for Dinner

After a leisurely hour, you’ll return to the kitchen for light preparations for dinner — such as frying onions or marinating ingredients. It’s a chance to absorb more techniques and get ready for the evening’s highlight.

Afternoon Tea and Snacks

Around 4:30 PM, enjoy a refreshing cup of masala chai paired with pakoras (fritters) and a homemade street snack like chaat. This break feels like a casual stroll through Delhi’s vibrant street food scene, sharing conversations and laughs.

The Grand Finale: Indian Dinner

The evening’s crescendo is a full Indian dinner featuring a non-veg curry of your choice (like Butter Chicken or Rogan Josh), seasonal vegetables, kebabs or Tikka, two types of bread, chicken or mutton biryani, and a homemade dessert. This is the time to see how all the ingredients and techniques come together — often, guests comment on how delicious and satisfying their dishes are, both in flavor and in the satisfaction of having made them.

Formal and Personal Touches

Throughout the day, Malika and Arunag’s warmth and personal stories create an authentic family atmosphere. Reviewers frequently mention how the hosts go “the extra mile,” customizing menus and sharing family recipes to make the experience memorable. The class isn’t just about cooking but about cultural exchange and storytelling.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this experience truly special is the attention to detail and the genuine hospitality. It’s rare to find a class where you can expect to taste 12 different foods, enjoy personalized recipes, and learn cooking techniques from someone who genuinely loves sharing her culture. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly Malika and Arunag are — they make you feel like family from the moment you arrive.

The customization aspect is also crucial. Whether you’re a vegetarian, pescatarian, or craving a specific dish, the hosts adapt the menu accordingly. Reviewers like Sebastian from Germany appreciated how their authentic recipes were easy to follow and how the class was longer and more comprehensive than other options.

The Value for Money

At $112, the price may seem steep compared to shorter classes or mass tours, but the depth of learning, quality of food, and personal attention justify the cost. Several guests noted that this experience is more detailed and longer than typical classes, making it an excellent value for those eager to truly understand Indian cooking.

Practical Considerations

Travelers should note the staircase climb and be comfortable on your feet. The experience is private, which means you get undivided attention, but it also requires a certain level of physical mobility. It’s ideal for foodies, culture enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a meaningful connection with local Delhi life.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Experience?

This full-day cooking class is best suited for passionate cooks and culture lovers who want more than just a quick recipe demo. If you enjoy hands-on learning, personalized experiences, and authentic family recipes, you’ll find this workshop invaluable. It’s a wonderful way to experience Delhi through its flavors and stories, making it perfect for those seeking a meaningful culinary adventure.

Travelers who appreciate attention to detail and warm hosts will also value the chance to ask questions, share stories, and leave with recipes to recreate at home. While the physical aspect requires climbing stairs, the joy of tasting and learning makes it well worth the effort.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the class can be customized to include only vegetarian dishes, and vegetarians will feel right at home with the provided menu options.

Can I request non-vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. Non-vegetarian options can be added to lunch or dinner upon request. Many guests appreciate the flexibility.

How long does the class last?
The entire experience runs about 12 hours, starting around 10 AM and wrapping up in the evening with dinner.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual clothing is best, especially since you’ll be cooking. Be prepared to get your hands a bit messy.

Is there any physical requirement or mobility concern?
Guests need to climb three flights of stairs, so it might not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

What makes this experience stand out compared to other cooking classes?
The combination of personalized menu, authentic family recipes, comprehensive tasting, and warm, knowledgeable hosts creates a truly memorable and immersive day in Delhi.

This full-day Indian cooking experience offers a rare opportunity to not only learn recipes but to also enjoy the warmth of a Delhi family’s hospitality. It’s ideal for those eager to take home more than just souvenirs — a handful of recipes, a deeper understanding of Indian culture, and memories of a day spent sharing food and stories.