Traditional Vegetarian Cooking Class in Chennai with Gayathri
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Gayathri was raised by her grandma, who was an expert cook - she hailed from Thanjavur, which boasts of a rich and unique food culture that Thanjavureans are very proud of! It is from her grandmother that Gayathri learned to cook. Gayathri and her family are travel enthusiasts and have enjoyed hosting friends from different parts of the world. And now she is excited to meet travelers and introduce them to South Indian cuisine and culture. Learn to cook one main dish and one side dish in your 1.5-hour, hands-on cooking class in Chennai. For a meal at Gayathri’s home, you can except to try a traditional, vegetarian meal while seated on the floor, eating with your hands from banana leaves. She hails from a Tamil brahmin family and they only cook vegetarian food at home.
• Traditional South Indian vegetarian cooking lesson in a local home
• Introduction to South Indian cuisine and culture
• Learn about medicinal herbs used in a traditional Tamil brahmin kitchen
• 100% private activity
Available options
Cooking Class and lunch
Cooking Class and Dinner
What's included
Homecooked vegetarian meal
Private cooking class with your host Gayathri
What's not included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
TA
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
12 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
Menu may vary depending on the season
Private, personalized experience
Gayathri only offers a vegetarian meal. Instead of the traditional meal, if you'd like to try South Indian breakfast foods, Gayathri can offer dosa (a thin pancake in South Indian cuisine made from a fermented batter of ground black gram and rice), sambhar (a tangy lentil soup with vegetables), medu vada (traditional South Indian fritters made with black lentils) served with coconut chutney and filter coffee. So please let her know your preference when booking your Chennai cooking experience online
Meeting point
Please meet your host directly at her apartment in GR Nagar, Ramapuram. Exact address and contact details can be found on the ticket upon confirmation.
Important notes
Host Name: Gayathri Jaishankar
Host Phone: +91 98400 28696
Host Email: gayathri.jaishankar@gmail.com
Host Address: B1, Sri Poornavalli Flats, Kamarajar Salai, Ramapuram, Chennai, India - 600089
Meeting instructions: Please meet your host directly at her apartment in GR Nagar, Ramapuram. Here is a Google Maps link to her location: https://goo.gl/maps/Cjb4kQrWQ6Q4tQNQ9
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
About Chennai
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and bustling streets. It's a melting pot of tradition and modernity, offering everything from ancient temples to modern IT hubs.
Top Attractions
Marina Beach
Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretching over 13 km along the Bay of Bengal.
Beach
1-2 hours
Free
Fort St. George
This historic fort was the first English fortress in India and is now a museum showcasing the city's colonial past.
Historical
1-2 hours
INR 50
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and a major pilgrimage site.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Government Museum
One of the oldest museums in India, it houses a vast collection of artifacts, including bronze sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.
Museum
2-3 hours
INR 25
Breezy Beach
A quieter alternative to Marina Beach, Breezy Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Beach
2-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Dosa
A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.
Breakfast/Lunch
Vegetarian
Idli
Soft, steamed rice cakes made from fermented batter, typically served with sambar and chutney.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Filter Coffee
A strong, aromatic coffee made using a traditional filter, often served with milk and sugar.
Drink
Non-vegetarian
Chettinad Chicken
A spicy, flavorful chicken dish from the Chettinad region, known for its unique blend of spices.
Lunch/Dinner
Non-vegetarian
Popular Activities
Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Surfing
Beach visits
Spa treatments
Yoga
Temple visits
Music and dance performances
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the best time to visit Chennai as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
25°C to 35°C
77°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Tamil
- Widely spoken: English, Hindi
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone
GMT+5:30
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Chennai is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Ola and Uber.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night.
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Getting there
By air
- Chennai International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore
By bus
Koyambedu, CMBT
Getting around
Public transport
The Chennai Metro is a modern, efficient, and air-conditioned system that covers major parts of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Ola, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Mylapore
T. Nagar
Besant Nagar
Day trips
Mahabalipuram
60 km from Chennai • Half day to full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.
Kanchipuram
75 km from Chennai • Full day
A historic city known for its ancient temples, silk sarees, and religious significance.
Pondicherry
160 km from Chennai • Overnight
A former French colony with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures, known for its beaches, architecture, and spiritual centers.
Festivals
Pongal • January
Chennai Music Season • December-January
Chennai Film Festival • December
Pro tips
- Visit the city's temples and historical sites early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Try the local street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover to ensure freshness.
- Use app-based services like Ola and Uber for convenient and reliable transportation.
- Explore the city's vibrant street art and mural scene, with numerous murals and art installations throughout the city.
- Visit the city's beaches, such as Marina Beach and Breezy Beach, for a relaxing break from the bustling city life.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
