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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Rachana

Mumbai (Bombay), India

USD
$89-$139 per person

Authentic North Indian Home Cooking in Powai, Mumbai

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

Meet Rachana

Rachna is a Mumbai based culinary curator and entrepreneur whose journey with food is deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and lived experience. Her inspiration to pursue cooking professionally took shape during her early exposure to the kitchens and hospitality culture at Taj Mansingh, where she first observed the precision, grace, and respect with which food is crafted and presented at the highest level. Originally from northern India and now based in Powai, Mumbai, Rachna’s cooking philosophy is guided by authenticity and patience. She believes that flavor begins long before cooking, through careful sourcing, slow techniques, and freshly ground spices prepared in house. For her, the kitchen is not only a workspace but a space of calm, focus, and creative expression.

Over the past fifteen years, Rachna has built Ambrosia, a successful culinary venture known for its soulful food, curated menus, and warm, detail-oriented approach to hospitality. Her work spans private dining experiences, curated food festivals, and bespoke events, where storytelling through food plays a central role. Beyond her professional life, Rachna is a single mother to two grownup children, a role that has shaped her resilience, independence, and work ethic. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, she continues to build her craft with quiet determination and integrity. Creatively inclined, she also finds joy in painting, writing poetry, driving, dancing etc. Her love for the arts extends into her personal spaces, which are adorned with her own handcrafted pieces, each reflecting her belief that food, like art, is an expression of emotion, memory, and care.

What to expect

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

In-home meal: (2-6 guests) Your Mumbai in-home dining experience is designed as an intimate, thoughtfully curated journey that reflects Rachna’s philosophy of soulful cooking and warm hospitality. You can expect a relaxed yet elegant setting, where each course is prepared with attention to detail, balance of flavors, and respect for traditional techniques. The menu is seasonal, and changes based on fresh produce and the chef’s creative interpretation, offering a well-rounded selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Expect slow-cooked meats, delicately spiced gravies, and carefully layered flavors that highlight the depth of Indian cooking without being overpowering. Vegetarian preparations focus on freshness, texture, and comfort, while seafood and meat dishes are crafted to be rich yet refined. Meals are served in a paced, unhurried manner, allowing guests to savor each course and engage with the story behind the food. The experience concludes on a gentle, nostalgic note with a traditional dessert, offering a sense of completeness and warmth.

Cooking experience: (2-6 guests) For your hands-on cooking class in a Mumbai home you are invited into Rachna's home for a guided cooking session. This interactive experience offers insight into local ingredients, family recipes, focusing on techniques, spice balance, and the small details that define flavor. Your Mumbai cooking class is designed to be engaging and unhurried, allowing guests to observe, assist, and understand the nuances behind cooking Indian food, from a carefully spiced curry to a well-balanced vegetarian preparation or a signature meat specialty. Emphasis is placed on method and intuition rather than rigid recipes. After the cooking class, guests come together to enjoy the meal they have helped prepare, creating a natural transition from the kitchen to the table. The experience encourages conversation, shared learning, and a deeper appreciation of the food, making it as much about connection and storytelling as it is about cooking.

Languages spoken: English, Hindi

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Hyderabadi Biryani
  • Mutton Goli Kabab
  • Egg Devil

Traveler reviews

This is a new host who does not yet have any reviews. You can see reviews of our other Mumbai Traveling Spoon experiences on TripAdvisor:
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Rachana

$89-$139 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $99 $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 $119
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $99 $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 $119
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:00pm-4:00pm 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Rachana

Rachna is a Mumbai based culinary curator and entrepreneur whose journey with food is deeply rooted in tradition, discipline, and lived experience. Her inspiration to pursue cooking professionally took shape during her early exposure to the kitchens and hospitality culture at Taj Mansingh, where she first observed the precision, grace, and respect with which food is crafted and presented at the highest level. Originally from northern India and now based in Powai, Mumbai, Rachna’s cooking philosophy is guided by authenticity and patience. She believes that flavor begins long before cooking, through careful sourcing, slow techniques, and freshly ground spices prepared in house. For her, the kitchen is not only a workspace but a space of calm, focus, and creative expression.

Over the past fifteen years, Rachna has built Ambrosia, a successful culinary venture known for its soulful food, curated menus, and warm, detail-oriented approach to hospitality. Her work spans private dining experiences, curated food festivals, and bespoke events, where storytelling through food plays a central role. Beyond her professional life, Rachna is a single mother to two grownup children, a role that has shaped her resilience, independence, and work ethic. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, she continues to build her craft with quiet determination and integrity. Creatively inclined, she also finds joy in painting, writing poetry, driving, dancing etc. Her love for the arts extends into her personal spaces, which are adorned with her own handcrafted pieces, each reflecting her belief that food, like art, is an expression of emotion, memory, and care.

What to expect

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

In-home meal: (2-6 guests) Your Mumbai in-home dining experience is designed as an intimate, thoughtfully curated journey that reflects Rachna’s philosophy of soulful cooking and warm hospitality. You can expect a relaxed yet elegant setting, where each course is prepared with attention to detail, balance of flavors, and respect for traditional techniques. The menu is seasonal, and changes based on fresh produce and the chef’s creative interpretation, offering a well-rounded selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Expect slow-cooked meats, delicately spiced gravies, and carefully layered flavors that highlight the depth of Indian cooking without being overpowering. Vegetarian preparations focus on freshness, texture, and comfort, while seafood and meat dishes are crafted to be rich yet refined. Meals are served in a paced, unhurried manner, allowing guests to savor each course and engage with the story behind the food. The experience concludes on a gentle, nostalgic note with a traditional dessert, offering a sense of completeness and warmth.

Cooking experience: (2-6 guests) For your hands-on cooking class in a Mumbai home you are invited into Rachna's home for a guided cooking session. This interactive experience offers insight into local ingredients, family recipes, focusing on techniques, spice balance, and the small details that define flavor. Your Mumbai cooking class is designed to be engaging and unhurried, allowing guests to observe, assist, and understand the nuances behind cooking Indian food, from a carefully spiced curry to a well-balanced vegetarian preparation or a signature meat specialty. Emphasis is placed on method and intuition rather than rigid recipes. After the cooking class, guests come together to enjoy the meal they have helped prepare, creating a natural transition from the kitchen to the table. The experience encourages conversation, shared learning, and a deeper appreciation of the food, making it as much about connection and storytelling as it is about cooking.

Languages spoken: English, Hindi

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Hyderabadi Biryani
  • Mutton Goli Kabab
  • Egg Devil

Traveler reviews

This is a new host who does not yet have any reviews. You can see reviews of our other Mumbai Traveling Spoon experiences on TripAdvisor:
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $99 $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 $119
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $99 $89
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $139 $119
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:00pm-4:00pm 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-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.