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Host: Raj

Udaipur, India

USD
$26-$89 per person

Traditional Rajasthani meal

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Raj

Raj grew up on a farm outside of Udaipur and has dabbled in everything from hotels to modeling to film (ask him about his role in the Bond film, "Octopussy"). He learned to cook from his mother-in-law, and with his wife, Gita, loves to share traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) Your experience will start with a welcome drink of fresh homemade lime juice before you share a traditional Rajasthani meal with the entertaining Raj and Gita at their dining table in a rustic home. Rajasthani food has textures and includes use of grains that may be unfamiliar to you – with an emphasis on desert ingredients, dishes tend to be drier. You may enjoy soolas, charcoal grilled meal that is a battlefield specialty, ker sangri (a Rajasthani dish of dried beans and berries cooked in yoghurt), and bajri roti, unleavened bread made from millet and served with homemade butter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) In Raj and Gita's kitchen you will learn to prepare two or three traditional Rajasthani dishes, including a Rajasthani bread, along with help from their staff. You will then share the meal you helped prepare with the family at their dining table. In addition to learning to cook Rajasthani food, you'll learn about the history of the food that you cook - for instance, why soolas was a battlefield specialty and how the resourcefulness of the desert people led to the creation of ker sangri.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Raj will help you explore one of the farmer's markets of the city, known locally as the 'Mandi', where you will discover regional Rajasthani produce and spices. Purchase spices with Raj's help for your Indian pantry at home. If you've signed up for a cooking lesson or meal, return together to Raj's home to enjoy a local Rajasthani meal.

Notes: This experience is not suitable for young children.

Languages spoken: English

Traveler reviews

5.0 (11)
Richard and I had a lovely experience with Raj and his family. We were warmly welcomed and in a matter of minutes we felt right at home; with all the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and the mouth watering smells. It was fun to see all the food being cooked and Richard was active part in the cooking process. It was a wonderful surprise for my boyfriend and he had a wonderful time. I am glad I chose Traveling Spoon to introduce him to the rich culinary repertoire of Udaipur. We couldn't have gotten better hosts than Raj and Geeta. They were the perfect hosts answering all questions about Indian history and the food ofcourse. I feel like a part of their traveling spoon story and I am looking forward to cooking up more food memories with Travelling Spoon!
- Shreya S October 22, 2017
The tour of the markets and in-home meal provided an insight into life in India that we couldn't get on our own or with tour guides. Raj and Gita were gracious and interesting hosts and the food was delicious!
- Penny October 04, 2017
Had an amazing time! Our host, Raj, was very friendly, with great stories for us about growing up in India and the movies / TV shows that he has acted in. The food was delicious, with a mix of local Rajastani cuisine and other indian food. Raj and his wife made us feel like we were at home. Going above and beyond, Raj told us to call him if we needed anything at all, and even called us the next day to check in. A great experience all around!
- AronK_13 September 25, 2017
Our hosts, Raj and Gita, welcomed us with open arms! Their home is lovely and comfortable. We talked and shared stories for the entire evening! The food was delicious and plentiful. In addition to dinner, Gita was kind enough to give us the names of some great places to shop in Mumbai. By the end of our evening, we felt like we had new friends! If you are considering a Traveling Spoon experience in Udaipur, be sure to give Raj and Gita serious consideration.
- Peggy S September 04, 2017
Our hosts were exceptional and made our visit in their home feel very comfortable and inviting
- Karen Woodard February 22, 2016
My mom and I had the best time meeting Raj and Gita during our Traveling Spoon experience. We were immediately welcomed into their home and treated as close friends. We learned how to prepare a number of curries and other local Raj dishes and then enjoyed the meal at their dining room table with the family to chat about cooking and all things India! Thank you to Traveling Spoon for making this local experience possible!
- Libby Woodard February 01, 2016
This was one the main highlights of our trip. I will recommend this to all of our friends.
- Troy Pospisil December 30, 2015
Our hosts, Raj and Gita, welcomed us with open arms! Their home is lovely and comfortable. We talked and shared stories for the entire evening! The food was delicious and plentiful. In addition to dinner, Gita was kind enough to give us the names of some great places to shop in Mumbai. By the end of our evening, we felt like we had new friends! If you are considering a Traveling Spoon experience in Udaipur, be sure to give Raj and Gita serious consideration.
- Peggy December 09, 2015
Richard and I had a lovely experience with Raj and his family. We were warmly welcomed and in a matter of minutes we felt right at home; with all the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and the mouth watering smells. It was fun to see all the food being cooked and Richard was active part in the cooking process. It was a wonderful surprise for my boyfriend and he had a wonderful time. I am glad I chose Travelling Spoon to introduce him to the rich culinary repertoire of Udaipur. We couldn't have gotten better hosts than Raj and Geeta. They were the perfect hosts answering all questions about Indian history and the food ofcourse. I feel like a part of their travelling spoon story and I am looking forward to cooking up more food memories with Travelling Spoon!
- August 30, 2015
The tour and inhome meal provided an insight into life in INdia that we couldn't get on our own or with tour guides. Raj and Gita were gracious and interesting hosts and the food was delicious!
- Penny from San Francisco November 24, 2014
Had an amazing time! Our host, Raj, was very friendly, with great stories for us about growing up in India and the movies / TV shows that he has acted in. The food was delicious, with a mix of local Rajastani cuisine and other indian food. Raj and his wife made us feel like we were at home. Going above and beyond, Raj told us to call him if we needed anything at all, and even called us the next day to check in. A great experience all around!
- Kirschner March 23, 2014
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Raj

$26-$89 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$44 $38 $28
Cooking Experience + Meal
$58 $48 $38
Market Tour
$38 $32 $26
Market Tour + Meal
$64 $58 $48
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$89 $74 $60
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$44 $38 $28
Cooking Experience + Meal
$58 $48 $38
Market Tour
$38 $32 $26
Market Tour + Meal
$64 $58 $48
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$89 $74 $60
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm
Market Tour
11:00am-1:00pm
Market Tour+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
11:00am-4:00pm

Meet Raj

Raj grew up on a farm outside of Udaipur and has dabbled in everything from hotels to modeling to film (ask him about his role in the Bond film, "Octopussy"). He learned to cook from his mother-in-law, and with his wife, Gita, loves to share traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) Your experience will start with a welcome drink of fresh homemade lime juice before you share a traditional Rajasthani meal with the entertaining Raj and Gita at their dining table in a rustic home. Rajasthani food has textures and includes use of grains that may be unfamiliar to you – with an emphasis on desert ingredients, dishes tend to be drier. You may enjoy soolas, charcoal grilled meal that is a battlefield specialty, ker sangri (a Rajasthani dish of dried beans and berries cooked in yoghurt), and bajri roti, unleavened bread made from millet and served with homemade butter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) In Raj and Gita's kitchen you will learn to prepare two or three traditional Rajasthani dishes, including a Rajasthani bread, along with help from their staff. You will then share the meal you helped prepare with the family at their dining table. In addition to learning to cook Rajasthani food, you'll learn about the history of the food that you cook - for instance, why soolas was a battlefield specialty and how the resourcefulness of the desert people led to the creation of ker sangri.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Raj will help you explore one of the farmer's markets of the city, known locally as the 'Mandi', where you will discover regional Rajasthani produce and spices. Purchase spices with Raj's help for your Indian pantry at home. If you've signed up for a cooking lesson or meal, return together to Raj's home to enjoy a local Rajasthani meal.

Notes: This experience is not suitable for young children.

Languages spoken: English

Traveler reviews

5.0 (11)
Richard and I had a lovely experience with Raj and his family. We were warmly welcomed and in a matter of minutes we felt right at home; with all the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and the mouth watering smells. It was fun to see all the food being cooked and Richard was active part in the cooking process. It was a wonderful surprise for my boyfriend and he had a wonderful time. I am glad I chose Traveling Spoon to introduce him to the rich culinary repertoire of Udaipur. We couldn't have gotten better hosts than Raj and Geeta. They were the perfect hosts answering all questions about Indian history and the food ofcourse. I feel like a part of their traveling spoon story and I am looking forward to cooking up more food memories with Travelling Spoon!
- Shreya S October 22, 2017
The tour of the markets and in-home meal provided an insight into life in India that we couldn't get on our own or with tour guides. Raj and Gita were gracious and interesting hosts and the food was delicious!
- Penny October 04, 2017
Had an amazing time! Our host, Raj, was very friendly, with great stories for us about growing up in India and the movies / TV shows that he has acted in. The food was delicious, with a mix of local Rajastani cuisine and other indian food. Raj and his wife made us feel like we were at home. Going above and beyond, Raj told us to call him if we needed anything at all, and even called us the next day to check in. A great experience all around!
- AronK_13 September 25, 2017
Our hosts, Raj and Gita, welcomed us with open arms! Their home is lovely and comfortable. We talked and shared stories for the entire evening! The food was delicious and plentiful. In addition to dinner, Gita was kind enough to give us the names of some great places to shop in Mumbai. By the end of our evening, we felt like we had new friends! If you are considering a Traveling Spoon experience in Udaipur, be sure to give Raj and Gita serious consideration.
- Peggy S September 04, 2017
Our hosts were exceptional and made our visit in their home feel very comfortable and inviting
- Karen Woodard February 22, 2016
My mom and I had the best time meeting Raj and Gita during our Traveling Spoon experience. We were immediately welcomed into their home and treated as close friends. We learned how to prepare a number of curries and other local Raj dishes and then enjoyed the meal at their dining room table with the family to chat about cooking and all things India! Thank you to Traveling Spoon for making this local experience possible!
- Libby Woodard February 01, 2016
This was one the main highlights of our trip. I will recommend this to all of our friends.
- Troy Pospisil December 30, 2015
Our hosts, Raj and Gita, welcomed us with open arms! Their home is lovely and comfortable. We talked and shared stories for the entire evening! The food was delicious and plentiful. In addition to dinner, Gita was kind enough to give us the names of some great places to shop in Mumbai. By the end of our evening, we felt like we had new friends! If you are considering a Traveling Spoon experience in Udaipur, be sure to give Raj and Gita serious consideration.
- Peggy December 09, 2015
Richard and I had a lovely experience with Raj and his family. We were warmly welcomed and in a matter of minutes we felt right at home; with all the hustle and bustle of the kitchen and the mouth watering smells. It was fun to see all the food being cooked and Richard was active part in the cooking process. It was a wonderful surprise for my boyfriend and he had a wonderful time. I am glad I chose Travelling Spoon to introduce him to the rich culinary repertoire of Udaipur. We couldn't have gotten better hosts than Raj and Geeta. They were the perfect hosts answering all questions about Indian history and the food ofcourse. I feel like a part of their travelling spoon story and I am looking forward to cooking up more food memories with Travelling Spoon!
- August 30, 2015
The tour and inhome meal provided an insight into life in INdia that we couldn't get on our own or with tour guides. Raj and Gita were gracious and interesting hosts and the food was delicious!
- Penny from San Francisco November 24, 2014
Had an amazing time! Our host, Raj, was very friendly, with great stories for us about growing up in India and the movies / TV shows that he has acted in. The food was delicious, with a mix of local Rajastani cuisine and other indian food. Raj and his wife made us feel like we were at home. Going above and beyond, Raj told us to call him if we needed anything at all, and even called us the next day to check in. A great experience all around!
- Kirschner March 23, 2014
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$44 $38 $28
Cooking Experience + Meal
$58 $48 $38
Market Tour
$38 $32 $26
Market Tour + Meal
$64 $58 $48
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$89 $74 $60
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$44 $38 $28
Cooking Experience + Meal
$58 $48 $38
Market Tour
$38 $32 $26
Market Tour + Meal
$64 $58 $48
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$89 $74 $60
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm
Market Tour
11:00am-1:00pm
Market Tour+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
11:00am-4:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.