Kochi is a fantastic place to learn new skills or deepen your appreciation for Indian culture through workshops and classes. Whether you’re interested in cooking traditional Kerala dishes, exploring local ingredients, or experiencing Kerala’s vibrant culinary heritage firsthand, the city offers a range of engaging options. We especially like the Jasmin Villa Homestay Cookery Class for its lively atmosphere and mastery of Kerala flavors, and the Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home for a more intimate, personal experience. For a fun, hands-on approach, the Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class provides insight into everyday Kerala life and its cuisine. All these experiences give you a taste of real Kochi life while learning practical skills you can recreate at home.
Kochi’s workshops stand out because they combine authentic cooking techniques with cultural insights. Whether you prefer a group setting or a private lesson, these classes reveal the regional ingredients and cooking styles that make Kerala cuisine so unique. If you’re eager to explore local traditions beyond the kitchen, the Kochi Yoga Session with Cultural Workshops offers a holistic experience of Kerala’s arts, dance, and mindful practices.
1. Jasmin Villa Homestay Cookery Class
At number 1, the Jasmin Villa Homestay Cookery Class is a lively group experience where you learn to master eight delicious Kerala dishes. Guided by Jasmine and her husband Wilson, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours immersed in the colorful world of Indian spices and regional flavors. The focus is on hands-on participation—chopping, mixing, and seasoning—so you leave with practical skills, not just a recipe list. The class showcases the art of balancing spices and understanding their roles in Kerala cuisine, from fish curries to vegetable dishes.
What makes this class stand out is the warmth of the hosts and the opportunity to cook in a friendly group setting. Guests consistently praise the quality of the food, with one reviewer noting it was the best they had in Kerala, and complimented Jasmine’s expert weaving of traditional recipes. The class is well-organized, with ingredients provided, making it easy to focus on the cooking. The only downside is the group format, so if you’re after a private experience, you might prefer other options.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting an energetic, social cooking session with a focus on flavourful, authentic dishes. Costing around $42 per person, it offers excellent value for a memorable culinary experience.
2. Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home
At number 2, the Private Authentic Kerala Cooking Class offers an intimate, three-hour journey into Kerala’s culinary traditions. Your chef-host will welcome you into her home, where you’ll learn to prepare dishes like Kerala-style stew, marinated fish in banana leaves, and fish curry—each reflecting local ingredients and techniques. The class includes a detailed cooking lesson followed by sharing a meal with your host, providing an authentic glimpse into daily life in Kochi.
This experience shines because of its personalized approach. Unlike group classes, you get private guidance, and the focus on Syrian Kerala cuisine offers a distinctive taste of regional flavors. The class also covers the preparation of a Western-style dessert, adding a sweet ending to your culinary journey. You’ll learn about Kerala’s culinary heritage in a relaxed, friendly environment. Guests have praised the opportunity to explore Kerala’s culture through its food and enjoy a delicious, self-made feast.
Practical details: the class costs $79 per person and includes the meal, drinks, and a chance to chat about Kerala’s culture with your host. It’s ideal for travelers who want an immersive, private experience with a focus on traditional recipes.
Bottom line: Best suited for curious food lovers seeking a personalized, culturally rich cooking experience in a home setting—at a higher price point but with a truly authentic touch.
3. Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class – Learn, Cook, Eat & Enjoy!
Number 3 on our list is the Hands-on Authentic Keralite Cooking Class, a three-hour interactive experience where you will actively cook and eat Kerala’s signature dishes. Held in the instructor’s home, this class emphasizes participation—no passive watching here. You’ll learn about Kerala’s distinctive cuisine, which features rice, coconut, and aromatic spices, and get a chance to prepare a three-course meal yourself.
What makes this class special is the practical approach—guests receive a recipe booklet and are encouraged to get involved in every step. The instructor creates a relaxed environment, making it suitable even for beginners. And, of course, you get to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, which often includes Kerala specialties like fish curry and vegetable stir-fries. Past participants appreciate the friendly atmosphere, with one noting it was a “relaxed and enjoyable environment.”
For $35 per person, it’s affordable and offers a fun, hands-on way to learn Kerala’s cuisine without needing prior experience. The class is perfect for families, couples, or anyone interested in a genuine culinary adventure.
Bottom line: Great value for an engaging, authentic cooking lesson—especially suited for those new to Indian cuisine or seeking a relaxed, family-style experience.
4. Private Traditional Home Cooking Class in Kochi with Archana
Number 4 features the Private Traditional Home Cooking Class with Archana, where you’ll spend around three hours learning to cook typical Indian recipes from her family’s collection. The class focuses on Konkani sattvic cuisine, emphasizing sustainable cooking techniques that avoid onion and garlic, making it healthier and more mindful.
Archana guides you through two traditional dishes from scratch, sharing insights into regional ingredients and no-waste practices—using peels, skins, and seeds. The class appeals to food lovers interested in sustainable cooking and authentic flavors. Because it’s private, you benefit from personalized attention, and the experience provides a deeper understanding of Kerala’s diverse culinary landscape.
Guests commend Archana’s warmth and knowledge, noting the class is ideal for curious travelers who want to explore Indian cooking beyond typical spices. The price is $70 per person, which reflects the personalized, in-depth nature of the experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for those interested in traditional, sustainable Indian cooking techniques and a private, immersive experience—perfect for foodies wanting to learn family recipes.
5. Traditional Kerala Cooking Class in a Local Home in Kochi
Number 5 offers the Traditional Kerala Cooking Class inside a local home, focusing on preparing a Syrian Christian “Sadhya” meal, a grand banquet-style feast. The class duration is about three hours, and you’ll learn how to cook a variety of regional dishes directly from a local host.
This experience is especially appealing to travelers who love to cook and eat in the same session. You’ll not only learn about Kerala’s cuisine but also see firsthand how local families prepare these elaborate meals. The class ends with a communal feast, allowing you to taste your creations and savor the flavors of Kerala.
At $76, this class provides great value for a comprehensive, home-cooked meal that highlights Kerala’s traditional dishes. Reviewers appreciate the opportunity to learn from a local and enjoy authentic food in a cozy environment.
Bottom line: Ideal for culinary travelers eager to prepare and eat a complete traditional meal in a home setting, with an emphasis on regional banquet dishes.
$76.00 per person
6. Kochi: Yoga Session with Cultural Workshops
Our final pick isn’t a cooking class but offers a well-rounded cultural experience. The Kochi Yoga Session with Cultural Workshops at the Great K V Kathakali Centre combines daily yoga classes with opportunities to explore Kerala’s dance, music, and martial arts like Kalaripayattu.
The yoga session at 6:30 AM costs around 500 INR and provides a peaceful start to your day. The workshops on Kathakali dance, traditional music, and Kerala cuisine give a broader cultural perspective. This option is perfect if you want a more holistic experience that combines physical activity with cultural learning.
While the yoga sessions are straightforward, the live dance and music performances are truly captivating. It’s suited for travelers interested in holistic wellness and performing arts, offering an affordable entry point into Kerala’s artistic traditions.
Bottom line: A versatile choice for those wanting a gentle introduction to Kerala’s culture, combining mindfulness with dance, music, and cooking workshops.
$8 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class
When selecting a Kochi workshop, consider your interests—do you want to focus on learning authentic Kerala recipes in a private or group setting? For a more immersive experience, look at options like the Private Kerala Cooking Class or the Traditional Home Cooking which offer deep dives into regional cuisine. If you prefer a fun, casual environment, the Jasmin Villa Cookery Class provides lively group participation.
Budget-wise, expect to pay between $35 and $79, with private classes costing more but offering personalized attention. Booking early is wise, especially during peak tourist season, to secure your preferred time and class.
Consider your fitness level and interest in sustainability or family recipes. For example, the Archana’s class emphasizes no-waste techniques, perfect for eco-conscious travelers.
In summary, Kochi’s range of workshops offers everything from hands-on cooking to cultural arts. If you crave an energetic group class, Jasmin’s is ideal. For intimacy and local insight, the private classes shine. And for a holistic cultural experience, don’t miss the yoga and dance workshops. Book early, choose what excites you most, and prepare to bring home a taste—and perhaps a few new skills—of Kerala.