Learn to Cook Authentic Indian Food in a Local Home Kitchen in Gurgaon

Vandana lives in a beautiful apartment with her husband and their two daughters. Vandana started baking at age 13 and learned most of her cooking skills from her mother and older sisters. She has passed her passion for food on to her daughters as well. Her daughter Sakshi is studying culinary arts and has been cooking since the age of 3, and her other daughter, Saanchi, is a journalism student who loves to bake teacakes and brownies in her free time. Vandana loves hosting friends and family and Saanchi enjoys meeting and serving people and learning about different cultures.

When you arrive at Vandana's home you will be greeted with a welcome drink and an appetizer, such as kalmi vadas (deep fried gram dal crispies). Vandana has a beautiful open kitchen that opens up to the dining area and balcony, giving you plenty of space for a class. You will start by visiting her balcony where she has potted plants and loves to pluck fresh herbs for her cooking. As you cook together, Vandana will tell you about the two food cultures in their family: Rajasthani and Punjabi. You can expect to learn how to make 2-3 of the dishes you will be eating, such as a seasonal vegetable dish and Indian flat breads, or a curry and a sweet dish, depending on your menu.

The Rajasthani meal will be served in a silver thali and might include dishes such as meeta chawal (sweet saffron rice), kadi (buttermilk curry), mogar (dry lentils), khersangri (dried vegetables in a flavorful saute), panchmel ki subzi (curry made with five vegetables), and mutter ki puri (green pea flatbread).

For the Punjabi meal, dishes such as aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato), chole kulcha (chickpea curry served with leavened bread), chicken curry, paneer (fresh cheese) and kheer (rice pudding) will be served.

Please advise at the time of booking if you would prefer a Rajasthani or Punjabi menu.

Please note, this is not a professional cooking experience, rather this is an opportunity to visit an authentic, local home to meet a local person and share the culture and cuisine together.