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Host: Sundari

Chennai (Madras), India

USD
$36-$94 per person

Traditional Tamil Brahmin vegetarian culinary experience

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

Meet Sundari

Sundari is a cheerful host whose easy laugh will instantly make you feel at home in her in-laws converted home surrounded by fruit trees and filled with traditional art and decor. Sundari has been cooking since she was eight – she even cooked on her own coal stove as her mother prepared meals for her family. She delights in sharing her South Indian culinary and cultural traditions with guests.

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) Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal that you will eat with your hands on stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves (if seasonally available). Flavors center around mustard, chilies, coconut, sour tamarind extract and native fruits and vegetables. Menu may include typical South Indian Tamilian dishes such as rasam (peppery soup of lentils and spices made with lemons, tomatoes or tamarind), sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew), kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy South Indian specialty flavored by sun-dried vegetables), vegetable curry, kootu (a special dish made of vegetables, lentils and coconut), rice, raita, appalams (also known as pappadams) and a spread of Indian condiments and snacks. Your meal concludes with South Indian filter coffee, a specialty coffee drink made by mixing frothed and boiled milk with the decoction obtained by brewing finely ground coffee powder in a traditional Indian filter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Learn to cook 4-5 dishes, part of a South Indian vegetarian meal that you will eat with your hands on stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves. Menu may include typical Tamilian vegetarian main dishes such as rasam (tangy peppery broth), sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew), and a variety of vegetable curries, rice, raita, condiments and snacks. Alternatively you may request to learn to make a South Indian brunch of dosas, idlis and vadas with a variety of chutneys instead.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) You will start your experience with a tour of Sundari’s home and an overview of the food you will be cooking before embarking on your market visit. At the local Sastri Nagar neighborhood market you will watch as Sundari gets her wheat milled, see how coffee is ground and even visit the local temple. You will then walk back to Sundari’s kitchen and learn to prepare and share a South Indian vegetarian meal.

Please note that the neighborhood market in Chennai where Sundari does her shopping is a busy street with roadside stores and vendors. This is unlike an open bazaar/wet market with bags of fruits and spices you might typically expect.

Notes: Sundari only serves vegetarian food as she is a Tamil Brahmin who only eats vegetarian. If you join Sundari for dinner or anytime on the weekend, her husband, Krishna, will join you. He is a foodie who loves meeting new people.

Sundari only offers dinner experiences on weekdays (Mon - Fri) and lunch and dinner on weekends (Sat-Sun).

Languages spoken: English

Traveler reviews

5.0 (49)
Brilliant memorable evening learning South Indian cooking with Sundari. Visit a Chennai home and learn to cook a fantastic home cooked meal then indulge in the spoils. A unique and fun experience for business colleagues, friends, and/or family.
- SheltiePo June 24, 2023
Cooking experience with Sundari and her husband Krishna was hands-down the BEST thing we had in Chennai during our business trip. The level of hospitality is unmatched, Sundari goes above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and interested in traditional Tamil cooking. It simply feels like home preparing food with your relatives. Ok, and now about the food. It was extremely tasty! Dosa and biryani we made under Sundari's supervision was the tastiest thing we tried in India along with other dishes that were cooked by Sundari herself. Also, one of the members in our group had a birthday, and Sundari made sure that he is properly congratulated with decoration and a surprise cake. Simply AMAZING. Recommended 100%.
- iliailiailia May 10, 2023
The BEST experience in Chennai Cooking experience with Sundari and her husband Krishna was hands-down the BEST thing we had in Chennai during our business trip. The level of hospitality is unmatched, Sundari goes above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and interested in traditional Tamil cooking. It simply feels like home preparing food with your relatives. Ok, and now about the food. It was extremely tasty! Dosa and biryani we made under Sundari's supervision was the tastiest thing we tried in India along with other dishes that were cooked by Sundari herself. Also, one of the members in our group had a birthday, and Sundari made sure that he is properly congratulated with decoration and a surprise cake. Simply AMAZING. Recommended 100%.
- Ilia May 08, 2023
Incredible experience, delicious food! If you're wondering whether a cooking class is a nice group activity, don't think twice, do this cooking class with Sundari! We went as a team building activity (7 people) and it was an incredible experience! Sundari made us feel at home from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left. Her expertise in cooking and experience teaching to cook is clear - she gave incredible context on every aspect of the process and followed up with detailed recipes - I feel confident now I will be able to make biryani at home! She and her husband were incredible hosts and cared deeply about making it a special experience for us. She also provided many recommendations for restaurants and places to shop in Chennai which was incredibly valuable.
- Daniele P May 07, 2023
Sundari's cooking class is the best cooking class/experience I've ever had. It's an unforgettable traveling experience and opportunity to connect with an amazing person. From the food, to the cooking expertise, and hospitality it's well worth every penny. - The Food The food was phenomenal, flat out. Sundari's Dosas made me weep for the childhood I never had eating them fresh from her pan😭. She taught me how to make Veggie Biryani, pepper rasam soup, Spiced and stir fried Okra (Bendi), veggie dahl, Dosa (including a 2nd type of thick dosa topped with onion and herb), and Masala Chai. She prepared Yogurt raita and Rotis for us beforehand. - The Cooking Experience Sundari is a knowledgeable, well-prepared, and passionate cooking teacher. She has been cooking for many years and can answer all your questions on technique and ingredient usage. She loves food and enjoys talking about cuisine outside of India as well. She has family in the USA and can advise on ingredient availability there. She really cares about curating your experience and was happy to help me customize the menu. The class was a pleasant balance of observing and listening vs active participation. Sundari was happy to let me jump in and out of the cooking work as I wanted. Sundari's kitchen was beautiful and well-stocked. Super organized and professional about everything. Afterwards, she sent me the recipes. - The Hospitality It was an honor and pleasure to be a guest of Sundari and her Husband Krishna in their beautiful home. From the second I walked in, I felt comfortable and welcomed. She even created a Ragnoli welcome design on her floor with powder - beautiful. Sundari is easy to talk to and I truly enjoyed spending 6 or so hours with her. After dinner, she went out of her way to show me not only the local grocery market, but her local temple and Kulfi shop. She was happy to take me anywhere I wanted to go in the neighborhood and even helped me with local travel stuff - directions, food recs, getting a local sim card on my phone. Bottom line, this was a lovely experience I'll remember forever. Sundari sets the standard for being an incredible host and cooking teacher. I'd go back tomorrow if I could!
- 764ethanj April 24, 2023
Sundari's cooking class is the best cooking class/experience I've ever had. It's an unforgettable traveling experience and opportunity to connect with an amazing person. From the food, to the cooking expertise, and hospitality it's well worth every penny. - The Food The food was phenomenal, flat out. Sundari's Dosas made me weep for the childhood I never had eating them fresh from her pan😭. She taught me how to make Veggie Biryani, pepper rasam soup, Spiced and stir fried Okra (Bendi), veggie dahl, Dosa (including a 2nd type of thick dosa topped with onion and herb), and Masala Chai. She prepared Yogurt raita and Rotis for us beforehand. - The Cooking Experience Sundari is a knowledgeable, well-prepared, and passionate cooking teacher. She has been cooking for many years and can answer all your questions on technique and ingredient usage. She loves food and enjoys talking about cuisine outside of India as well. She has family in the USA and can advise on ingredient availability there. She really cares about curating your experience and was happy to help me customize the menu. The class was a pleasant balance of observing and listening vs active participation. Sundari was happy to let me jump in and out of the cooking work as I wanted. Sundari's kitchen was beautiful and well-stocked. Super organized and professional about everything. Afterwards, she sent me the recipes. - The Hospitality It was an honor and pleasure to be a guest of Sundari and her Husband Krishna in their beautiful home. From the second I walked in, I felt comfortable and welcomed. She even created a Ragnoli welcome design on her floor with powder - beautiful. Sundari is easy to talk to and I truly enjoyed spending 6 or so hours with her. After dinner, she went out of her way to show me not only the local grocery market, but her local temple and Kulfi shop. She was happy to take me anywhere I wanted to go in the neighborhood and even helped me with local travel stuff - directions, food recs, getting a local sim card on my phone. Bottom line, this was a lovely experience I'll remember forever. Sundari sets the standard for being an incredible host and cooking teacher. I'd go back tomorrow if I could!
- 764ethic April 24, 2023
I cannot recommend this experience enough. Sundari was a superb host before we’d even met, getting in touch by WhatsApp to make sure we had the correct location for the class. We were welcomed with a personalised drawing on the floor of her home. We then had a great session of learning the techniques behind several dishes and chatting about South Indian culture. We enjoyed a beautiful feast, great conversation with Sundari and her husband, and left with recipes as well as tips for how to spend some time in Chennai. It was a delight from start to finish, a must do in Chennai!
- Enzeecee September 04, 2022
Awesome experience. Really she is very helpful and try to help everyone to learn in a good way. Thanks.
- robotres August 14, 2022
Sooo yummy! Sundari is a lovely woman and a excellent teacher! It was so much fun to be at her place. She was very flexibel at her schedule. Course booking was very easily and communicaton fast. So we can highly recommend this cooking experience. -Martin & Maja
- 792majak February 26, 2020
Highly recommend! A wonderful way to learn and experience Chennai. Sundari was a gracious host for our group (3 adults and 1 nine year old). We enjoyed learning some about the food and culture of this area. And the food was delicious! She is very open to personalizing the menu to your taste as well. We then enjoyed seeing a local produce market with many fruits and vegetables we’d not seen before, and to another interesting shop with all kinds of cookware (also many new things for us to see). Everything was very clean and comfortable all around. Highly recommend.
- DSLSantaMonica February 23, 2020
Incredible experience where Sundari walked us through various techniques of both the north and the south. She was flexible in catering the lesson to what we were interested in and going into details on techniques we were unfamiliar with. Highly recommend if you have time in Chennai!
- Jmfraser4 January 13, 2020
What fun ! After a few minutes we felt like we were in a relatives home. Sundari made us feel welcome and comfortable in her home. From the wonderful conversation to the demonstration of multiple South Indian dishes to the actual participation in the cooking, everything was outstanding. Then we got to sit and eat the meal which was delicious. After dinner we were ready to go to the market to possibly purchase an Indian spice container when my wife mentioned she was a beader That’s all it took to change our direction Off to a bead shop to buy lots and lots of beautiful stuff for little money. We then said our goodbyes to Sundari and Ubered back to our hotel. Next morning we received multiple photos from Sundari that she had taken. This experience is a MUST
- barry009 January 08, 2020
I give 5 stars because it was not just an unforgettable experience but I had the chance to meet such amazing human beings like Sundari and his husband. So nice, kind and warm.Before I start I just want to mention that it was so good and delicious that I went twice in 10 days. I couldn't resist and the food was the best I ate at Chennai.Sundari was so helpful, kind and has become a friend for life. She's an expert and a real cooking teacher. She let me record the class so that I could do the same at home. All the recipes were send to me. She adapted the menu as I wish (Vegan) :)Everything was explained in details and she gave me alternatives too.I had a great and unforgettable time. Next time I visit India, I'll for sure pass at Sundari. I can recommend this great and lovely experience to anyone.Namaste
- DonShiva777 January 03, 2020
Sundari exceeded my expectations of this lesson. She was helpful, talkative, open to ideas, explained each step in the cooking process perfectly and answered all questions I had. She is obviously an expert in what she does and a great teacher. I will definitely book another class with Sundari when I return to Chennai. The best cooking class I have participated in.
- Shane M July 29, 2019
Great cooking experience. Five friends travelling around India. We spent a magical evening with Sundar and her husband Krishna. A very laid back evening with a great cook, learnt so much.
- kpos2 April 14, 2019
Was fantastic to talk to a feminist in south India about their experiences and views about living there. Probably didn't need to do the market visit, but the food was amazing, and Jyashree was great adapting her menu to be vegan. She even gave us some rasam powder to take with us!
- tonyg7832 April 07, 2019
Sundari welcomed me into her home and kitchen and showed me all of the steps to cooking an authentic meal. She was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable and asked me just as many questions about my life in the United States as I asked her about hers in India. The food was amazing and I greatly enjoyed sharing a meal with her. I recommend this experience to anyone!
- christinaking70 March 28, 2019
Run, don't walk to make a reservation to cook with Sundari. She is not only an excellent cook, but also a terrific and gracious woman. Everything was laid out and ready for our cooking lesson and she explained exactly what she was doing and how/why she was doing it. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening in Chennai. I was with her from 5 PM until 9 PM and had to be dragged away by my hotel driver. A great experience!!!
- Happiness553863 March 17, 2019
Anu was so warm and welcoming us in our home. We left (rolled out of her apartment) having sampled many dishes and feeling like we made a lovely new friend. We had never had an i home experience like this in all of our travels and would recommend anyone to visit Anu.
- Kari W December 31, 2018
South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class with Sundari Krishna. Sundari and Krishna are such wonderful welcoming people. The activity was well organized - Sundari had asked us ahead of time (1-2 days before) about which recipes we wanted to learn. I had named several, and she kindly had made several dishes in addition to the three main ones. It was such a wonderful educational experience and the food was delicious. We had a traditional sit down lunch with so much food. She gave so many useful tips. We took our kids with us who had a wonderful time and they learned so much as well. We will definitely take lessons with Sundari next time we are in Chennai.
- revsuppiah November 28, 2018
Sundari was an amazing host. She opened up her house to me like I was a close friend and fed me till I could not eat anymore. She taught me so much and was so helpful in answering any questions I had and she was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Next time I'm in Chennai I'm stopping by again! Thank you Sundari it was an amazing experience!
- Alex S November 05, 2018
Sundari and her husband are incredibly welcoming and accommodating hosts. We really enjoyed spending time in their home getting to know them and learning to cook South Indian dishes. Sundari has an obvious passion for all kinds of cooking, and the food we/she prepared was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended for all visitors, and I would love to come back to learn to cook more dishes!
- James F July 01, 2018
Highly recommend spending the day with Sundari and getting an introduction to South Indian cuisine. Sundari is a great host and helped me understand the nuances of south Indian cooking and was very helpful and great to talk to.The walk around the market was also very interesting, especially the grocers where there was a variety of fruit and veg you don't see in Europe.I highly recommend a class with Sundari.
- Richard H June 21, 2018
Sundari makes cooking South Indian food fun and exciting. She'll share with you tips that you won't get elsewhere and the best part is that you get to eat it all! If ever I am in Chennai again, I will come back and learn more things from her!
- Selinta June 02, 2018
Visited Sundari for the lunch cooking class. She is such a welcoming person and from the minute we arrived had us relaxed and laughing with her. The food was the best we have had in Southern India, tadka Dahl and vegetable Korma which we had requested to learn to cook. She also showed us how to make some of the different breads which was so interesting. It was a lot of fun and we will definitely be back. Thank you so much Sundari and thanks to Kris for taking us to the market.
- Trish D March 02, 2018
Since I was traveling to Chennai on business, I did not have a lot of free time to explore the city. Having done cooking classes while on holiday in other countries, I knew this type of experience would be the best use of my limited time. If you are a person who enjoys learning about culture, eating great food, and meeting new people, Sundari does not disappoint! Both her and Krish welcomed me into their home and I felt immediately as ease in their presence. They went out of their way to ensure I was well taken care of. I encourage you to share a table with these two; best way to spend an afternoon in Chennai.
- traveloftenwithlove February 04, 2018
I can't think of a better way to learn about the culture and cuisine of Chennai than with a home cooking class, and my Traveling Spoon host, Sundari, was an amazing teacher. From the moment I stepped into her home she was so warm and welcoming, she even did a small ceremony for me. She was able to customize my lesson based on my previous exposure to Indian cooking, which I appreciated. Perhaps most helpful for Western tourists, she has experience living abroad, so she is able to explain things in a way that is very clear to non-Indians, and she's aware of what types of spices and products we have access to abroad, and what substitutes can be used. She also took me on a lovely tour of her neighborhood, where I got to meet her local shopkeepers and visit her temple. Unlike some tours, where this type of experience can seem uncomfortable or even a tad exploitative, since this is Sundari's local neighborhood and everyone knows her, it was quite comfortable wandering around with her and meeting people. I felt like I saw more of/ learned more about India in the 5 hours I spent with Sundari than I did in DAYS of other types of sightseeing I have done. Highly recommended!
- AndreaNDC September 30, 2017
Sundari was amazing! This was a fantastic way to learn about and get in touch with local culture. It's so difficult as a traveler to meet with and interact with real people who live in the cities we visit, but this was a great way to bridge that. I've recommended it to all my friends who might visit South India soon. Sundari was such a gracious and friendly host and her joy of sharing her own cuisine and culture was readily apparent. I felt so comfortable around her immediately -- she was a great teacher and host.
- Andrea F. September 20, 2017
Cooking with Sundari is the best thing to do in Sundari. Over the course of a warm and welcoming day, you will discover how spices in South Indian cooking inspire love and joy.Learning how to make dosas, beetroot curries and chose masala rounded off what was an excellent trip to Chennai. I learnt how Sundari is inspired by food and what makes her and her husband, Krishna, passionate about sharing dishes and culture.Right from the first first moment I was made to feel right at home an I would encourage anyone to take the time to slow down and connect with these great hosts. This was a truly exceptional experience!10/10.
- ewall27 September 12, 2017
I had an excellent day with Sundari and her husband Krishna. They were loving, warm and welcoming. They shared with me their passion for their city and how that can be expressed in food. What a treat! The food was delicious and Sundari's warm and welcoming approach made for a calm and pleasurable day. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people
- September 12, 2017
Sundari, is warm and welcoming host that makes you feel like part of her Family. The house is filled with happiness as she is this happy soul that touches your heart. I love her open nature, spirit that made it really far more than a cooking class. She is passionate and loves what she is doing. Beforehand Sundari asked me what I would like to cook, but i trusted her choice and the 3 recipies she showed me were excellent and I can't wait to cook them. In a cozy atmosphere I learned a lot about traditions, beliefs, culture, food while enjoying a delicious home cooked dinner together. We also went together to some local shops where i could buy some of the ingredients to cook some dishes back home.The experience touched my heart and i will remember always.
- JohannaS1905 August 06, 2017
Sundari was wonderful, sharing her South Indian culture with us before we even stepped inside. We felt so welcomed, it was as if visiting family! Her home is lovely, and we were allowed to take part in some wonderful traditions, in addition to the meal. Sundari was very well organized and clear with the instructions. I loved how many of the ingredients were from her own garden! This was the best experience my friend and I had since coming to India, and the most authentic. I look forward to trying out these recipes at home and hopefully come back to visit! - M. Deonarian
- 650mariahd May 23, 2017
Sundari's expertise in guiding us through the preparation of the cuisine of South India was beautifully balanced by her gift of storytelling. Her grace and charm had us at ease instantly and she made what we thought was complex in the preparation of the meal easily understood and it was absolutely delicious. We left with a greater knowledge of the culture through the welcome blessing, and the additional tour of her local area. Her attention to detail is exceptional. Plus we had the chance to meet her husband Krishna -such interesting conversation, we felt we left with two new friends. For each dish we were encouraged to taste and make suggestions if it was ready, this made us feel we were truly making the dishes ourselves. Sundari has a gift for cooking and for making people feel at ease. - Christopher and Julie, Adelaide Australia
- juleso15 May 22, 2017
Sundari was one of the best people we met during our month in India. She not only showing us how to make delicious traditional South Indian cuisine, but gave a wonderful glimpse into her family and culture. It was more like visiting a friend than a cooking class by the end of the evening!
- oboe1kanobi May 12, 2017
Sundari greeted us on the ground floor and invited us into her home. Little did we know this was the home of her deceased mother-in-law. The whole floor was a museum of early generation with antique household items. I was especially impressed with the kitchen. There was an entire room set aside for worship with an elaborate alter. We were graciously welcomed into the second floor home of Sundari and her husband, Krishna. Immediately, we received tea in the living room as she described the evening's menu and Indian spices commonly used in kitchen. In the kitchen Sundari invited to help with measuring, slicing, and mixing the many dishes we would enjoy for dinner. I especially enjoyed helping with the cooking of the "little doughnut" items. This was an excellent introduction into Indian culture and food. I would highly recommend a cooking lesson and meal with Sundari! It totally transformed my Chennai experience.
- Dolores H May 11, 2017
- Katharine Wismer May 10, 2017
I highly recommend the dinner and cooking class with Sundari at her home. I was in India for a month to study yoga and stayed at a hotel the entire month. I learned so much about India from visiting a home a speaking to a Madras native. Sundari's English skills are excellent and we talked about much more than cooking. We talked about the Hindu faith and the Indian culture. Sundari shared many stories about her family. I felt that we parted as friends.
- abluecrab May 10, 2017
Highly recommended. I entered the house thinking that I'd learn some basics of how to cook Tamil Brahmin cuisine. The experience turned out to be much beyond that. Sundari and Krishna greeted me with genuine smile when I first met them, and gave me a tour of their beautiful home before we started getting things started (they even made a personalized welcome-sign on the chalk board in their kitchen). Cooking with them almost made me feel like I was cooking with my own family members in my home kitchen, rather than attending a cooking class. Sundari is a very patient and fun chef, who can share the background of the ingredients and the dish itself. We also went to explore the local marketplace and bonded over homemade filter coffee (traditional coffee of Southern India). If you want a complete immersion to the local culture, great Tamil Brahmin vegetarian food, & great company, I strongly encourage you to visit Sundari's kitchen. You step in their home as a guest, and you step out as a part of their family. Thanks Sundari & Krishna!
- exploringHC May 08, 2017
Sundari and Krishna were amazing hosts! They really went above and beyond our expectations. We learned a lot about local culture that we wouldn't have otherwise (wedding customs, clothing, and of course, the ingredients themselves), and her food was the best we had during our week spent in India. If I lived in Chennai, I'd want them to adopt me. I've already recommended them to friends who had a great experience as well. Thanks Sundari and Krishna!
- jfung722 May 08, 2017
While in Southern India for my son's wedding, I was so excited to learn about Traveling Spoon and the incomparable opportunity to indulge in an authentic Southern Indian cooking lesson and home cooked meal. Upon arrival at her home, Sundari greeted us with sincere warmth and hospitality. What a treat to learn how to cook genuine Indian dishes in the kitchen of a local citizen. Sundari speaks perfect English which allowed us to relax and truly enjoy the experience. I fell in love with dosas and had a blast trying to learn to fry them just right. Eating gluten free was much easier than I expected. To have a local professional teach us how to cook and then invite us to dine at her table as we relish the favors and smells, is a totally unique and once in a life time experience. To top it off, Sundari prepared us for the upcoming wedding by showing and describing what we could expect at a Hindu wedding ceremony. It was great to hear her personal experiences of the wedding ceremonies multiple day celebration. Sundari's home is conveniently located near hotels which made it so easy to get there and back. I wholehearted encourage anyone visiting Chennai to schedule time to visit, learn and eat an exquisite meal from the gracious Sundari!
- katharine866 May 02, 2017
Sundari is a super hospitable host. She welcomed me and my friends at the entrance of her house with her husband and treated us like daughters. They showed us the traditional Indian custom and let us experience them. Surprisingly, she had prepared so many kinds of recipes for the lesson other than those we had ordered beforehand. She showed us how to cook those dishes efficiently and skillfully with humor. And after that, she took us to a local market and showed us unique vegetable and fruits, good coffee and spices. And eventually, we really enjoyed talking and having those many dishes that we cook together. Everything looked great and was amazingly delicious! I think everyone not only vegetarian but also non-vegetarian can get satisfaction from her cooking lesson and hospitality.
- Rumi & Kiyomi & Mai March 03, 2017
This was a wonderful experience. Sundari was a fantastic host and teacher, and all aspects of the day exceeded my expectations. The food was delicious and I left feeling confident that I can cook these dishes at home. In addition to the food and cooking, Sundari shared aspects of her culture, and took me to local places of interest that helped to shape the overall experience. If you are considering this experience, take the chance! I can't recommend it highly enough!
- February 16, 2017
I have done many cooking classes in India and in other countries, but this is by far, the best class I have ever done. Not only I learned new ways and recipes to cook, but I also learned invaluable insights into the culture and customs of India from Sundari. Her sincerity and hospitality made the experience unforgettable. Her husband was also a great host - very friendly and open. They truly welcomed me into their home and their hearts. Thank you very much.
- Au Gourmand February 12, 2017
Sundari's expertise in guiding us through the preparation of the cuisine of South India was beautifully balanced by her gift of storytelling. Her grace and charm had us at ease instantly and she made what we thought was complex in the preparation of the meal easily understood and it was absolutely delicious. We left with a greater knowledge of the culture through the welcome blessing, and the additional tour of her local area. Her attention to detail is exceptional. Plus we had the chance to meet her husband Krishna -such interesting conversation, we felt we left with two new friends.
- Christopher & Julie Orchard December 27, 2016
Sundari not only let us experience cooking in her wonderful kitchen, she gave us so much information about her city, her customs, traditional home life, and family. We were there during Diwali so she included us in some of the wonderful celebrations for that festival. We also got to walk around her neighborhood meeting her market friends, like her tailor, etc. and visited her temple. It was exactly what we had hoped for and more. She was gracious, kind, has a great sense of humor and made us feel like friends, not just "clients". The food was amazing, and the time spent was well worth it! What a memorable evening!
- Carol and Steve Jones November 29, 2016
The experience was beyond my imagination! I entered the house thinking that I'll learn some basics of how to cook Tamil Brahmin cuisine. The experience turned out to be much beyond that. Sundari and Krishna greeted me with genuine smile when I first met them, and gave me a tour of their beautiful home before we started getting things started (they even made a personalized welcome-sign on the chalk board in their kitchen). Cooking with them almost made me feel like I was cooking with my own family members in my home kitchen, rather than attending a cooking class. Sundari is a very patient and fun chef, who can share the background of the ingredients and the dish itself. We also went to explore the local marketplace and bonded over homemade filter coffee (traditional coffee of Southern India). If you want a complete immersion to the local culture, great Tamil Brahmin vegetarian food, & great company, I strongly encourage you to visit Sundari's kitchen. You step in their home as a guest through traveling spoon, but you step out as a part of their family. Thanks Sundari & Krishna!
- September 13, 2016
Sundari was wonderful, sharing her South Indian culture with us before we even stepped inside. We felt so welcomed, it was as if visiting family! Her home is lovely, and we were allowed to take part in some wonderful traditions, in addition. To the meal. Shndari was very well organized and clear with the instructions. I loved how many of the ingredients were from her own garden! This was the best experience my friend and I had since coming to India, and the most authentic. I look forward to trying out these recipes at home and hopefully come back to visit!
- M. Deonarian June 28, 2016
Sundari and Krishna were amazing hosts! They really went above and beyond our expectations. We learned a lot about local culture that we wouldn't have otherwise (wedding customs, clothing, and of course, the ingredients themselves), and her food was the best we had during our week spent in India. If I lived in Chennai, I'd want them to adopt me. I've already recommended them to friends who had a great experience as well. Thanks Sundari and Krishna!
- Jon and Kim December 26, 2015
There is no way I am going to be able to describe a day like today and give it the justice it deserves. The start began with a long overdue jog on the gym treadmill. It was refreshing to know that after a couple of days hiatus, it did not take long to get the kinks out. Downstairs for a lite fruit breakfast and then around the corner to stock up on bottled water. That left little time to prepare for the day, shower and pick up of a cake to supplement the day’s lunch. Uber at the ready and I was off to class. Was pleasantly surprised to find my hostess waiting for my arrival. It was magical the way we instantaneously hit it off. An exchange of smiles, a nod and whatever cultural barriers might have existed, evaporated. Sundari Krisha is a well-known awarded chef who specializes in vegetarian cuisine. Her classes are very well received for their flavor preparation and her willingness to accommodate the gamut of foreign palates. Her time spent in Dubai, Thailand, the U.S., Europe and India provide her with an open mindedness that serves her students and is shown in her attitude towards cooking. The day’s menu was specially formulated by my replies to her previous days’ texts. This class might have been postponed, but because of the day, I was to be her only student. There was even an invitational colored flour mandala on the marble tile, which, no pun intended ‘floored me.’ The menu began with a starter of Masala (spice mixture) Dosa (thin crisp rice flour tortilla) filled with a rich intense flavored filling (Burrito-like, if the outside was crunchy). Option to cook or watch, I opted for a lazy combination of the two. Between sets, Sundari confided about her love of cooking, her classes and how that all fit into her family life. The tidbits learned will be eagerly duplicated back at home. Who knew that premium rice is aged three years? The second course was a Shai cauliflower korma (stew) complemented by homemade roti (bread). And to finish it off, Aubergine (small eggplant) lentil mixture joined by vegetable rice. The meal was delicious and conversation flowed effortlessly. To top it off, the selected cake, a chocolate ganache, ended up being the perfect choice. Hours passed before my body told me I had spent most of it happily sitting, eating and conversing.
- David
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Sundari

$36-$94 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+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$36 $36 $36
Cooking Experience + Meal
$62 $62 $62
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$94 $94 $84
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$36 $36 $36
Cooking Experience + Meal
$62 $62 $62
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$94 $94 $84
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
12:00pm-2:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
9:00am-2:00pm 4:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Sundari

Sundari is a cheerful host whose easy laugh will instantly make you feel at home in her in-laws converted home surrounded by fruit trees and filled with traditional art and decor. Sundari has been cooking since she was eight – she even cooked on her own coal stove as her mother prepared meals for her family. She delights in sharing her South Indian culinary and cultural traditions with guests.

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) Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal that you will eat with your hands on stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves (if seasonally available). Flavors center around mustard, chilies, coconut, sour tamarind extract and native fruits and vegetables. Menu may include typical South Indian Tamilian dishes such as rasam (peppery soup of lentils and spices made with lemons, tomatoes or tamarind), sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew), kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy South Indian specialty flavored by sun-dried vegetables), vegetable curry, kootu (a special dish made of vegetables, lentils and coconut), rice, raita, appalams (also known as pappadams) and a spread of Indian condiments and snacks. Your meal concludes with South Indian filter coffee, a specialty coffee drink made by mixing frothed and boiled milk with the decoction obtained by brewing finely ground coffee powder in a traditional Indian filter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Learn to cook 4-5 dishes, part of a South Indian vegetarian meal that you will eat with your hands on stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves. Menu may include typical Tamilian vegetarian main dishes such as rasam (tangy peppery broth), sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew), and a variety of vegetable curries, rice, raita, condiments and snacks. Alternatively you may request to learn to make a South Indian brunch of dosas, idlis and vadas with a variety of chutneys instead.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) You will start your experience with a tour of Sundari’s home and an overview of the food you will be cooking before embarking on your market visit. At the local Sastri Nagar neighborhood market you will watch as Sundari gets her wheat milled, see how coffee is ground and even visit the local temple. You will then walk back to Sundari’s kitchen and learn to prepare and share a South Indian vegetarian meal.

Please note that the neighborhood market in Chennai where Sundari does her shopping is a busy street with roadside stores and vendors. This is unlike an open bazaar/wet market with bags of fruits and spices you might typically expect.

Notes: Sundari only serves vegetarian food as she is a Tamil Brahmin who only eats vegetarian. If you join Sundari for dinner or anytime on the weekend, her husband, Krishna, will join you. He is a foodie who loves meeting new people.

Sundari only offers dinner experiences on weekdays (Mon - Fri) and lunch and dinner on weekends (Sat-Sun).

Languages spoken: English

Traveler reviews

5.0 (49)
Brilliant memorable evening learning South Indian cooking with Sundari. Visit a Chennai home and learn to cook a fantastic home cooked meal then indulge in the spoils. A unique and fun experience for business colleagues, friends, and/or family.
- SheltiePo June 24, 2023
Cooking experience with Sundari and her husband Krishna was hands-down the BEST thing we had in Chennai during our business trip. The level of hospitality is unmatched, Sundari goes above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and interested in traditional Tamil cooking. It simply feels like home preparing food with your relatives. Ok, and now about the food. It was extremely tasty! Dosa and biryani we made under Sundari's supervision was the tastiest thing we tried in India along with other dishes that were cooked by Sundari herself. Also, one of the members in our group had a birthday, and Sundari made sure that he is properly congratulated with decoration and a surprise cake. Simply AMAZING. Recommended 100%.
- iliailiailia May 10, 2023
The BEST experience in Chennai Cooking experience with Sundari and her husband Krishna was hands-down the BEST thing we had in Chennai during our business trip. The level of hospitality is unmatched, Sundari goes above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and interested in traditional Tamil cooking. It simply feels like home preparing food with your relatives. Ok, and now about the food. It was extremely tasty! Dosa and biryani we made under Sundari's supervision was the tastiest thing we tried in India along with other dishes that were cooked by Sundari herself. Also, one of the members in our group had a birthday, and Sundari made sure that he is properly congratulated with decoration and a surprise cake. Simply AMAZING. Recommended 100%.
- Ilia May 08, 2023
Incredible experience, delicious food! If you're wondering whether a cooking class is a nice group activity, don't think twice, do this cooking class with Sundari! We went as a team building activity (7 people) and it was an incredible experience! Sundari made us feel at home from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left. Her expertise in cooking and experience teaching to cook is clear - she gave incredible context on every aspect of the process and followed up with detailed recipes - I feel confident now I will be able to make biryani at home! She and her husband were incredible hosts and cared deeply about making it a special experience for us. She also provided many recommendations for restaurants and places to shop in Chennai which was incredibly valuable.
- Daniele P May 07, 2023
Sundari's cooking class is the best cooking class/experience I've ever had. It's an unforgettable traveling experience and opportunity to connect with an amazing person. From the food, to the cooking expertise, and hospitality it's well worth every penny. - The Food The food was phenomenal, flat out. Sundari's Dosas made me weep for the childhood I never had eating them fresh from her pan😭. She taught me how to make Veggie Biryani, pepper rasam soup, Spiced and stir fried Okra (Bendi), veggie dahl, Dosa (including a 2nd type of thick dosa topped with onion and herb), and Masala Chai. She prepared Yogurt raita and Rotis for us beforehand. - The Cooking Experience Sundari is a knowledgeable, well-prepared, and passionate cooking teacher. She has been cooking for many years and can answer all your questions on technique and ingredient usage. She loves food and enjoys talking about cuisine outside of India as well. She has family in the USA and can advise on ingredient availability there. She really cares about curating your experience and was happy to help me customize the menu. The class was a pleasant balance of observing and listening vs active participation. Sundari was happy to let me jump in and out of the cooking work as I wanted. Sundari's kitchen was beautiful and well-stocked. Super organized and professional about everything. Afterwards, she sent me the recipes. - The Hospitality It was an honor and pleasure to be a guest of Sundari and her Husband Krishna in their beautiful home. From the second I walked in, I felt comfortable and welcomed. She even created a Ragnoli welcome design on her floor with powder - beautiful. Sundari is easy to talk to and I truly enjoyed spending 6 or so hours with her. After dinner, she went out of her way to show me not only the local grocery market, but her local temple and Kulfi shop. She was happy to take me anywhere I wanted to go in the neighborhood and even helped me with local travel stuff - directions, food recs, getting a local sim card on my phone. Bottom line, this was a lovely experience I'll remember forever. Sundari sets the standard for being an incredible host and cooking teacher. I'd go back tomorrow if I could!
- 764ethanj April 24, 2023
Sundari's cooking class is the best cooking class/experience I've ever had. It's an unforgettable traveling experience and opportunity to connect with an amazing person. From the food, to the cooking expertise, and hospitality it's well worth every penny. - The Food The food was phenomenal, flat out. Sundari's Dosas made me weep for the childhood I never had eating them fresh from her pan😭. She taught me how to make Veggie Biryani, pepper rasam soup, Spiced and stir fried Okra (Bendi), veggie dahl, Dosa (including a 2nd type of thick dosa topped with onion and herb), and Masala Chai. She prepared Yogurt raita and Rotis for us beforehand. - The Cooking Experience Sundari is a knowledgeable, well-prepared, and passionate cooking teacher. She has been cooking for many years and can answer all your questions on technique and ingredient usage. She loves food and enjoys talking about cuisine outside of India as well. She has family in the USA and can advise on ingredient availability there. She really cares about curating your experience and was happy to help me customize the menu. The class was a pleasant balance of observing and listening vs active participation. Sundari was happy to let me jump in and out of the cooking work as I wanted. Sundari's kitchen was beautiful and well-stocked. Super organized and professional about everything. Afterwards, she sent me the recipes. - The Hospitality It was an honor and pleasure to be a guest of Sundari and her Husband Krishna in their beautiful home. From the second I walked in, I felt comfortable and welcomed. She even created a Ragnoli welcome design on her floor with powder - beautiful. Sundari is easy to talk to and I truly enjoyed spending 6 or so hours with her. After dinner, she went out of her way to show me not only the local grocery market, but her local temple and Kulfi shop. She was happy to take me anywhere I wanted to go in the neighborhood and even helped me with local travel stuff - directions, food recs, getting a local sim card on my phone. Bottom line, this was a lovely experience I'll remember forever. Sundari sets the standard for being an incredible host and cooking teacher. I'd go back tomorrow if I could!
- 764ethic April 24, 2023
I cannot recommend this experience enough. Sundari was a superb host before we’d even met, getting in touch by WhatsApp to make sure we had the correct location for the class. We were welcomed with a personalised drawing on the floor of her home. We then had a great session of learning the techniques behind several dishes and chatting about South Indian culture. We enjoyed a beautiful feast, great conversation with Sundari and her husband, and left with recipes as well as tips for how to spend some time in Chennai. It was a delight from start to finish, a must do in Chennai!
- Enzeecee September 04, 2022
Awesome experience. Really she is very helpful and try to help everyone to learn in a good way. Thanks.
- robotres August 14, 2022
Sooo yummy! Sundari is a lovely woman and a excellent teacher! It was so much fun to be at her place. She was very flexibel at her schedule. Course booking was very easily and communicaton fast. So we can highly recommend this cooking experience. -Martin & Maja
- 792majak February 26, 2020
Highly recommend! A wonderful way to learn and experience Chennai. Sundari was a gracious host for our group (3 adults and 1 nine year old). We enjoyed learning some about the food and culture of this area. And the food was delicious! She is very open to personalizing the menu to your taste as well. We then enjoyed seeing a local produce market with many fruits and vegetables we’d not seen before, and to another interesting shop with all kinds of cookware (also many new things for us to see). Everything was very clean and comfortable all around. Highly recommend.
- DSLSantaMonica February 23, 2020
Incredible experience where Sundari walked us through various techniques of both the north and the south. She was flexible in catering the lesson to what we were interested in and going into details on techniques we were unfamiliar with. Highly recommend if you have time in Chennai!
- Jmfraser4 January 13, 2020
What fun ! After a few minutes we felt like we were in a relatives home. Sundari made us feel welcome and comfortable in her home. From the wonderful conversation to the demonstration of multiple South Indian dishes to the actual participation in the cooking, everything was outstanding. Then we got to sit and eat the meal which was delicious. After dinner we were ready to go to the market to possibly purchase an Indian spice container when my wife mentioned she was a beader That’s all it took to change our direction Off to a bead shop to buy lots and lots of beautiful stuff for little money. We then said our goodbyes to Sundari and Ubered back to our hotel. Next morning we received multiple photos from Sundari that she had taken. This experience is a MUST
- barry009 January 08, 2020
I give 5 stars because it was not just an unforgettable experience but I had the chance to meet such amazing human beings like Sundari and his husband. So nice, kind and warm.Before I start I just want to mention that it was so good and delicious that I went twice in 10 days. I couldn't resist and the food was the best I ate at Chennai.Sundari was so helpful, kind and has become a friend for life. She's an expert and a real cooking teacher. She let me record the class so that I could do the same at home. All the recipes were send to me. She adapted the menu as I wish (Vegan) :)Everything was explained in details and she gave me alternatives too.I had a great and unforgettable time. Next time I visit India, I'll for sure pass at Sundari. I can recommend this great and lovely experience to anyone.Namaste
- DonShiva777 January 03, 2020
Sundari exceeded my expectations of this lesson. She was helpful, talkative, open to ideas, explained each step in the cooking process perfectly and answered all questions I had. She is obviously an expert in what she does and a great teacher. I will definitely book another class with Sundari when I return to Chennai. The best cooking class I have participated in.
- Shane M July 29, 2019
Great cooking experience. Five friends travelling around India. We spent a magical evening with Sundar and her husband Krishna. A very laid back evening with a great cook, learnt so much.
- kpos2 April 14, 2019
Was fantastic to talk to a feminist in south India about their experiences and views about living there. Probably didn't need to do the market visit, but the food was amazing, and Jyashree was great adapting her menu to be vegan. She even gave us some rasam powder to take with us!
- tonyg7832 April 07, 2019
Sundari welcomed me into her home and kitchen and showed me all of the steps to cooking an authentic meal. She was warm, friendly, and knowledgeable and asked me just as many questions about my life in the United States as I asked her about hers in India. The food was amazing and I greatly enjoyed sharing a meal with her. I recommend this experience to anyone!
- christinaking70 March 28, 2019
Run, don't walk to make a reservation to cook with Sundari. She is not only an excellent cook, but also a terrific and gracious woman. Everything was laid out and ready for our cooking lesson and she explained exactly what she was doing and how/why she was doing it. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening in Chennai. I was with her from 5 PM until 9 PM and had to be dragged away by my hotel driver. A great experience!!!
- Happiness553863 March 17, 2019
Anu was so warm and welcoming us in our home. We left (rolled out of her apartment) having sampled many dishes and feeling like we made a lovely new friend. We had never had an i home experience like this in all of our travels and would recommend anyone to visit Anu.
- Kari W December 31, 2018
South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class with Sundari Krishna. Sundari and Krishna are such wonderful welcoming people. The activity was well organized - Sundari had asked us ahead of time (1-2 days before) about which recipes we wanted to learn. I had named several, and she kindly had made several dishes in addition to the three main ones. It was such a wonderful educational experience and the food was delicious. We had a traditional sit down lunch with so much food. She gave so many useful tips. We took our kids with us who had a wonderful time and they learned so much as well. We will definitely take lessons with Sundari next time we are in Chennai.
- revsuppiah November 28, 2018
Sundari was an amazing host. She opened up her house to me like I was a close friend and fed me till I could not eat anymore. She taught me so much and was so helpful in answering any questions I had and she was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Next time I'm in Chennai I'm stopping by again! Thank you Sundari it was an amazing experience!
- Alex S November 05, 2018
Sundari and her husband are incredibly welcoming and accommodating hosts. We really enjoyed spending time in their home getting to know them and learning to cook South Indian dishes. Sundari has an obvious passion for all kinds of cooking, and the food we/she prepared was absolutely delicious. Highly recommended for all visitors, and I would love to come back to learn to cook more dishes!
- James F July 01, 2018
Highly recommend spending the day with Sundari and getting an introduction to South Indian cuisine. Sundari is a great host and helped me understand the nuances of south Indian cooking and was very helpful and great to talk to.The walk around the market was also very interesting, especially the grocers where there was a variety of fruit and veg you don't see in Europe.I highly recommend a class with Sundari.
- Richard H June 21, 2018
Sundari makes cooking South Indian food fun and exciting. She'll share with you tips that you won't get elsewhere and the best part is that you get to eat it all! If ever I am in Chennai again, I will come back and learn more things from her!
- Selinta June 02, 2018
Visited Sundari for the lunch cooking class. She is such a welcoming person and from the minute we arrived had us relaxed and laughing with her. The food was the best we have had in Southern India, tadka Dahl and vegetable Korma which we had requested to learn to cook. She also showed us how to make some of the different breads which was so interesting. It was a lot of fun and we will definitely be back. Thank you so much Sundari and thanks to Kris for taking us to the market.
- Trish D March 02, 2018
Since I was traveling to Chennai on business, I did not have a lot of free time to explore the city. Having done cooking classes while on holiday in other countries, I knew this type of experience would be the best use of my limited time. If you are a person who enjoys learning about culture, eating great food, and meeting new people, Sundari does not disappoint! Both her and Krish welcomed me into their home and I felt immediately as ease in their presence. They went out of their way to ensure I was well taken care of. I encourage you to share a table with these two; best way to spend an afternoon in Chennai.
- traveloftenwithlove February 04, 2018
I can't think of a better way to learn about the culture and cuisine of Chennai than with a home cooking class, and my Traveling Spoon host, Sundari, was an amazing teacher. From the moment I stepped into her home she was so warm and welcoming, she even did a small ceremony for me. She was able to customize my lesson based on my previous exposure to Indian cooking, which I appreciated. Perhaps most helpful for Western tourists, she has experience living abroad, so she is able to explain things in a way that is very clear to non-Indians, and she's aware of what types of spices and products we have access to abroad, and what substitutes can be used. She also took me on a lovely tour of her neighborhood, where I got to meet her local shopkeepers and visit her temple. Unlike some tours, where this type of experience can seem uncomfortable or even a tad exploitative, since this is Sundari's local neighborhood and everyone knows her, it was quite comfortable wandering around with her and meeting people. I felt like I saw more of/ learned more about India in the 5 hours I spent with Sundari than I did in DAYS of other types of sightseeing I have done. Highly recommended!
- AndreaNDC September 30, 2017
Sundari was amazing! This was a fantastic way to learn about and get in touch with local culture. It's so difficult as a traveler to meet with and interact with real people who live in the cities we visit, but this was a great way to bridge that. I've recommended it to all my friends who might visit South India soon. Sundari was such a gracious and friendly host and her joy of sharing her own cuisine and culture was readily apparent. I felt so comfortable around her immediately -- she was a great teacher and host.
- Andrea F. September 20, 2017
Cooking with Sundari is the best thing to do in Sundari. Over the course of a warm and welcoming day, you will discover how spices in South Indian cooking inspire love and joy.Learning how to make dosas, beetroot curries and chose masala rounded off what was an excellent trip to Chennai. I learnt how Sundari is inspired by food and what makes her and her husband, Krishna, passionate about sharing dishes and culture.Right from the first first moment I was made to feel right at home an I would encourage anyone to take the time to slow down and connect with these great hosts. This was a truly exceptional experience!10/10.
- ewall27 September 12, 2017
I had an excellent day with Sundari and her husband Krishna. They were loving, warm and welcoming. They shared with me their passion for their city and how that can be expressed in food. What a treat! The food was delicious and Sundari's warm and welcoming approach made for a calm and pleasurable day. It was a beautiful day with beautiful people
- September 12, 2017
Sundari, is warm and welcoming host that makes you feel like part of her Family. The house is filled with happiness as she is this happy soul that touches your heart. I love her open nature, spirit that made it really far more than a cooking class. She is passionate and loves what she is doing. Beforehand Sundari asked me what I would like to cook, but i trusted her choice and the 3 recipies she showed me were excellent and I can't wait to cook them. In a cozy atmosphere I learned a lot about traditions, beliefs, culture, food while enjoying a delicious home cooked dinner together. We also went together to some local shops where i could buy some of the ingredients to cook some dishes back home.The experience touched my heart and i will remember always.
- JohannaS1905 August 06, 2017
Sundari was wonderful, sharing her South Indian culture with us before we even stepped inside. We felt so welcomed, it was as if visiting family! Her home is lovely, and we were allowed to take part in some wonderful traditions, in addition to the meal. Sundari was very well organized and clear with the instructions. I loved how many of the ingredients were from her own garden! This was the best experience my friend and I had since coming to India, and the most authentic. I look forward to trying out these recipes at home and hopefully come back to visit! - M. Deonarian
- 650mariahd May 23, 2017
Sundari's expertise in guiding us through the preparation of the cuisine of South India was beautifully balanced by her gift of storytelling. Her grace and charm had us at ease instantly and she made what we thought was complex in the preparation of the meal easily understood and it was absolutely delicious. We left with a greater knowledge of the culture through the welcome blessing, and the additional tour of her local area. Her attention to detail is exceptional. Plus we had the chance to meet her husband Krishna -such interesting conversation, we felt we left with two new friends. For each dish we were encouraged to taste and make suggestions if it was ready, this made us feel we were truly making the dishes ourselves. Sundari has a gift for cooking and for making people feel at ease. - Christopher and Julie, Adelaide Australia
- juleso15 May 22, 2017
Sundari was one of the best people we met during our month in India. She not only showing us how to make delicious traditional South Indian cuisine, but gave a wonderful glimpse into her family and culture. It was more like visiting a friend than a cooking class by the end of the evening!
- oboe1kanobi May 12, 2017
Sundari greeted us on the ground floor and invited us into her home. Little did we know this was the home of her deceased mother-in-law. The whole floor was a museum of early generation with antique household items. I was especially impressed with the kitchen. There was an entire room set aside for worship with an elaborate alter. We were graciously welcomed into the second floor home of Sundari and her husband, Krishna. Immediately, we received tea in the living room as she described the evening's menu and Indian spices commonly used in kitchen. In the kitchen Sundari invited to help with measuring, slicing, and mixing the many dishes we would enjoy for dinner. I especially enjoyed helping with the cooking of the "little doughnut" items. This was an excellent introduction into Indian culture and food. I would highly recommend a cooking lesson and meal with Sundari! It totally transformed my Chennai experience.
- Dolores H May 11, 2017
- Katharine Wismer May 10, 2017
I highly recommend the dinner and cooking class with Sundari at her home. I was in India for a month to study yoga and stayed at a hotel the entire month. I learned so much about India from visiting a home a speaking to a Madras native. Sundari's English skills are excellent and we talked about much more than cooking. We talked about the Hindu faith and the Indian culture. Sundari shared many stories about her family. I felt that we parted as friends.
- abluecrab May 10, 2017
Highly recommended. I entered the house thinking that I'd learn some basics of how to cook Tamil Brahmin cuisine. The experience turned out to be much beyond that. Sundari and Krishna greeted me with genuine smile when I first met them, and gave me a tour of their beautiful home before we started getting things started (they even made a personalized welcome-sign on the chalk board in their kitchen). Cooking with them almost made me feel like I was cooking with my own family members in my home kitchen, rather than attending a cooking class. Sundari is a very patient and fun chef, who can share the background of the ingredients and the dish itself. We also went to explore the local marketplace and bonded over homemade filter coffee (traditional coffee of Southern India). If you want a complete immersion to the local culture, great Tamil Brahmin vegetarian food, & great company, I strongly encourage you to visit Sundari's kitchen. You step in their home as a guest, and you step out as a part of their family. Thanks Sundari & Krishna!
- exploringHC May 08, 2017
Sundari and Krishna were amazing hosts! They really went above and beyond our expectations. We learned a lot about local culture that we wouldn't have otherwise (wedding customs, clothing, and of course, the ingredients themselves), and her food was the best we had during our week spent in India. If I lived in Chennai, I'd want them to adopt me. I've already recommended them to friends who had a great experience as well. Thanks Sundari and Krishna!
- jfung722 May 08, 2017
While in Southern India for my son's wedding, I was so excited to learn about Traveling Spoon and the incomparable opportunity to indulge in an authentic Southern Indian cooking lesson and home cooked meal. Upon arrival at her home, Sundari greeted us with sincere warmth and hospitality. What a treat to learn how to cook genuine Indian dishes in the kitchen of a local citizen. Sundari speaks perfect English which allowed us to relax and truly enjoy the experience. I fell in love with dosas and had a blast trying to learn to fry them just right. Eating gluten free was much easier than I expected. To have a local professional teach us how to cook and then invite us to dine at her table as we relish the favors and smells, is a totally unique and once in a life time experience. To top it off, Sundari prepared us for the upcoming wedding by showing and describing what we could expect at a Hindu wedding ceremony. It was great to hear her personal experiences of the wedding ceremonies multiple day celebration. Sundari's home is conveniently located near hotels which made it so easy to get there and back. I wholehearted encourage anyone visiting Chennai to schedule time to visit, learn and eat an exquisite meal from the gracious Sundari!
- katharine866 May 02, 2017
Sundari is a super hospitable host. She welcomed me and my friends at the entrance of her house with her husband and treated us like daughters. They showed us the traditional Indian custom and let us experience them. Surprisingly, she had prepared so many kinds of recipes for the lesson other than those we had ordered beforehand. She showed us how to cook those dishes efficiently and skillfully with humor. And after that, she took us to a local market and showed us unique vegetable and fruits, good coffee and spices. And eventually, we really enjoyed talking and having those many dishes that we cook together. Everything looked great and was amazingly delicious! I think everyone not only vegetarian but also non-vegetarian can get satisfaction from her cooking lesson and hospitality.
- Rumi & Kiyomi & Mai March 03, 2017
This was a wonderful experience. Sundari was a fantastic host and teacher, and all aspects of the day exceeded my expectations. The food was delicious and I left feeling confident that I can cook these dishes at home. In addition to the food and cooking, Sundari shared aspects of her culture, and took me to local places of interest that helped to shape the overall experience. If you are considering this experience, take the chance! I can't recommend it highly enough!
- February 16, 2017
I have done many cooking classes in India and in other countries, but this is by far, the best class I have ever done. Not only I learned new ways and recipes to cook, but I also learned invaluable insights into the culture and customs of India from Sundari. Her sincerity and hospitality made the experience unforgettable. Her husband was also a great host - very friendly and open. They truly welcomed me into their home and their hearts. Thank you very much.
- Au Gourmand February 12, 2017
Sundari's expertise in guiding us through the preparation of the cuisine of South India was beautifully balanced by her gift of storytelling. Her grace and charm had us at ease instantly and she made what we thought was complex in the preparation of the meal easily understood and it was absolutely delicious. We left with a greater knowledge of the culture through the welcome blessing, and the additional tour of her local area. Her attention to detail is exceptional. Plus we had the chance to meet her husband Krishna -such interesting conversation, we felt we left with two new friends.
- Christopher & Julie Orchard December 27, 2016
Sundari not only let us experience cooking in her wonderful kitchen, she gave us so much information about her city, her customs, traditional home life, and family. We were there during Diwali so she included us in some of the wonderful celebrations for that festival. We also got to walk around her neighborhood meeting her market friends, like her tailor, etc. and visited her temple. It was exactly what we had hoped for and more. She was gracious, kind, has a great sense of humor and made us feel like friends, not just "clients". The food was amazing, and the time spent was well worth it! What a memorable evening!
- Carol and Steve Jones November 29, 2016
The experience was beyond my imagination! I entered the house thinking that I'll learn some basics of how to cook Tamil Brahmin cuisine. The experience turned out to be much beyond that. Sundari and Krishna greeted me with genuine smile when I first met them, and gave me a tour of their beautiful home before we started getting things started (they even made a personalized welcome-sign on the chalk board in their kitchen). Cooking with them almost made me feel like I was cooking with my own family members in my home kitchen, rather than attending a cooking class. Sundari is a very patient and fun chef, who can share the background of the ingredients and the dish itself. We also went to explore the local marketplace and bonded over homemade filter coffee (traditional coffee of Southern India). If you want a complete immersion to the local culture, great Tamil Brahmin vegetarian food, & great company, I strongly encourage you to visit Sundari's kitchen. You step in their home as a guest through traveling spoon, but you step out as a part of their family. Thanks Sundari & Krishna!
- September 13, 2016
Sundari was wonderful, sharing her South Indian culture with us before we even stepped inside. We felt so welcomed, it was as if visiting family! Her home is lovely, and we were allowed to take part in some wonderful traditions, in addition. To the meal. Shndari was very well organized and clear with the instructions. I loved how many of the ingredients were from her own garden! This was the best experience my friend and I had since coming to India, and the most authentic. I look forward to trying out these recipes at home and hopefully come back to visit!
- M. Deonarian June 28, 2016
Sundari and Krishna were amazing hosts! They really went above and beyond our expectations. We learned a lot about local culture that we wouldn't have otherwise (wedding customs, clothing, and of course, the ingredients themselves), and her food was the best we had during our week spent in India. If I lived in Chennai, I'd want them to adopt me. I've already recommended them to friends who had a great experience as well. Thanks Sundari and Krishna!
- Jon and Kim December 26, 2015
There is no way I am going to be able to describe a day like today and give it the justice it deserves. The start began with a long overdue jog on the gym treadmill. It was refreshing to know that after a couple of days hiatus, it did not take long to get the kinks out. Downstairs for a lite fruit breakfast and then around the corner to stock up on bottled water. That left little time to prepare for the day, shower and pick up of a cake to supplement the day’s lunch. Uber at the ready and I was off to class. Was pleasantly surprised to find my hostess waiting for my arrival. It was magical the way we instantaneously hit it off. An exchange of smiles, a nod and whatever cultural barriers might have existed, evaporated. Sundari Krisha is a well-known awarded chef who specializes in vegetarian cuisine. Her classes are very well received for their flavor preparation and her willingness to accommodate the gamut of foreign palates. Her time spent in Dubai, Thailand, the U.S., Europe and India provide her with an open mindedness that serves her students and is shown in her attitude towards cooking. The day’s menu was specially formulated by my replies to her previous days’ texts. This class might have been postponed, but because of the day, I was to be her only student. There was even an invitational colored flour mandala on the marble tile, which, no pun intended ‘floored me.’ The menu began with a starter of Masala (spice mixture) Dosa (thin crisp rice flour tortilla) filled with a rich intense flavored filling (Burrito-like, if the outside was crunchy). Option to cook or watch, I opted for a lazy combination of the two. Between sets, Sundari confided about her love of cooking, her classes and how that all fit into her family life. The tidbits learned will be eagerly duplicated back at home. Who knew that premium rice is aged three years? The second course was a Shai cauliflower korma (stew) complemented by homemade roti (bread). And to finish it off, Aubergine (small eggplant) lentil mixture joined by vegetable rice. The meal was delicious and conversation flowed effortlessly. To top it off, the selected cake, a chocolate ganache, ended up being the perfect choice. Hours passed before my body told me I had spent most of it happily sitting, eating and conversing.
- David
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Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$36 $36 $36
Cooking Experience + Meal
$62 $62 $62
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$94 $94 $84
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$36 $36 $36
Cooking Experience + Meal
$62 $62 $62
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$94 $94 $84
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
12:00pm-2:00pm 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
11:00am-2:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
9:00am-2:00pm 4:00pm-9:00pm
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.