A vegetarian Rajasthani cooking class and meal in central Jaipur

The host, Shalini, suggested dishes to suit my poor health. They adjusted the flavors to suit my husband and I's tastes, carefully taught us how to cook, and even gave us a hands-on experience. It was a really fun time. All of the prepared dishes were delicious. Also, at the local market, they carefully explained the spices and vegetables, which was fun. My mother also helped me, and everyone was bright and very considerate. thank you very much!

When you only have a few days in a city it’s hard to actually get an experience that gives you a glimpse into the lives of locals. Doing the cooking class with Shalini and her family was an experience that allowed for that. If you want to learn how to cool Indian cuisine that is the focus. If you want to experience a little of life in India that happened as well. Also the food was awazing, some of the best eggplant I’ve ever had. Shalini and her family were happy to have us in their home and we felt comfortable and welcomed the whole time.

Shalini’s home cooking experience was a real highlight of our 10-day trip in India. Shalini is so warm and welcoming, as is her family. Communication was easy and efficient and Shalini answered any questions we had in a timely manner. She also accommodated a gluten allergy that one member of our group has. Her energy and teaching made the entire experience so fun. After the meal was prepared it was nice to sit and share a meal together with her, their eldest son and husband and talk about each others daily life, share stories and ask questions. While sharing a meal could feel a bit forced or awkward in some situations, with Shalini and her family it was a special addition to a wonderful experience. Thanks, Shalini, for an unforgettable evening.

My husband and I really enjoyed our cooking class in Shalini's home! Shalini made chai and pakora as starters, and then we made chapati (plain flatbread and one with potato in it), dal fry with 3 kinds of lentils, and dum aloo (potato curry). We had requested to make something using seasonal ingredients, so she also taught us to make red carrots and peas. The food was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed learning from Shalini and sitting down with her family for the meal. They also gave us some great tips for traveling around Jaipur. I would highly recommend this cooking experience if you're in Jaipur!

This is the best cooking class I’ve ever taken! It is so special to be in somebody’s home and learn so much about local culture. It was very nice to pick out our own vegetables and learn about the different spices. I would strongly urge anybody to do this, while they are in Jaipur.

We had a wonderful time with Shalini and her family! Shalini greeted us with fresh chai and vegetable pakora, and then we walked to the market to pick up vegetables for dinner. She showed us how to make mutter paneer, dal fry, bhindi masala, and chapati, and everything was delicious. We had dinner with her sweet family, and they made us feel like part of the family. This was a beautiful experience and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants a truly authentic Indian family experience!

Shalini was an incredible host - we learned so much about Indian cooking and experienced a slice of life in Jaipur. She and her husband took us to her local market where we learned about different grains and spices and then visited a vegetable market where we picked out veggies for our dinner. She showed us how she makes masala chai and we enjoyed meeting her family. Dinner was incredible with so many delicious flavors. Thank you for an amazing evening Shalini ❤️

We had an excellent, memorable experience cooking with Shalini in her family’s home. Shalini is great at explaining the ingredients and steps in Indian cooking, and made us feel completely at home. It was very special to have dinner with the whole family in their home, and we learned a lot!

If you plan to visit Jaipur, be sure to book this experience in advance. It is an amazing cultural opportunity to visit a genuinely beautiful family and learn how to cook some amazing authentic Indian food. Don’t worry if you’re not a great cook because Mother Shalini is a wonderfully patient and expert teacher. We are two men who don’t usually cook and with the guidance from Mother Shalini, we cooked some good food that the whole family enjoyed. As we are not spicy food fans, Mother Shalini spiced the food to accommodate our taste which was very kind of her. We cooked Dahl, various vegetables dishes and we learned how to make chapatis and parathas. The whole experience was fantastic and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Thank you Mother Shalini and family for allowing us to come to your home and share an experience we will never forget. Wishing you all success for the future.

We would highly recommend Shalini’s cooking class. She showed us around her local grocery store and vegetable market, invited us to select vegetables new to us to prepare, and walked us through the spices and techniques she uses to create an amazing meal. We equally enjoyed the wonderful conversation with her family in her home where she hosted the lesson. It was a great way to learn about daily life in Jaipur.

My bf and I had the best time walking around the local stores with Shalini, learning more about typical daily life in India and the cooking that goes along with it. We loved the food we ate at the end of the night along with Shalini and her family, overall it was a great experience that enriched our travels!

Shalini is a great cook with a lot of experience. We have had the most memorable souvenir on our visit to India, wonderfully calm and very thorough on explaining from the basics of Vegetarian cooking. Sorry there is no more than 5 stars she deserves 500.

This was an incredible experience! We're crazy about cooking and indian food especially but we've never been able to cook anything like this until now. It's something completely different to learn from a local who's been cooking their whole life as opposed to reading recipes on the internet. Shalini is the most kind and warm host you could ever meet, she took us around the markets where we were able to buy loads of delicious spices to take home, and we got to choose some amazing veg to cook. She's a great instructor, really clear and patient, and we gained some cooking skills that we now get to practise at home!

The Taj Mahal was lovely but the real gem of India is Shalini and her family. I was traveling alone and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her, her husband, her wonderful sons, and her in-laws. We had a nice time walking through the market and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help prepare and cook dinner. It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful city.

A great meeting with Shalini and her family! You immediately feel welcome and at ease. The dishes made are basic dishes that are easy to reproduce when you return home. Beyond the kitchen, we learn a little more about the local culture, the ways of life and we have fun in front of the lively and curious minds of the children. A beautiful evening that I recommend to do with 2-3 people maximum to really enjoy it. (Translated by Google)

Shalini taught us how to make Mattar Paneer and Naan and, although we were total amateurs, the outcome was delicious! It was a great time and Shalini was helpful and patient. We had a lot of fun and have already made the recipe again. I would recommend this class!

It's a family affair! We loved our evening with Shalini and her family. Our neighborhood shopping trip was enlightening-who knew there was a department store behind those modest doors? Her husband was engaging, the boys delightful and the prep partnership with her mother was endearing. My husband was a reluctant participant and he enjoyed the evening as much as I did. The cooking experience was well organized. I still marvel at the process of four people preparing a multi course meal in a small kitchen with no oven and only two burners. But Shalini managed it with grace and ease! The food was delicious. She even accommodated my request for no hot spices. The evening exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend.

A wonderful experience in Jaipur. Shalini is amazing!! We arrived and sat down to be introduced to her family. Then out to the market to pick what we needed to cook. Cooking with Shalini is tough.... she made me work hard.... like Cinderella (i’m only joking) and the food was the tastiest ever....the ice cold water was needed :-) One of the highlights in our 3 week travels across India and i’ve kept in touch with Shalini since returning home :-)

Shalini is a wonderful host! She has a lovely family, they made us feel right at home.The tour itself was very informative, we learned about all the different ingredients she uses, many of which we had never heard of! We got to choose two vegetables for our meal and both ended up being delicious dishes. We also picked up a fresh coconut for drinking its water and fruits for snacking, which the children also appreciated.As there were four of us, we were a bit crowded in the kitchen, so we each spent time focusing on a particular dish rather than the whole meal. However, in making breads, we all got a turn, which made for a fun friendly competition!We're so glad we decided to do this cooking class. Shalini's home made for a much warmer and cozier environment than those cooking classes done out of professional kitchens with stations for pairs/groups. Our family loved feeling like we were a part of Shalini's family for the evening. We would absolutely return given the chance in the future!

My teenage daughter and I had the pleasure of spending Christmas evening with Shalini and her family,such a warm welcome - beginning with Chai tea and samosas (all home made) after shalini took us to visit the local stalls to buy fresh veg.When home we began to cook. With clear instructions aided with help from Shalini and her mother in law we created a feast and it was delicious! I'm looking forward to trying to cook these dishes again at home.Many thanks to Shalini and her family for welcoming us into her home and giving us a Christmas we will never forget.

This was one of the best experiences of my two week trip in India. My friend and I booked via tip advisor in November for December. We met Shalini at the agreed place at time (details given on trip advisor then numbers exchanged) and then went back to her home where her family were. We spent a relaxed, fun, and educational evening cooking pakoras, curries and nan breads all while chatting and drinking delicious masala and lemon tea. We also saw where Shalini shops and picked up veg, Shalini also helped me find a very specific spice holder I was after at her local shop. Once the food was ready we sat down with the whole family to eat which was delightful. We left feeling like we had spent the evening with a friend and her family. It feels impossible to find an authentic experience these days, but this is certainly it. Thank you Shalini for your warmth and for being such a good teacher! Mary & Amy December 2019

We are a family from England with three teenage kids. We all loved it. Shalini was great at communication and met us in front of her house. Her English was great. It was a pleasure to go into a local family’s home. We met Shalini’s in laws and her two young sons, one of whom spoke pretty good English aged 10. After tea we went to the local shops and bought food. We prepared the food together and had a great evening. For us it was more about meeting a local family and spending time with them. We met Shalini’s husband later in the evening. It was a great experience and our kids really loved it. Would really recommend this. We would welcome Shalini and her family in Cornwall if they ever get over to the UK. You should do this!

Shalini and her mother in law welcomed us in their home and we immediately felt comfortable and taken care of. It was great getting to know them and sharing this moment in the kitchen with them. The cooking class was super interesting and we learned things, and Shalini built her cooking class making sure we can easily find the ingredients to try it again at home, which we will definitely do. We then shared the mea with her lovely family and the food was delicious! Thanks again for sharing your time and friendship with us! We definitely recommend this experience!

We absolutely loved spending the evening with Shalini and her family. They are the kindest and most welcoming people- we learned a lot and laughed a lot together. I would recommend this class to anyone visiting Jaipur. Also, Shalini and her mother in law are INCREDIBLE cooks, so even if you aren’t very good in the kitchen you will eat excellent food.

We cannot speak highly enough about the evening we spent with Shalini and her family. We learnt so much about how simple Indian cooking is and shared an amazing meal with the family. Three generations of generosity, sharing their home and valuable time with us. Thank you so much Shalini! We will remember this night forever!

I booked this activity months before actually going to Jaipur and Shalina and I communicated before the tour. I knew a bit about her family and got a sense of what we were going to do. We were a family of 6 people, my 3 children and 2 daughter-in-laws and myself. She opened her house to us. Her mother in law was also helping in the kitchen and exploring the local vegetable market and the local stores to buy all that is needed for cooking in India was amazing. Not only was the food delicious but the sense of community and family was so warm and wonderful. She is a special lady for sure and I highly recommend this experience.

My girlfriend and I wanted to learn the basics of Indian cuisine and would have never imagined that meeting Shalini will be our time best spent in India.She is such a nice person and getting a feel of how local people actually live is amazing. Well, at least for us, it flipped the perception of Indian life, because seeing it is different than living it.The experience is full of positive surprises created by Shalini’s energy and her lovely family, therefore we strongly recommend you book this experience.

Indian food lovers, we wanted to see directly how Indians cook. We had an excellent time with Shalini and her family, we really enjoyed learning how to cook indian daily food with you. Shalini is really friendly and masters the way to make you comfortable and show you her skills, we really learned something. Thank you

We had a wonderful time visiting Shalini and her family in Jaipur.From walking into her neighbourhood and seeing all the children play, we were invited into her home where she lives with her husband, in-laws and 2 children. Shalini and her mother in-law prepared a chai tea and a snack for us before we went out to the market and saw where she usually buys all her of her spices and lentils. We then went to the fruit and vegetable store and chose our ingredients for the evening meal. We were able to participate in preparing and cooking our dinner. From chopping vegetables to making paratha. We enjoyed chatting with Shalini’s family while we all ate at the dining table. Overall, we felt very welcome, everything was hygienic and our host took wonderful care of us.We left with full stomachs, new friends and wonderful memories.Thank you Shalini

Lovely evening spent with Shalini and her family. I enjoyed the market trip and felt like it was a little insight into normal Indian life away from the tourist trail. Shalini is very easy to talk to and explained everything very clearly. The food was amazing and the company could not have been better. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

We had an amazing night with Shalini, she took us to the supermarket and explained all the different spices we can use in curries. Afterwards we cooked in her kitchen, and had a LOVELY meal with her family. It was a fantastic experience - we would reccomend to everyone!

This was the highlight of our trip to Jaipur. As other reviewer have reported this is an absolute must in Jaipur. It gives you a true flavour of the city, it's culture, it's cuisine, it's religion, it's beliefs, it's architecture, it's history. The guide's were excellent. They were very knowledgeable, humble, courteous and made sure you were safe at all times. I was surprised that we actually did yoga in the park behind the temple. This was refreshing. I have to admit the chai that they sell was absolutely the best I have had. We also had the local lassi ( buttermilk) and a snack call kachori. This was hot just out of the pan.We took frequent stops and for those concerned about fitness, this is a easy ride and should not be a major issues. The equipment were good quality. Bottom line : highly recommended.

The cooking class was great and it was really nice to spend time with Shalini and her friendly family!

Fantastic experience with a wonderful, warm family. From the moment we stepped into their home, all of the families members made us feel welcomed. This introduction into Indian cooking was full of fun, laughs, information and yummy food. Being able to join in the preparation and cooking of the food and then to sit with the family while we conversed and ate was such an enjoyable experience. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience an at home, truly memorable night.

We were welcomed into this home, with so much respect, as well a,s being a fun experince for a group of 5 ladies.

Fantastic experience. Welcomed into the family home. Helped make dinner and learned a lot about indian foods and culture. Yummy food. Lots of laughs, made to feel part of the family. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.

This is a must do tour. This was truly the best experience I had in my entire Indian holiday. Shalili and her mother-in-law greeted us with genuinely open arms. We were taken to their house, to the kitchen where they were making potato snacks and true chai for us. We asked to watch and they showed us the various spices they were using. The snacks were potato balls. So full of flavour. When we visited the market, Shalini asked us to choose what vegetables would be cooking in the class - Okra and baby eggplant. Let the cooking the begin! We were cooking for the whole family. Shalini gave us instructions on how to do things, but compared to her we were rank amateurs. We had an evening of good fun, good food and great company.

So we finally managed to find our hosts house after our driver got a little lost.... and what a great night we had. Started out with me playing cricket with the kids in the street..... in the house we had some snacks to start off before heading out to the market for shopping... we chose what we wanted to eat that night and we were not disappointed...... prepped and cooked the food, mild for my wife and a little spicier for me....Next time I’ll have it mild lol....... Shalini was a fantastic host and made myself and my wife exceptionally welcome and her family were super friendly...... 5 star rating

I really enjoyed visiting Shalini’s home and watching her and her mother-in-law preparing some delicious authentic Rajesthani food. I did prepare some vegetables and roiled some chapatis but the real cooking was left to them. I found it all very interesting seeing inside an Indian family home and how they cook. The dishes produced were of course delicious!I was made most welcome and also enjoyed chatting to Shalini’s husband and their two children.Highly recommended.

We've done this cooking class and it was an absolute highlight of our trip in India. Learning to cook Indian food was really great and of course it tasted delicious too. Shalini absolutely made us feel welcome and explained everything about what and how we were cooking clearly. We would definitely recommend doing this tour if you're planning a trip to Jaipur.

Shalini, her mother in law and the rest of the family were so charming and extremely welcoming. Shalini took us down to the local store to explain each ingredient and shop for that nights dinner. We were able to choose the vegetables that we wanted to cook and learn about. What an lovely and authentic experience that we will not forget. Thank you Shalini and we look forward to seeing you the next time we visit Jaipur.

Shalini will make you discover her local shops and market, the sellers will take time to show you their produce before getting to the cooking, this will be done with an authentic traditional Indian way of preparing food. Shalini and family will open the door to their home with a smile and this, in this century is a very precious thing. If you've only got one thing to do in India is this, a must not miss evening to learn how to prepare Indian dishes and socialise in the heart of Jaipur. Thank you Shalini, you have the most beautiful family and you will never be forgotten.

An absolute highlight of our trip to India. Shalini and her family was real, friendly and gave us a taste of Indian family life. The food was delicious and Sahlini gave us confidence to try the recipes at home.

Shalini was so knowledgeable, her whole family was so friendly, she even made my fiance a special meal to take home as she was ill and couldn't attend. I learnt so much and the food was amazing.

Our time with Shalini and her family was one of our most treasured experiences in India. We cooked some delicious vegetarian dishes, but we enjoyed most spending time with Shalini and her family around their table. Shalini is so open and welcoming. We enjoyed our time going to the local markets for shopping, preparing food, cooking and sharing with each other. We walked away with a new friend and a little more confidence in Indian cooking!

This was one of the more memorable evenings of our adventures in India. We started our evening with a market trip, which showed us a few local shops that would otherwise be hidden to us. We were introduced to new ingredients and selected our produce.When we arrived at her house we were introduced to the family, as guests we were always comfortable, and started cooking with Shalini and her mother-in-law. Here we helped chop and cook, while also watching how to make various dishes. Again, we were introduced to new ingredients, and of course, had questions.When our creations were done we enjoyed them with the family with some wonderful conversations. We learned that we have a lot in common!That day was also a special day, it was my wife's birthday! Shalini organized a cake for us, and shared with us the culture of feeding a piece of the cake to the celebrant, everyone in the family did!What a great night, one we will keep with us for a long time

Shalini and her family provided a wonderful evening experience- welcoming us into their home and guiding us through multiple vegetarian dishes. It was delightful Learning each spice, lentil and base to recipes and getting to pick vegetables from the local market before cooking in Shalini’s kitchen. If you love cooking and traditional Indian food, or would love an authentic experience with a gorgeously generous and kind family then I could not recommend Shalini enough. Thank you for such a delightful experience

Don't miss out on this unforgettable class. We had the best time with Shalini and learnt so much about her life, her family and Indian cooking! It was myself (26) and my Dad (58) who went to learn and have fun and my Dad is a celiac so can't eat any gluten. Shalini tailored all the food to ensure he could eat with us which was really nice as we've been struggling around India to get gluten free so far! We were humbled to meet all her family and experience Indian cooking in her kitchen, with over 60 years of collective cooking experience, we were in good hands. Will definitely be visiting again when we come back to Jaipur. Thanks again Shalini, you were amazing!

We had a fantastic evening. Shalini welcomed us into her family home with tea and delicious pekoras. The market was interesting and we learned all about the spices used in cooking. We then got to pick out the fresh ingredients for the meal. Shalini was a great teacher, showing us first how to do each step and then helping throughout with tips and techniques. The food was so so tasty, some of the best we've had in India. The experience was enhanced by chatting to her and her husband over dinner and learning more about India. Thank you for and unforgettable evening!

We had an amazing culinary experience with Shalini and her wonderful family. Learned lots and had a great time. Definitely recommend!

You will instantly feel at home in Shalini's house and around her family. We are very glad that we booked this event. Our evening was fantastic and a very memorable part of our India trip. Here's what we experienced:- Good communication related to travel details- Safe and friendly coordination for meeting - Visit to Shalini's home - Walk to market for explanation of many local spices and cooking tools from a local shop- Walk to local produce market for explanation of product and what is currently in season. (you're involved in the discussion of what to buy and cook!)- Back to the house to start the food prep (chopping, seasoning, cooking) - Lovely dinner prepared by all! Even before writing this review I've hosted a dinner party full of Indian spices with many of the techniques learned with Shalini. We had a lovely time and highly recommend.

Shalini and her family were amazing hosts and gave us a wonderful insight into everyday life a bit outside of the tourist circuit. The food was delicious and I would highly recommend this.

I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. I was traveling to Jaipur over the weekend and this was by far the best thing I did in the city.The class/tour is private for your group, so you're not with strangers and this allows Shalini to really customize everything have make it an intimate experience. From the moment I booked the class, she reached out to see if I had any questions and coordinate my arrival.Upon arriving, she had some snacks and tea ready for me, and we were able to talk and meet her family. Shortly after, we took a quick walk to the market where she carefully explained the different ingredients we could use. When returning to her house, some of the basic meal prep had been started by her mother-in-law, so we got right into the cooking: I was able to try a few different things; she carefully guided me in everything from adding spices to the dal to rolling chapatis.Once the meal was served, I got another chance to talk with Shalini and her husband and really learn a lot about their family and lives. Everything in this class was so thoughtful, not only was the food delicious and conversation interesting, but I felt genuinely welcomed into Shalini's home. I highly recommend this unique experience!

Went in April for this family cooking session at Shalini’s humble home. She & her husband greeted us punctually at a nearby designated hotel which was a walking distance from her home. It was a warm welcome with a drink before we started our cooking lesson in a typical home kitchen. As usual her helpful mother in-law was at hand. Thereafter we had a simple but delicious dinner, which we had cooked together. Good thing that Shalini gave us printed sheets of the recipes else we be at a loss on the ingredients as well as how to cook the dishes. We not only had a taste of homecooked Rajasthani food but also learnt some cultural aspects Rajasthani life.

Shalini and her family are very warm and welcoming. They provide a very genuine experience opening their home to see a glimpse of what real life in India looks like. Thanks heaps and we had a great experience learning to cook with you Shalini.

A really interesting, fun and tasty tour that I fully recommend. The market tour great as you dive into the local Jaipur markets (bazaars). The cooking class involves learning traditional indian techniques and flavours that you can take back to your own country. Shalini and her family are wonderful hosts within their beatiful home and shalini is extremely passionate about food and jaipur This tour is a must do if you are in Jaipur.

Thanks shalini for allowing me a glimpse into your family & cooking and sharing food while this is not a traditional cooking class with everyone following a instructions and getting written recipes it’s about watching tasting and sharing like family and learning the traditional way.the fact it’s real Indian family and at the family home added to the experience I’ll be back with my family ( and 3 children)next visit and I’d definitely recommend it to friends

A most interesting family visit with the benefit of cooking together and sharing the experience of a family meal. A worldly experience

I cannot thank Shalini and her family for hosting me and my boyfriend. It's a real hands on experience and you really get to experience Jaipur culture. We were unsure of the location so Shalini came and met us at a nearby hotel which made the experience so much more stress free. The food was amazing and it was such a fun experience. You get to try and also make a range of traditional meals and breads and then get to eat all your efforts. My boyfriend and I had such a good time and would recommend to anyone visiting the Jaipur area. Doing it in her home makes the experience so much more worthwhile and it's a brilliant value for money for what you get. Her fanily also made sure we had safe transport home and walked us to our pick up. A real treat

We had a great time with Shalini and her family. To reiterate what others have said: this is more than just a cooking lesson. By touring the family house and lots of interesting conversations you will get a real insight into the daily lives of this lovely family. We had a really fun time and learnt a lot. Very highly recommended! Thanks a lot!

We had so much fun spending time with Shalini and her family. It was a unique opportunity to getting to know the culture and meeting locals. Shalini first welcomed us at her place, where we met her family and started with some snacks. We then walked to the market, where she explained the main ingredients (particularly spices) used in Indian cuisine. We even got to pick a couple of veggies of our own. Then, we went back home and started cooking while chatting with the whole family. While the cooking part is fun and the food delicious, by far the best part was meeting such wonderful people. Shalini is strong and inspiring. She immediately feels like a friend. And so is Kunal (her husband) and mother-in-law. Her mother in law even gifted me a couple of bangles before I left. An unforgettable and enriching experience. Thanks a lot, Shalini!

I can not recommend this experience enough!! It was so lovely to be welcomed into Shalini’s home and meet her family, everyone was so friendly and kind! The cooking experience was fantastic, I went with my friend and we both had such a fun evening learning how to make Chapati and Parathas to go with the delicious dishes we were cooking! Shalini made us some lovely chai tea and pakora snack as well on arrival which was a very nice touch. If you want an authentic experience with a lovely family and some delicious food then this is the experience for you! Thank you Shalini!

This was so much more than a cooking lesson which is exactly what we wanted! We spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with people who quickly became friends. The experience gives a personal insight into family life in India that could not be easily experienced otherwise. We met the family and then had a leisurely walk through the shops giving a great opportunity to chat and get to know Kunal and Shalini. The shopping trip was fantastic and the people at the main local shop were happy to answer any questions. A tour of the family house gave a fascinating insight into daily life. The cooking with Shalini and her mother-in-law was incredible and gives an insight into how such fantastically flavoured and varied food can be cooked on a single gas burner (we came home and re-equipped the kitchen!!). Above all I cannot express how much we enjoyed the company of Shalini and her family, we would have gladly just spent the time talking with them, the cooking was a bonus. You cannot miss this experience. Bahut dhanyavad!!

There are many options for cooking classed in India, however Shalini's approach is unique. The market tour was as enlightening as the cooking portion. It presents an unusual opportunity to accompany Shalini and her husband to the local market and small groceries. This could potentially be intimidating for an non-Indian, however they serve as your guides to browse and ask questions, enhancing your ability to find various ingredients or suitable substitutes when you return to your own kitchen. The actual cooking experience was outstanding, as has been well described by various reviewers. The context of a local home, housing three generations of lovely, intelligent and charming people makes for an evening that is as much about Indian culture and true " family values " as it is about cooking a meal.This was an unforgettable experience with a gracious hostess, husband, inlaws and children. You cannot find this elsewhere.

I cannot day enough positive things about Shalini and her cooking class.My wife and I attend many cooking classes on holidays and this was one of the best in terms of understanding more about the local culture and how the family operates.Shalini and her family were so welcoming in their house and we had such a good chat all evening about everything from food to world politics - it felt like being sat in a friends house sharing some food!The trip to the market was great in understanding the local ingredients. The food was fantastic and you just feel like part of the family - helping and learning :)I cannot recommend this enough - a must do in Jaipur!!

Wow, where do we start with this review? Shalini is such a beautiful soul and when you step into her home you feel how special her and her family are. The whole experience was so fun, intriguing, inspiring with the final food results delicious and authentic. Starting with a trip to the markets to purchase vegetables, Shalini talks you through all the local produce and spices which was highly interesting and also valuable for the rest of our trip to experience this local shop environment. You are then free to pick whatever you want to attempt to cook with, which was great for then having the anticipation of how it will be turned into an Indian feast!We then headed back to start the cooking which was fascinating - so many incredible, varied flavours and you get to try cooking several dishes, including different breads, learning key ingredients and steps along the way. We were very lucky to meet Shalinis mother in law too who is the master cook in the house. She’s a beautiful woman and we loved how she swooped in at the end to test our cooking and make sure it was up to her standards before it was served. We dined with the whole family including their two lovely boys which was such a pleasure.This experience is so much more than just the cooking. You are very privileged to be invited into such a lovely home full of love and beautiful people. Thank you Shalini, we can’t recommend this experience highly enough so if you’re considering booking it do so, you won’t regret it.Phoebe & James. X

Best thing we did in Jaipur. Shalini and her husband and her in laws and 2 young sons were a lovely family to spend time with. Shalini and her husband took us to some local stalls and a shop with all the normal things they cook with asking us what we would like to try. Came back to their lovely house and Shalini and her mother in law got us cutting vegetables to prepare the meal. Then we were instructed in the proper way to cook. We had already had pakora as a snack before shopping very tasty so quite full even before the meal. Very tasty food with Dahl and other vegetables. Got to make chapatis plain with ghee and another version filled with potato and herbs. Interesting fruits somewhat like apples in flavor as well but look different and a round ball like fried dessert that they cook from flour that we have seen before,not sure of the name. So lovely to spend an evening with a wonderful educated Indian family and find out about their life. Enjoyed the 9 and 4 year old boys especially the older one having to do his math and Hindi homework!!!!

My friend and I booked a cooking session with Shalini for our visit to India in November and it was a highlight of our time away.Shalini offers a warm welcome, and an excellent cup of lemon and ginger tea. She instantly makes you feel a part of her family, introducing you to her in laws and children.We had a lot of conversation during our time with Shalini and her family, which enabled us to learn about each other and our cultures. We were all keen to learn as much as possible from each other, which was lovely. Shalini and her family also have a brilliant sense of humour, so there was lots of laughter.We went to the market with Shalini, where she taught us about local ingredients. Shalini is very knowledgeable about local food and answered all our questions fully. We really enjoyed walking around Shalini's neighbourhood and learning about the local area.The cooking class was brilliant. Shalini, along with her mother in law and sister in law talked us through all the dishes being prepared. We were able to observe all the activity in the kitchen and ask as many questions as we wanted. We were amazed by the number of dishes being prepared and knew we were in for a real treat. Shalini and her family also encourage participation, so there were plenty of tasks for us to get involved in.Sitting to eat with Shalini and her family was a real delight. Conversation flowed really well and it felt like being with family at home. The food was plentiful and delicious. We have both attempted to replicate some of the dishes at home, with varying degrees of success. Shalini also gave us a tour of her home and spoke with us about her plans for the future, which we were very excited about. We left with full stomachs, smiles on our faces, and some beautiful bracelets that serve as a reminder of our time with Shalini.We would absolutely recommend Shalini to anyone looking to learn more about local cuisine. She provides a really authentic experience which we would love to take part in again if we're ever back in the area.

We booked a cooking class with Shalini and her family for our friend who’s birthday it was. She welcomed us into her home and we had the best time. We learnt so much about Indian culture and food - we couldn’t recommend the experience more! Shalini even had a surprise birthday cake delivered for our friend. We were blown away by her warm hospitality and will definitely be back. 11/10!

Shalini is such a lovely lady and a great host! Really interesting market tour where she explained the different foods and spices there are and a then went to a local grocery. She is a really wants you to learn and enjoy the experience and she is so enthusiastic as well. She was so caring to my mum who was ill and couldn’t participate, making her tea and following up that she was getting better. It made our trip very special to meet and have dinner with her family and kids. We will be coming back and staying in touch for a long time!

We had an enchanting evening with Shalini and her family. I was feeling unwell when we arrived and she immediately made me a ginger tea. The whole family are so welcoming, we immediately felt relaxed. Going to buy the ingredients was fun and interesting. Shalini made learning the recipes easy - my daughter can now make chappatti ! We thoroughly recommend this as both educational and fun - as well as showing us how an Indian family live

We enjoyed in great company of Shalini and her family. They have tipical indian lifestyle and will share with you a lot of interesting information about it. The food and cooking were also very nice experince. Tasty and freshly preparated. Highly recommended!

We had such a great evening at Shalinis house! She introduced us to Indian cooking and showed us everything. After that, we cooked different things together (with very good instructions) and had a delicious dinner together with the family! We had a nice time, and can totally recommend this experience.

We had a lovely evening with Shalini and her family, included her Mother & Father-in law, and children. After a welcoming Chai and pakora, we walked to the market where Shalini educated us on varieties of pulses commonly used in Indian cooking, and some vegetables I had never seen before! Following this we returned to Shalini's house and helped make several dishes including Dal Fry and Roti. Shalini and her mother in law answered all of our questions, and we can't wait to go buy the spices to recreate some dishes at home. We got to enjoy our meal with the entire family.

It was great to meet Shalini and her lovely family for a memorable evening / experience. Shalini was very welcoming and provided lots of details on how her family lives on a daily basis. Very interesting experience. Overall, great food, good people and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended if you happen to be in Jaipur and want to do something a bit off the beaten path. One comment though, I would maybe not call this activity a 'cooking class' as you do not really learn how to cook / assist in the preparation of Rajasthani dishes but this would rather be a culinary experience that allows you to see how a family lives in Jaipur.

We (two US couples traveling in India together) had a really wonderful experience visiting and cooking with Shalini and her family at their home in Jaipur. Her class was highly recommended by some other friends and we're so glad we took them up on the tip. Despite our only being in Jaipur for one night, Shalini was able to shuffle her schedule to accommodate us. Her family was delightful and really made us feel at home throughout. I actually do a fair amount of Indian vegetarian cooking myself, but still learned a tremendous amount, from how to best roll out chapatis and cook them on a gas stove, to making filled parathas, when to add various spices to get different flavors, what spices are best kept handy in a spice box, etc. We made some classic dishes, but also several that were new to me such as a flour dumpling dish and a couple of different things made from local pumpkin. Everything was delicious, and Shalini's mother in law was pleasantly insistent on everyone having seconds (or thirds) of their favorites. Freshness was off the charts - many of the dishes included fresh herbs from the balcony garden, and the family grinds their own wheat flour at home using a large mill built for that purpose (apparently this is common in north Indian households, but I had no idea). Above all, it was really lovely to take a break from the road, meals in restaurants, etc. and get to spend time with Shalini and her family in their home, enjoying great home-cooked food, sharing stories, and learning.

Hi there from the moment we got to meeting shalini and her family we were made aware of the area and introduced to her family and home with love and light the atmosphere of the experience was amazing and the food was very good. The entire family was welcoming and we got to see the real part of Jaipur down town walking around at night looking at all the shops and also seeing different parts of the city was really exciting and different smells and tastes it too was really great. It was a terrific evening and one we will not forget in a hurry we highly recommend it to anyone who wants the real deal in Jaipur... Regards Adrian.

What a lovely welcoming family! I had the best day here with Shalini and her beautiful mother-in-law and children who were in school holidays. I also got to meet her father-in-law, sister-in-law and her delightful niece and nephew also. I cannot tell you how much effort Shalini and her family go to ensure you have the best experience, it is clear that they genuinely want you to enjoy it. She also made adjustments to accommodate a food intolerance I have and fit me in when my travel circumstances changed which was also very kind. She speaks excellent English and takes the trouble to explain everything about the food and culture during the day. At the market Shalini explains all the different spices and grains to me and helped me purchase some things I want to take home. I was welcomed into their home and given lovely tea and snacks then helped prepare lots of dishes with Shalini and her mother-in-law explaining everything along the way. All the food was so delicious. Shalini is fun, intelligent, interesting, kind, genuine, gentle yet strong and very clever. I’m so lucky to have found out about this authentic experience and make a new friend for life. Thank you Shalini and your wonderful family. Namaste. ❤️

From the moment I booked Shalini was in contact with the arrangements. Lovely lemon tea on arrival. Made some/watched Shalini and her mother in law make some absolutely amazing food including delicious Dahl fry, chapatis, Okra, eggplant curry, Mutar Paneer (peas and Paneer). (Dishes made according to your taste). All of the food was absolutely delicious. Sitting round the table enjoying it with the extended family was a great experience. Highly recommend when in Jaipur.

Shalini is a wonderful host - she welcomed me into her home and introduced me to her family. We chatted over tea and pakora before going on an interesting trip to various shops and stalls. We cooked in her kitchen with her mother in law and made a feast of really tasty dishes. It was a brilliant experience - I’d highly recommend!

Me and my sweetie had dinner with Shalini and her family in November 2018 and it was the highlight of our trip. Shalini is very knowledgeable about food and her English is great, so communicating was seamless. She started our evening together by taking us on a tour of the local markets, showing us ingredients we'd be using. We picked our favorite vegetables from her corner store and then we went off to cook. We met her whole, charming family and were treated to tea, pomegranates and snacks while she and her family did the bulk of the cooking. We learned to make the many different dishes in a thali and we made bread to go with it. I have a problem with gluten so Shalini made me a special chickpea flour bread and it was delicious! An exciting discovery I hope to make back at home. We had the most delicious dessert and left feeling that we had met people we hope to stay friends with from afar. Shalini provided us with a lot of tips for the rest of our stay in Jaipur, writing them down for us. She made sure we got back to our hotel safely and checked up on us the next morning. We can't recommend her enough and highly encourage you to add this to your trip to India. It would even be reason alone to go to Jaipur. Thank you Shalini and family!

We had the real pleasure of visiting Shalini and her family in their home for dinner. Her in laws, extended family members and three children between two and ten all welcomed us into their family home with tea and freshly made snacks, before we walked down to some local shops and chose vegetables for dinner. Shalini and her mother-in-law showed us the preparation and cooking of our dinner, always careful to make sure the level of spicy was just right to our taste. We sat down together with the children and laughed and ate, exchanged stories and family tales. A charming host, Shalini will happily make your stay in her home a warm and welcoming one. We feel like we have made a friend. You will too. Thank you so much all.

My wife and I visited Shalini's home in November. Her family were lovely and welcoming, the food was amazing, and seeing it made properly in her home added to the experience. We made a trip to the local market to buy and try some interesting foods we hadn't tried before, then returned to help prepare the dinner. A small amount anyway, but it made us feel included. The food was delicious, and the whole evening was unforgettable. I would highly recommend visiting Shalini when you are in Jaipur. 5*

We really loved our evening with Shalini and her family. We were made to feel very welcome and comfortable in her home and had an introduction to the spices used everyday in Rajasthani cookery and then helped Shalini and her mother in law with cooking a whole range of vegetable dishes. We also learnt how to make chapati’s and aloo paratha. It was lovely hearing about Shalini’s life and sharing the similarities and differences to ours in England. This was not only a cooking experience but a really lovely way to meet a very friendly local family who can share their tips for Jaipur too (so book for the start of your visit to the city!).

Our experience with Shalini and her family is one we’ll always remember. Shalini’s cooking class was so much more than that - it was an incredibly special opportunity to spend time with a welcoming and gracious Jaipur family. While we spent only three hours with Shalini, her husband, kids, mother and father in law, we left feeling like great friends. In terms of the food - Shalini’s exceptional skills, taught to her by her kind and caring mother in law, certainly did not disappoint. Dhanyavad Shalini, and make sure you come and visit us in Melbourne!

My wife and I spent a wonderful evening with Shalini and her extended family truly experiencing the warmth of an Indian family. We not only got to explore the foods of Rajasthan but understand the cultural and every day life of a Rajasthani family- a unique opportunity we feel privileged to have experienced. The food was delicious and we were welcomed with open arms!

My daughter in law and I had a wonderful time at the home of Shalini and her mother in law. We shopped, briefly chopped and ate the most delicious food we had on our India trip. Shalini and her family gave us a glimpse into their family life. We felt very well cared for and very well fed. I would suggest this tour to anyone who wants a peak into the life and food of the people of Jaipur

Myself and my friend had the pleasure of joining Shalini and her family in her private home for an amazing experience. We spent the afternoon visiting and learning about traditional Indian cooking. Shalini and her family were so warm and welcoming we truly felt like part of the family. Shalini’s in laws were also around for the afternoon who were lovely and sweet. Shalini showed us to a local store to buy some clothing which was incredibly helpful. If you are looking for an authentic experience, I highly recommend spending the day with Shalini.

My boyfriend and I spent the night with this gorgeous family. We are walked to the shop, bought the vegetables and was informed on what spices were needed for the various dishes. It was so wonderful to spend the night with the whole family, and watch them cook. So much food, so don’t eat too much before you go! Couldn’t recommend more- and I was so touched when they bought me a birthday cake for my birthday. Lots of love to you and your family . Mark and Megan

We spent a wonderfull evening with Shalini and her familly. They really warmly welcome us for this cooking class. Firstly, we began by a market tour where Shalini and her husband bought some ingredients for the recipes. It was an opportunity for us to learn about what ingredients they use in their daily life.After this tour, we cooked with Shalini and her mother in law and learnt so much about indian cuisine, they gave us all their secrets ! All dishes were just delicious !This is more than a cooking class, this is also a perfect way to share a moment and see an indian family from the inside. I highly recommand this tour, it's one of our better memories about our holidays in India !q

This was my first Traveling Spoon experience. Shalini and her family are great host. I received heartwarming welcome from them. They gave me a wonderful time. Shalini and her mother-in-law cooked some dishes such as pakora, mix dal, gatta masala, chapati, fried rice. All of them were very tasty. And I could learn a lot about how to make these indian dishes. I strongly recommend you take Shalini's class when you have a chance to visit Jaipur. It will be a memorable event for you.

My daughter and I enjoyed a wonderful few hours with Shalini. She welcomed us into her home, showed us the shopping in her neighbourhood and together with her mother in law cooked together with us the most delicious meal. The most amazing experience spent with this most amazing family. Highly recommended tour.

If you ever get to visit Jaipur, this is your chance to learn about traditional Rajasthani food and get in touch with a lovely and welcoming Indian family. Shalini and her mother-in-law taught us everything about Indian food and were also able to answer many more questions we had about Indian culture. We enjoyed a lovely dinner together and the food was way better than in any other restaurant on our trip (especially the daal fried). However, what made this experience so special to us was the great hospitality of Shalini and her family members. We felt so comfortable and welcomed while chatting and cooking with all of them. It was one of our highlights in our india trip and definetly an experience you will never forget!

Shalini is a great host ! As soon as I arrived shes asked me what would please me to eat in order to adapt the menu. Then we went in different mini market/shops. She explained me what kind of spices, rices, vegetables we will cook and bought some fresh fruits.As we arrived in her house, with the help of her mother in law she teaches me how we will cook the different plates and the indian bread. The food was really good and Shalini and her family were great hosts !I definitely recommend this activity !Dylann

my husband and I had a really great time and meal, of course, with Shalini and her family in Jaipur. As westerners that love to try new flavors and get to know the culture of a place through the locals, this was a really memorable experience. We had a great cultural exchange getting to know about each other's cultures while going to the market and cooking. Shalini and her husband are very welcoming and we enjoyed trying to make some bread with Shalini and her mother-in-law, who is also a great host. The meal was very tasty with all the spices and we enjoyed trying it! We highly recommend this experience!