Cooking class and dinner with Rekha family with full meals

Discover the Flavors of Udaipur with a Cooking Class at Rekha’s Family Home

Imagine stepping into a local family’s home in Udaipur, where a warm host named Rekha welcomes you into her kitchen. For about three hours, at a very reasonable $14.40 per person, you’ll learn to prepare authentic vegetarian Indian dishes with Rekha herself. The class is designed as an intimate, hands-on experience, giving you a glimpse into everyday life in India, while also indulging your senses in delicious food. You’ll be picked up from a designated meeting point in Udaipur’s old city, and after a lively cooking session, you’ll sit down and enjoy the meal you’ve created.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are its personalized approach—each group gets a private lesson—and the opportunity to see how locals cook and eat in their own homes. The chance to visit a genuine Indian family setting offers a level of authenticity that larger cooking schools often miss. The dishes you’ll learn, like vegetable pulao, chapati, and paneer pakora, are simple, flavorful, and perfect for vegetarians.

A small consideration is that transportation from your hotel isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange or walk to the meeting point. Also, since the class is in a family home, it’s best to come with an open mind and appetite—be prepared to taste your own creations! This experience suits travelers who love genuine cultural encounters, are interested in cooking or food, and prefer small, friendly groups over large tours.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn Indian cooking in a local family home, not a commercial kitchen.
• Vegetarian Focus: The class exclusively features vegetarian dishes, perfect for herbivores.
• Personalized Lessons: Small group size and one-on-one instruction ensure individual attention.
• Cultural Insight: See how everyday Indian families live, cook, and eat.
• Includes Meal: You cook and then sit down to enjoy your own creations, adding a satisfying ending.
• Affordable Value: At around $14.40, the experience offers excellent value for a memorable cultural activity.

What to Expect: A Detailed Look at the Cooking Experience

When you arrive at Rekha’s family home—located along Kalaji Goraji Road in Udaipur—you’ll be greeted warmly by your host and her family. The start time is usually at 4:00 pm, making it a perfect late-afternoon activity that fits well into an afternoon exploring the city. After a brief introduction, you’ll head into the kitchen, where Rekha or her helpers will guide you through the cooking process.

The cooking class lasts about three hours. During this time, you’ll learn to prepare a variety of classic Indian vegetarian dishes, including masala chai, potato and onion pakora, coriander or mango chutney, seasonal tomato masala, vegetable pulao, and different types of Indian flatbreads such as chapati and paratha. The recipes are chosen to be straightforward enough for beginners but still authentic enough to satisfy seasoned food lovers.

The process is very hands-on; you’ll be chopping, mixing, and cooking alongside Rekha, gaining practical skills you can take home. A notable perk praised in reviews is that the hosts are very knowledgeable and patient, making the experience both educational and fun. Plus, you’ll get recipes to take back, so you can try recreating these meals at home.

Once all dishes are prepared, you’ll sit down to enjoy a full meal. The food is described as flavorful, fresh, and satisfying—a true taste of Indian home cooking. Some reviewers mentioned that their hosts took extra care to film the process and ensure they didn’t miss anything, making it a perfect souvenir of the experience.

The Genuine Cultural Touch

One of the standout aspects of this tour is the chance to witness how ordinary Indians live and eat in their own homes. Visitors have noted how welcoming Rekha’s family is, and how the visit adds a layer of authenticity that larger, commercialized classes sometimes lack. As one reviewer pointed out, “We were privileged to be guests in a local Indian home being taught how to cook traditional food.”

The opportunity to see family cows and enjoy a cup of masala chai in a home setting adds to the feeling of stepping into local life. The environment is relaxed, informal, and friendly, making it a perfect spot for travelers who enjoy genuine cultural exchanges.

Practical Details: Making the Most of Your Cooking Class

This experience is designed for small groups of up to 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere. The cost of $14.40 per person covers the entire cooking session, all the vegetarian meals you prepare, and a bottle of water. Alcoholic beverages and non-vegetarian food are not included, but given the focus on vegetarian Indian cuisine, this isn’t a concern for most.

Transportation from your hotel isn’t included, so plan to meet at the designated spot on Kalaji Goraji Road. Many guests find the location easily walkable from central Udaipur, especially if you’re exploring the old city. Since the class is booked on average 26 days in advance, it’s wise to secure your spot early, especially during peak tourist season.

Timing-wise, the class starts at 4:00 pm, making it ideal to combine with daytime sightseeing. The experience lasts around three hours, wrapping up back at the meeting point, which simplifies planning your evening.

Authentic, Delicious, and Budget-Friendly

The reviews consistently praise the quality of food—not just the recipes but the flavors and freshness. Guests have raved about Rekha’s expertise, with one calling her “an amazing host” with “exceptional experience and knowledge.” Many mention that they learned how to make a dessert not available on restaurant menus, adding a special touch to the class.

Considering the price, the experience offers remarkable value: a chance to learn, eat, and connect with local culture for less than the cost of a typical meal in many restaurants. It’s not just about the food but the stories, the setting, and the chance to see Indian family life up close.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is best suited for travelers eager for a more authentic, intimate encounter with Indian culture. It’s perfect for vegetarians, foodies, and curious explorers who want more than just sightseeing. Those who enjoy learning new skills and trying their hand at cooking will find this especially rewarding. If you value small group size and personalized attention, this experience checks all the boxes.

It’s also a fantastic choice for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to make a meaningful connection during their time in Udaipur.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

In sum, this cooking class with Rekha’s family offers a genuine taste of Indian home life wrapped up in a fun, educational package. For just over $14, you get more than a cooking lesson—you get a glimpse into local traditions, a chance to learn practical skills, and a delicious meal to enjoy at the end. The small group size and knowledgeable hosts make it feel personal and special, while the focus on vegetarian dishes ensures it’s accessible for most dietary preferences.

If you love authentic cultural experiences that go beyond typical tourist fare, this class will delight you. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys food, family, and fun, and wants to take home more than just photos from Udaipur.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation from your hotel isn’t included. You should plan to meet at the specified location on Kalaji Goraji Road, which is typically walkable from central Udaipur.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You will learn to cook vegetarian Indian dishes like masala chai, potato and onion pakora, chutneys, seasonal tomato curry, vegetable pulao, and flatbreads like chapati and paratha.

How long does the class last?
The experience is approximately three hours, starting at 4:00 pm, ending back at the meeting point.

Is this experience suitable for non-vegetarians?
No, the class focuses exclusively on vegetarian recipes, so it’s ideal for vegetarians or those willing to try vegetarian dishes.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What size are the groups?
The maximum group size is 15, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience.

This tour offers a wonderful blend of culinary education, cultural insight, and genuine hospitality. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Indian cuisine and lifestyle, all while enjoying a delicious homemade meal. Perfect for curious travelers and food lovers alike.