Meet
Nadia
Nadia is a professional actress and loves setting the stage (and table!) for lives to come together. She offers an immersive, private cooking class at her home in Cologne, designed for small groups and guaranteed to leave lasting impressions in their hearts and stomachs. The event is held in her small but cosy apartment, where she lives with her boyfriend and their dog, Sago. Born in Singapore, she then spent 10 years in Rome during her mid-20s where, along with acting, she launched a home dining business and hosted food tours in some of Rome's most historic neighbourhoods. Her cooking reflects the various exchanges and encounters with others - people and places. Many of her recipes were shared with her by loved ones. Her classes go beyond just the food. As a Traveling Spoon host, Nadia invites guests to experience home cooking, honest and handmade, sprouted from tradition and thriving in the present moment.
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:
(2-4 guests)
Nadia offers a unique menu in Cologne, unifying flavours and cooking techniques from her Singaporean roots, years in Rome, and current life in Germany. Her seasonal menus showcase fresh, local produce. Guests can expect interesting takes on classics and recipes created from Nadia’s ongoing research of German cuisine. Appetizers are first, followed by a main course, and dessert. When the weather allows it, you will dine outdoors in the communal garden, otherwise, the meal is usually held indoors, in Nadia's kitchen-dining space. Closer to the event, Nadia will be in touch with you to discuss and finalise the menu!
Cooking experience:
(1-4 guests)
They say all roads lead to Rome. Did you know, Cologne was once a Roman colony for 500 years, from 50 BC until the 5th century AD?
How is this reflected then, in Nadia's cooking class? You get to expand your understanding of German cuisine by learning how the origin of certain foods came about through cross-cultural, ie the Romans. From a delectable homemade mustard to sourdough bread risen with a homemade yeast cultivated with grape skins, a common technique ancient Romans learnt from the Greeks and Egyptians. Yes both these items are included in the appetizers of your meal later on!
How then, can we say, a dish has a German flavour profile? What does German cuisine mean, in the wider context of the past and present? These questions and more will be explored during the 3.5-4 hour event.
Nadia likes to honour Nature. The menus are seasonal. Spring brings a bounty of vegetables namely, asparagus, rhubarb and strawberries. It's a time of reawakening to warmer weather, flowers in bloom and longer daylight hours that one can spend in peaceful solitude or in the company of loved ones. Closer to the event, Nadia will be in touch with you to confirm the menu. You'll make 3 dishes together - a main, its accompaniment and dessert.
Each dish comes with a story, helpful cooking tips, and intriguing facts. After cooking, you will dine together and toast to your efforts with local wine or beer! Nadia will also share the recipes via email, so that you can recreate these dishes back home!
Market visit:
(1-4 guests)
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nadia offers a farmers' market tour in her neighbourhood in Cologne followed by a hands-on cooking class. At the market, you’ll discover mostly organic regional produce along with some international vendors, such as an Ethiopian coffee stand, a Greek stand, and a Sicilian stand. You will explore the stalls, learn about seasonal produce, and get to say hallo to some of Nadia’s friends - the local and international vendors. Los gehts!
Notes:
1. Nadia can accommodate lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets, if informed in advance at the time of booking.
2. A glass of local beer is included in the price of the experience.
3. Nadia owns a sweet, medium-sized dog who welcomes cuddles. Just be mindful of his beguiling eyes - he's coaxed many to feed him more than he should eat!
Languages spoken:
English, Italian
Sample menu
