Chennai isn’t just about temples and beaches—it’s a city where you can truly learn about Indian culture through hands-on experiences. One of the best ways to connect is by taking a cooking class or joining a local workshop. We love the Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari because it offers an authentic, family-run experience where you get to prepare vegetarian Tamil Brahmin fare and sit down to eat on banana leaves, just like in South India. These classes give you a taste of local life that you can’t get from a restaurant menu.
From mastering South Indian vegetarian dishes to exploring bustling markets, these workshops offer a great mix of culinary skills and cultural insight. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or just curious about Indian cooking, there’s an experience here for everyone. Below, we’ve compiled the 9 best workshops and classes in Chennai, each with its own special charm.
1. Traditional Cooking Class in Chennai in a Local Home with Sundari
This highly-rated, 5-star experience takes you into the home of Sundari, a warm and welcoming Chennai local, to learn how to cook South Indian vegetarian dishes. For around $74, you’ll spend about three hours immersed in the flavors and techniques of Tamil Brahmin cuisine. Sundari’s class focuses on vegetable curries, sambar, rasam, dosas, and other signature dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. The best part? You’ll sit down together on banana leaves to enjoy your meal, mirroring authentic local dining customs.
What makes this tour stand out is Sundari’s genuine hospitality and her detailed teaching style, making it accessible for beginners. Reviewers praise her for going above and beyond—one even mentions how she offered extra recommendations for exploring Chennai after the class. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a personal, immersive experience that combines cooking, culture, and hospitality. The class runs for about 3 hours and includes nonalcoholic beverages.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those wanting a home-cooked meal and a memorable cultural experience in Chennai.
2. Private South Indian Tamil Cooking Class in Chennai with Srividya
At number 2, this private cooking lesson offers a relaxed, personalized way to learn about South Indian culinary traditions. For just $46 per person, you’ll spend about three hours in Srividya’s home, preparing two to three vegetarian dishes like curries, dosas, or idli. This experience emphasizes learning about regional recipes and sharing a meal with your host’s family, providing an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Chennai.
What sets this class apart is its personal touch—you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively involved in cooking, with guidance tailored to your requests. Reviewers note Srividya’s patience and her ability to accommodate dietary preferences. The class ends with a home-cooked meal, served on a banana leaf, creating a true local dining experience.
Ideal for travelers seeking a small-group, intimate lesson, this tour balances instruction with cultural exchange. It’s a great value at $46, including the meal. The only potential downside? The focus is more on learning than on a hands-on experience if you prefer robust participation.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting personalized attention and an authentic family meal.
3. South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Meena
This class, costing $54 for about three hours, offers a private, authentic cooking experience in a residential neighborhood of Alwarpet. Meena, the host, teaches vegetarian dishes such as kuzhambu, rasam, kootu, or avial, all using family recipes and local spices. You’ll learn to cook these traditional dishes and then enjoy them on banana leaves, adding a genuine touch of South Indian hospitality.
What makes this experience unique is the chance to take a market tour option, which includes a guided visit to Mylapore’s vegetable and fruit market—an excellent way to understand local ingredients and food culture firsthand. Reviewers mention how much they appreciated Meena’s warmth and the delicious, homemade flavors of the meal.
It’s perfect for those who want to learn regional recipes and perhaps explore local markets as part of the experience. This class’s focus on family-style cooking and local ingredients provides a deep dive into South Indian cuisine.
Bottom Line: Great for those eager to learn family recipes and explore local markets.
4. Private Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai
For $48, Gayathri’s class offers a three-hour, hands-on experience in her home, where she shares her knowledge passed down from her grandmother from Thanjavur. This region boasts a distinct culinary tradition, and Gayathri is passionate about sharing her family’s recipes. The class includes preparing one main dish and one side dish, emphasizing simple ingredients that produce deep flavors.
What makes this tour special is Gayathri’s personal story of culinary heritage and her enthusiasm for introducing travelers to Thanjavur’s cuisine. Reviewers praise her for providing step-by-step guidance, making it ideal for those wanting to learn authentic South Indian cooking in a friendly environment.
Best suited for travelers who want a focused lesson on regional dishes and a local family atmosphere. It’s a good value at $48, offering an intimate look into South Indian home cooking.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a deep dive into Thanjavur-style cuisine with a friendly, relaxed host.
5. Authentic South Indian Cooking Class and Vegetarian Meal with a Local in Chennai
This class, priced at $122, stands out because it offers a comprehensive, hands-on experience with recipes that have been handed down through generations. During approximately three hours, you’ll learn to make dosa, chutney, and other Tamil delicacies with a local host, then sit down to enjoy the meal you helped prepare—served on a banana leaf, of course.
The experience emphasizes insider knowledge and family recipes, giving you a unique window into Tamil culinary traditions. Reviewers highlight the warm hospitality and the opportunity to learn complex dishes like homemade mango pickles and traditional dosas. It’s particularly suited for travelers eager to master signature dishes and take home authentic recipes.
While pricier, the meal and instruction provide excellent value for serious food lovers seeking a culinary immersion.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting to learn classic Tamil dishes from a local in an immersive setting.
6. Private South Indian Cooking Class and Market Visit in Chennai
At number 6, this 5-hour experience combines a market visit with a cooking class. For $152, you’ll start by exploring a vibrant local market with your chef-instructor, selecting ingredients for a variety of rice and vegetable dishes. Then, back in the kitchen, you’ll prepare a multi-dish vegetarian feast together.
The highlight is the market tour, which provides a vivid look at local produce, flowers, and spices—a rare chance to see what local chefs and families buy daily. The cooking session is hands-on and lasts around two hours, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The meal, served afterward, is a generous vegetarian feast.
This tour is ideal for culinary enthusiasts who want a comprehensive experience combining shopping and cooking. Reviewers praise the fabulous hosts and the delicious food as well as the insight into local markets.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to see and taste the ingredients that go into South Indian cooking.
7. Private Chennai Market Tour and Cooking Class with a Fun Local
This 4-hour experience for $89 offers a fun, interactive way to learn about Chennai’s culinary culture. You’ll start by visiting a neighborhood market with your host, selecting ingredients for up to five South Indian recipes. Then, you’ll return to her home to cook and enjoy a homemade meal.
The market visit is lively and authentic, giving you a real sense of local life. The cooking session is casual but educational, and you’ll learn about traditional spices and ingredients. The reviews mention how friendly and warm Sundari is, making it feel like cooking with a family member.
It’s ideal for travelers who want an interactive, social experience with local hosts. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced in cooking, this class offers a good balance of learning and fun.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a light, engaging introduction to Chennai’s food scene.
8. South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Passionate Baker
Vidhya’s class, at $48, is perfect for foodies interested in desserts and vegetarian dishes. She comes from a Brahmin Iyer family and loves sharing her passion for eggless baking and traditional South Indian meals. Over three hours, you’ll learn to make dishes like rasam, sweet potato curry, and a dessert—all while hearing stories about her culinary influences.
What makes this class special is Vidhya’s enthusiasm for experimentation and her ability to teach tips and tricks passed down through generations. Reviewers mention how simple ingredients lead to tasty dishes, making it accessible for home cooks. Plus, she offers options for lactose-free, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets, making it flexible.
This class suits travelers keen on baking and desserts, or those wanting a more casual, engaging experience. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with a local baker’s craft.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a sweet touch to their culinary skills.
9. Private Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with a Local
Finally, this customizable experience for $76 lets you learn dishes from across India—from Chennai classics to North Indian favorites. You’ll cook in a local home, with your host tailoring the menu to your preferences. The class usually lasts about three hours and ends with dining together on the food you’ve prepared.
What makes this class appealing is its flexibility—you can focus on specific regional dishes or cuisines. Reviewers highlight the friendly host and the opportunity to try a wide variety of Indian recipes. This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a tailored, comprehensive culinary adventure.
It’s suited for those who want flexibility and variety in their Indian cooking journey. The main potential downside is that the menu can vary depending on your preferences, so it may require some planning.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want customized learning across Indian cuisines.
$76.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Workshop or Class in Chennai
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you’re looking for an authentic family experience on a budget, the private classes with Srividya or Gayathri’s class offer excellent value. For a more immersive cultural experience, the market tour combined with cooking provides both shopping and cooking.
Travelers eager to master specific dishes might prefer the authentic Tamil recipes or Vidhya’s baking class. Budget-conscious visitors should look for classes under $50 that still offer a rich experience.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, as these classes fill up quickly. Many are private or small-group experiences, making earlier reservations essential to secure your preferred time.
Final Thoughts
Chennai offers a surprising variety of workshops and cooking classes that go beyond sightseeing. Whether you want to learn the secrets of South Indian vegetarian dishes, explore local markets, or simply enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal, these nine options provide a rich taste of local life. For food lovers and culture seekers, these classes can be a highlight of your trip, offering skills and memories that last long after you’ve left India.
For travelers with limited time, the Traditional Cooking Class with Sundari offers an exceptional, authentic experience in just a few hours. If you want a more comprehensive journey into Chennai’s culinary scene, the market and cooking tour is hard to beat. Whatever your interest, booking early will ensure you secure a spot in these popular classes—so don’t wait too long to plan your culinary adventure in Chennai.