French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family

Pondicherry , India

French-Creole Cooking Class in Pondicherry with a Local Family

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Anita’s paternal grandmother lived in Indochina during the French colonization for 40 years. There she learned to cook French, Vietnamese and Cambodian food. Later she came to Pondicherry and with Portuguese and Tamil influence, she enjoyed cooking various fusion dishes, that Anita’s mother, Pushpa, learned and today cooks and shares with people who are interested in trying the cuisine of Pondicherry - very unique with its influence from Vietnamese, Creole, French and Portuguese cuisine. In your 2-hour cooking class, learn 3 dishes from scratch.

• Private cooking lesson in a local's home in Pondicherry
• Learn how to cook Pondicherry's Créole cuisine, a unique fusion of French and Tamil traditions
• Sample a variety of local dishes that you may not find in restaurants
• Learn about the history, architecture of Pondicherry, its people, culinary traditions and cuisine

If you choose the market tour option, visit a neighborhood market, to buy fresh ingredients for your cooking class.

Available options

Cook+lunch with Anita Pushpa

Mrkt+cook+lunch Anita Pushpa

Cook+dinner with Anita Pushpa

What's included

Home cooked meal

Private cooking class with Anita and Pushpa

If you choose the market tour option-Enjoy a guided tour to the local market to shop for vegetables

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

Meet Anita at her home and then walk to the neighborhood market, it is where all the local's shop. Farmers sell their produce here and you will get to see fresh, seasonal produce - fruits, vegetables, herbs etc. Walk around the market while Anita shares more about the produce and how it is used to cook the cuisine of Pondicherry. You will even buy a few ingredients from the market before returning home for your cooking class. Please note that you will visit the local market, only if you've chosen the market tour grade option.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR TA

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Menu may vary depending on the season

Anita and Pushpa can accommodate lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets, on request

Private, personalized experience

Meeting point

Please meet your hosts directly at their home in Ariyankuppam, Pondicherry, India. Exact address can be found in your voucher, upon confirmation.

Important notes

Host Full Name: Anita and Pushpa De Canaga
Host Phone: +91 995 2401 471
Host email: chezpushpa@gmail.com
Address: 95/96, Gandhi Nagar, Ariyankuppam, Pondicherry, India- 605007
Meeting location: Please meet your hosts directly at their home. Here is a Google Maps link to their location: https://goo.gl/maps/sSNoSqgjGmsKXffr5

Please contact your host directly if you have dietary requests or need help with directions.
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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 Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a former French colony, is a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Known for its well-planned streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches, it offers a distinct charm that sets it apart from other Indian cities. The city is also a hub for spiritual seekers, with the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville nearby.

Top Attractions

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Founded by Sri Aurobindo, this ashram is a spiritual center and a place of pilgrimage for followers of Integral Yoga. It houses a library, a museum, and a meditation hall.

Religious/Spiritual 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Auroville

An experimental township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living, Auroville is a unique community that welcomes visitors to experience its peaceful and eco-friendly lifestyle.

Cultural/Religious Half day to full day Free (donations appreciated)

Promenade Beach

A beautiful beach along the Bay of Bengal, the Promenade is a popular spot for leisurely walks, sunrise and sunset views, and water sports.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

French Quarter

The French Quarter is known for its colonial-era French architecture, charming cafes, and boutique shops. It's a great place to explore the city's French heritage.

Historical/Architectural 2-3 hours Free to explore

Bharathi Park

A beautiful park with lush greenery, a duck pond, and a variety of plants and trees. It's a great place for a relaxing walk or picnic.

Nature/Park 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pondicherry Pizza

A local variation of pizza with a thin crust and topped with fresh vegetables, cheese, and sometimes seafood.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

French Pastries

Delicious pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, and éclairs, influenced by the French colonial past.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (may contain dairy and eggs)

Seafood Platter

Fresh seafood like prawns, crab, and fish prepared in various styles, often grilled or fried.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Filter Coffee

A strong and flavorful coffee made using a traditional filter, a must-try for coffee lovers.

Drink Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Auroville Beach sports in Promenade Beach Fort exploration in Gingee Beach relaxation in Promenade Beach Café hopping in French Quarter Yoga and meditation in Sri Aurobindo Ashram Temple visits in Chidambaram Art gallery tours in Rue Dumas

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the best time to visit Pondicherry as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with various festivals and events.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Tamil, English, French
Widely spoken: Tamil, English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pondicherry is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use trusted transportation services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded areas and markets.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Pondicherry Airport • 15 km from city center
Chennai International Airport • 150 km from Pondicherry

By train

Pondicherry Railway Station

By bus

Pondicherry Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable mode of public transport in Pondicherry. The bus network covers most parts of the city and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter White Town Heritage Town Auroville

Day trips

Mahabalipuram

100 km from Pondicherry • Full day

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock-cut temples, sculptures, and beaches. It's a great day trip from Pondicherry.

Chidambaram

60 km from Pondicherry • Half day

Chidambaram is a small town known for its famous Nataraja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is an architectural marvel and a significant pilgrimage site.

Gingee

60 km from Pondicherry • Full day

Gingee is a historic fort town with a rich past. The Gingee Fort is a major attraction, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region's history.

Festivals

Masi Magam • February/March (date varies each year) Pongal • January (date varies each year) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram early in the morning to experience the peaceful atmosphere and avoid the crowds.
Explore the French Quarter on foot to soak in the colonial architecture and charming streets.
Try local street food like dosa, vada, and French pastries for an authentic culinary experience.
Visit Auroville to experience its unique community and eco-friendly lifestyle. Don't miss the Matrimandir, the spiritual heart of the township.
Use app-based taxi services like Ola or Uber for better pricing and convenience.