This experience was definitely one of the highlights of our stay in India. Archana and Rajesh were fantasic hosts, they immediately made us feel welcomed and they guided us on a little journey through their culture. Not only was lovely to learn how to prepare some traditional dishes from the Southern Indian cuisine but it was also priceless to be able to do it in their house and to get to know them a little. The passion they have in what they do is really inspiring and I would recommend this experience to everyone interested in learning a bit more about Indian culture.

My day with Archana was an adventure every newcomer to south India should experience —even if it’s the only thing you can do in Bangalore! Archana generously shared her life, culture and family as if we were old friends. Not only did she tell me things I would never have known to ask, she also graciously answered questions I wouldn’t have been able to ask anywhere else. From learning how to tie a sari, to understanding religious practices and visiting some neighborhood temples, to trying local sweets and delicacies at the street market, to learning South Indian cooking and eating techniques and sharing lunch and conversation with her sweet mother and husband in their home, the day was more full and rich than I ever expected it could be. Archana’s passion and love for her country and culture allowed me to enjoy Bangalore in an intimate and special way that every inquisitive traveler should experience. Don’t miss it!

Today we had the chance to experience our best activity (and meal) of our trip ! April is a beautiful person and a really great teacher/cooker. She made us cook everything and discover a lot of things : 3 dishes and 2 deserts !! I recommand everyone to have this nice local experience in Manila ! You wont regret it :D THANK YOU APRIL !

We met Kaushuk and his wife at the Ghandi Market as they suggested. They showed us around- had us sample Indian snacks and bought us fresh fruit drinks. We had wanted to observe how they chose and purchased some ingredients for the meal. So we got to do that. Then they drove us to their home. There was a welcome sign for us at the door and as we came through the door they splashed rose water on us and put a red mark on my forehead. It was a very welcoming experience. The apartment is very nice. On to the cooking. Kaushuk served us very excellent home made chai. He explained how he made it. My husband who loves chai said it was great! Then there were trays of sample ingredients all set up. Kaushuk and his wife went over each ingredient. Very helpful and it was so nice that they had it all set up. Then on to cooking. We observed and took part in many aspects of the cooking. It was fascinating . Kaushuk and his wife very patiently answered our many many questions all evening. Time to eat!! The meal was delicious and it was served as a lovely traditional tali. This whole experience was wonderful! I am so glad that I got to do it.

Binu was lovely and talked me through how everything was made. Her English is perfect as she used to live in the UK. We cooked a chicken dish, ghee rice and some vegetable curries. I had a great time and her son also joined us for lunch and it was great to meet him too. If you are looking to pick up some “home cooking” tips I would definitely recommend booking with her.

It was just great to be hosted by Archana, her husband and her mother. I got a welcome with a coffee and different self made traditional Indian snacks and after that we went to the market with Archana and her husband by car. They explained everything in detail about Indian fruits and vegetables, culture, history and traditions aswell as food and cooking. We made lots of pictures, bought some food and some tipical Indian souverniers. They even offered me to visit a temple with them. Once back home Archana and her mother prepared the rest of the meal. Archana was preparing things and getting everything ready already two days before I came! I had a wonderful meal on a banana leave with a huge variety of dishes. The time until 3pm was a bit short and we could have gone on for another hour or two if I did not have a next appointment. I have to say a big thank you, it will always be remembered as a unique local experience!!

We booked a market visit and cooking lesson - what we ended up with was a fabulous cultural experience. We were warmly welcomed by Archana and her family, followed by an enjoyable trip to the market where we learnt about different vegetables, sweets & other products. Archana then produced the most wonderful meal, talked us through the cooking process and showed us all the spices she regularly uses. We sat down to a beautifully presented meal and learned more about the local culture. We had a lovely few hours with Archana and her family and would recommend!

With the host, Binu, I had a wonderful time and very local foods moderately spiced for me in this tour. As a person born in Japan and lives in Singapore, I was very curious about what's kind of ingredients are used for Indian food. So, I made up a mind to have this cooking experience. Binu welcomed me warmly, and we had a chat over beer. After that, I could see what's happening in Indian food cooking process, which was quite new to me. Then, we enjoyed typical North Indian food (seems we can select South Indian or North Indian food). The house is really nice and amazingly quiet, though it is located in the center of Bangalore. Not only did I enjoy the food, but also the time I spent at Binu's house was memorable.

The host family were such lovely couple. The meal was prepared with love. She also pay attention to her guest needs, such as if drinks were too sweet, whether I like my food in particular manner. Most of all the couple has a big heart and willing to share about their local cultures with me.

Archana was a wonderful host. We enjoyed our market visit. The prepared food was excellent and explanations of the dishes very informative. There was not an opportunity to cook which we were hoping for and have enjoyed on other similar experiences. It would have been nice if the hosts had joined us in eating the meal.