Mumbai is a city alive with creativity, tradition, and a work ethic that turns everyday life into an art form. It’s no surprise that the city offers some of the most engaging workshops and classes in India. Whether you want to master authentic Indian cooking, explore local crafts, or learn about Mumbai’s diverse neighborhoods, there’s something here for every curious traveler. We especially love the Dharavi Tour & Pottery Workshop for its eye-opening look into a bustling community, and the Private Maharashtrian Cooking Class for its authentic flavors and personal touch. These experiences give you a taste of Mumbai’s true spirit beyond tourist hotspots.
Mumbai’s workshops are ideal for those wanting to deepen their cultural understanding or simply enjoy a fun, hands-on activity. Think of it as taking a piece of Mumbai home with you—whether it’s a recipe, a piece of artwork, or a new skill. Now, let’s explore the top 15 options in detail, so you can pick the one that best fits your interests and schedule.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a wide array of workshops and classes, from cooking and pottery to art and cultural tours. You’ll find opportunities to learn traditional Indian cuisine, visit local markets, and even try your hand at South Indian or Maharashtrian dishes. Some experiences are private, offering an intimate glimpse into Mumbai life, like the Private Cooking Class and Private Market Tour. Others, such as the Dharavi Tour & Pottery Workshop, provide eye-opening community insights. For art lovers, the Mumbai Painting Class offers a colorful introduction to Indian folk motifs. Each experience offers unique value, depending on your interests and schedule.
1. Dharavi Tour & Pottery Workshop
For travelers curious about the realities of Mumbai, the Dharavi Tour & Pottery Workshop stands out as a deeply memorable experience. This private walking tour takes you through one of Asia’s largest slums, but instead of focusing on poverty, it highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of its residents. You’ll visit local recycling centers, soap factories, and pottery workshops—places many travelers wouldn’t venture alone. It’s an eye-opener that offers insight into the innovative businesses thriving in challenging conditions.
What makes this tour special is its focus on community resilience and diversity. You’ll see murals, temples, mosques, and churches side by side, reflecting India’s pluralism. The tour wraps up with a visit to Dharavi’s residential areas, where street art and colorful homes tell stories of everyday life. The pottery workshop allows you to try your hand at crafting, making this a memorable, participatory experience.
Bottom Line: If you want an authentic look at Mumbai’s most misunderstood neighborhood, this tour offers a compelling blend of education, community, and creativity. Many reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to see the “microcosm of India” up close.
2. Indian Curry 5-Hour Cooking Classes In Mumbai
Imagine spending five hours in Mumbai’s bustling kitchens learning how to cook authentic Indian curries. This hands-on class offers a genuine culinary experience, where you’ll learn the techniques used by Indian home cooks. The instructor guides you through everyday practices and tools, ensuring you understand how to create the true flavors of India. The class is customizable, so if you’re curious about a particular dish, just ask.
The focus is on making the process approachable and fun. You’ll get to prepare a variety of dishes, from rich gravies to flavorful spices. It’s a perfect choice for food lovers eager to bring home their favorite Indian recipes. At just $89, it offers excellent value for a detailed, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: This class is ideal for those who want to master Indian cooking skills in a relaxed environment, with the added bonus of personalized instruction and the chance to customize recipes.
3. Private Cooking Class in Mumbai
For a truly personal experience, the Private Cooking Class in Mumbai offers the chance to learn Indian culinary secrets from a local family. During this five-hour class, you can choose dishes like paranthas, sag paneer, chapattis, raita, and masala, and even get to sit down for a meal with your hosts. Transportation from your hotel is included for added convenience.
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on family recipes and cultural exchange. Many travelers love the chance to see behind the scenes of Indian home life while gaining hands-on cooking skills. The reviews highlight the warmth of the hosts and the delicious results, making this a top pick for those who want a meaningful, culinary connection.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a personalized, authentic Indian cooking experience in a welcoming home environment.
4. Private Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai
If you prefer vegetarian cuisine, this private class focusing on Punjabi vegetarian dishes is a winner. Hosted in a local home, the instructor teaches you how to make paneer makhani, spiced potatoes, yellow dal, and flatbreads. The class lasts about two hours, and you’ll leave with recipes to recreate the dishes at home.
This class is highly rated for its personalized attention and flavorful results. Participants appreciate the local tips and the opportunity to experience Indian hospitality firsthand. The class is perfect for foodies, vegetarians, or those wanting to learn regional Indian dishes with genuine flavors.
Bottom Line: A great choice for vegetarians or anyone interested in Punjabi cuisine, with the added bonus of taking recipes home.
5. Mumbai: Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights
Combining cooking with cultural activities, this class offers an engaging way to explore Maharashtrian cuisine. You’ll visit a local market, learn to cook a multi-course meal, and participate in traditional activities that reveal Mumbai’s cultural depth. This experience is suitable for all skill levels, even those with no prior cooking experience.
The class emphasizes culture, making it ideal for travelers wanting to connect with local life and cuisine simultaneously. It’s a fun, interactive session that ends with sharing your homemade meal. At just $17, it’s budget-friendly and packed with authentic insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a cultural and culinary introduction to Maharashtra, with a lighthearted, inclusive atmosphere.
6. Private Half-Day Mumbai Cooking Class
This private 3-hour class specializes in teaching you how to layer spices and flavors like a seasoned Mumbai home cook. You’ll prepare dishes such as paneer, paranthas, and perhaps chicken or fish if you’re non-vegetarian. The class includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for travelers with tight schedules.
Reviews highlight the instructor’s ability to share local customs and culinary tips while guiding you through five traditional dishes. It’s an immersive, hands-on experience that’s ideal for those who want a quick, authentic taste of Indian cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a focused, personalized lesson with convenient logistics.
7. Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai
For those who prefer to stay home, this virtual class brings Mumbai’s vegetarian dishes directly to your kitchen. Conducted live on Skype, your instructor will teach you how to make mattar paneer and other favorites. It’s a great way to learn authentic recipes without traveling.
Participants love the interactive format, where they can ask questions and get personalized tips. The class includes recipes so you can recreate the dishes anytime. It’s perfect for vegetarians or busy travelers wanting a flexible experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for remote learners who want to master Mumbai-style vegetarian dishes from their own kitchen.
8. Private Market Tour and Vegetarian Cooking Class in Mumbai
This experience combines a market visit with a cooking class, providing a full immersion into Indian ingredients. Visiting the Wadala Church Market, you’ll see a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, then head to a local’s home to cook Punjabi dishes. The class ends with a shared meal.
The personalized format and focus on local ingredients make this ideal for those wanting an authentic experience. Reviewers note the opportunity to learn about India’s daily life and culinary traditions firsthand.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who enjoy shopping, learning about local ingredients, and cooking in a private setting.
9. Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai in a Local Home
In this home-based cooking class, Lavina welcomes you into her kitchen to teach how to prepare dishes like dosas and semolina pineapple halwa. The class lasts about 1.5 hours and includes a meal, with options for lunch or dinner.
It’s an intimate experience emphasizing family recipes and storytelling, providing insight into everyday life in Mumbai’s neighborhoods. The reviews highlight its warmth and delicious results.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a short, authentic, family-led cooking session in a relaxed setting.
10. Private Maharashtrian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family
This class connects you directly with a local family with over 20 years of hosting culinary visitors. You’ll learn to cook regional Maharashtrian dishes and experience home life. The emphasis is on local ingredients, homemade spices, and culinary traditions.
Ideal for those interested in regional cuisine and authentic family recipes, it offers a rare chance to see Mumbai’s everyday cooking outside tourist areas. It’s highly recommended for foodies seeking depth and authenticity.
Bottom Line: A top pick for lovers of regional Indian flavors and intimate cultural exchange.
11. Mumbai: Painting Class with Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks
This art workshop offers a three-hour session focused on traditional Indian folk art painting. Under the guidance of an artist, you’ll learn basic motifs and techniques while enjoying unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. It’s a relaxed, creative activity that suits all skill levels.
While it’s less about culinary skills, it’s a fun way to explore Indian artistic traditions and take home a piece of your own artwork. The reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere and engaging instruction.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting a cultural craft experience in a casual setting, especially art enthusiasts.
12. Market Tour & Maharashtrian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Chef
This experience combines visiting a local neighborhood market with hands-on cooking of Maharashtrian dishes. Led by a chef, you explore ingredients, then cook together in her kitchen. It concludes with sharing a home-cooked dinner.
Its authenticity and focus on regional dishes make it ideal for foodies eager to learn home-style Maharashtrian cuisine. Participants praise the friendly host and lively market visit.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded experience for those eager to learn about local ingredients and cuisine in a relaxed setting.
13. South Indian Market and Cooking Workshop
This workshop takes you into a South Indian home to prepare dishes you won’t find easily in restaurants. You’ll use special tools for coconut shaving, steaming, and more, while learning authentic recipes. It’s suitable for vegetarians and those interested in traditional regional cuisine.
The experience is highly customized and emphasizes cultural connections. Reviewers love the chance to make unique dishes and understand South Indian culinary traditions in a personal setting.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want an immersive, regional cooking experience in South India’s style.
$150.00 per group (up to 5)
14. Private Mumbai Market Tour and Cooking Class With an Expert
Led by an expert, this experience combines a market visit with the preparation of an authentic Bengali meal. You’ll explore regional produce, then cook in a contemporary apartment, ending with a shared meal.
Ideal for those interested in regional Bengali cuisine and market-based learning, it offers both cultural insight and culinary skill. The review highlights the personalized attention and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers wanting a regional, market-to-table experience with an expert guide.
$52.00 per person
15. Private Parsi Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Expert
Parsis are a small, proud community with a rich culinary tradition. This hands-on class teaches you how to prepare meat and seafood dishes typical of Parsi cuisine. You’ll sit down to enjoy your meal and hear stories about Parsi culture.
This activity is especially suited for meat eaters interested in cultural cuisine. Since it involves walking stairs, it’s best for those physically able. It’s a flavorful, cultural dive into a lesser-known community.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies and culture enthusiasts eager to explore India’s Parsi heritage.
$97.47 per person
How to Choose Your Workshop or Class
When selecting the right experience, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want to see Mumbai’s hidden communities, the Dharavi Tour is unmatched; for cooking enthusiasts, the private and group classes offer authentic skills. If you prefer art, the painting class provides a creative break, while virtual classes are perfect if you can’t travel. Budget-conscious travelers should look at classes like the Maharashtrian Cooking Class or the Cultural Cooking & Market Tour. For a deep dive into regional cuisines, the South Indian or Bengali workshops are ideal.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak travel seasons. Make sure to check if transportation is included and whether the experience can be customized to your dietary or accessibility needs.
Final Thoughts
Mumbai’s workshops and classes offer an enriching way to connect with local life, whether through cooking, art, or community visits. If you’re after an authentic culinary experience, the Private Cooking Class and Maharashtrian Cooking Class stand out for their personal touch. For a community insight, the Dharavi Tour & Pottery Workshop offers a compelling look beyond the tourist trail.
Whether you prefer a hands-on cooking adventure, a cultural art class, or an immersive neighborhood tour, Mumbai’s diverse offerings won’t disappoint. Booking your favorite early will ensure you don’t miss out on these unique experiences.