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Host: Rakhi

Chicago, IL, United States

USD
$129 per person

Chicago Cooking Class Near Wrigley Field with a Le Cordon Bleu Chef

Host offerings
  • House
  • Professional cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Round-Trip Transfers
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

Meet Rakhi

Rakhi is a passionate Chicago host and professionally trained chef who has been cooking since the age of eight, when she first learned family recipes from her grandmother. Rakhi comes from a family where food and hospitality have always been central to life - both her grandmother and great grandmother published cookbooks focused on their regional cuisine. After moving to the United States in her twenties, Rakhi pursued formal culinary training and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, specializing in classical French cuisine. She later interned with celebrity chef Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, where she explored the fusion of Mexican and American flavors. Her culinary journey also took her to Thailand and India, where she trained in Thai cuisine at the Sheraton Bangkok and at the renowned Spice Route restaurant in New Delhi. Rakhi loves welcoming guests into her Chicago home near Wrigley Field to share cooking experiences inspired by her global culinary background, deep family traditions, and the city she now calls home. In addition to international cuisines, she also teaches guests how to prepare iconic Chicago dishes and local favorites while sharing stories about Chicago’s rich food culture. Through her hands-on classes, guests learn professional techniques, discover vibrant flavors, and enjoy meaningful cultural connection around the table. Her goal is to make cooking approachable, creative, and joyful for every traveler she hosts.

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.

Cooking experience: (4-10 guests) Experience a private Chicago cooking class in the home of Rakhi, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who lives near Wrigley Field. During this 2.5-hour hands-on culinary experience, roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and learn professional cooking techniques while discovering Chicago's rich food culture and culinary traditions.

Perfect for couples, families, celebrations, date nights, and small groups, this personalized cooking class offers a unique opportunity to cook alongside a professional chef in her welcoming Chicago home. Rakhi will guide you step-by-step through preparing a delicious meal, sharing cooking tips, family recipes, and stories from her culinary journey. Afterward, sit down together to enjoy the meal you've created.

The default menu celebrates Chicago's Italian-American culinary heritage, featuring local favorites such as Chicken Vesuvio, chopped salad with giardiniera, garlic bread, and a homemade dessert. Alternatively, choose from Southern comfort food, Tex-Mex, classic Indian, Italian pasta-making, or vegan Indian menus. Whether you'd like to master handmade pasta, prepare authentic Indian curries, or learn to make fresh tortillas, Rakhi can tailor the experience to your culinary interests.

Please indicate your preferred menu or any dishes you'd like to learn to cook in the notes when booking. If no preference is provided, the Classic Chicago menu will be prepared by default.

Vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Notes: Please indicate your preferred menu or any specific dishes you'd like to learn to cook in the notes when booking. If no preference is provided, Rakhi will prepare Menu 1: Classic Chicago Favorites by default.
Rakhi is happy to welcome smaller groups for this private cooking experience; however, a minimum booking charge equivalent to four guests applies, regardless of group size.

Languages spoken: English, French, Assamese

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.
  • Menu 1: Classic Chicago Favorites – Chicken Vesuvio (a beloved Chicago-style chicken dish with garlic, white wine, and potatoes), Chopped Salad with Giardiniera (a tangy, spicy Chicago-style pickled vegetable relish), Garlic Bread, and Fudgy Chocolate Brownies.
  • Menu 2: Southern Comfort Food Favorites – Hot Fried Chicken (crispy, juicy fried chicken with a spicy kick), Buttermilk Biscuits (fluffy, buttery Southern-style biscuits), Country Gravy (rich, creamy gravy), and Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies (homemade cookies with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans).
  • Menu 3: Tex-Mex Favorites – Skirt Steak Tacos (tender, flavorful grilled steak), Homemade Flour Tortillas (soft, freshly made from scratch), Pico de Gallo (a fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime), and Mexican Flan (a silky caramel custard dessert).
  • Menu 4: Classic Indian Favorites – Butter Chicken (tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce), Dal Makhani (slow-cooked black lentils), Tandoori Roti (traditional Indian flatbread), and Vermicelli Kheer (a creamy, cardamom-infused Indian dessert).
  • Menu 5: Classic Italian Pasta Class – Seasonal Salad (fresh greens and seasonal vegetables), Handmade Fettuccine (fresh pasta made from scratch), Bolognese Sauce (a rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce), and Panna Cotta (a silky Italian cream dessert).
  • Menu 6: Vegan Indian Cooking Class – Poori (fluffy, deep-fried Indian bread), Chole (chickpeas simmered in a fragrant, spiced gravy), Aloo Dum (tender potatoes cooked in a rich, aromatic curry), and Carrot Halwa (a traditional Indian carrot dessert made with plant-based milk).

Rakhi

$129 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 4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $129 $129
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $129 $129
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Rakhi

Rakhi is a passionate Chicago host and professionally trained chef who has been cooking since the age of eight, when she first learned family recipes from her grandmother. Rakhi comes from a family where food and hospitality have always been central to life - both her grandmother and great grandmother published cookbooks focused on their regional cuisine. After moving to the United States in her twenties, Rakhi pursued formal culinary training and graduated from Le Cordon Bleu, specializing in classical French cuisine. She later interned with celebrity chef Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, where she explored the fusion of Mexican and American flavors. Her culinary journey also took her to Thailand and India, where she trained in Thai cuisine at the Sheraton Bangkok and at the renowned Spice Route restaurant in New Delhi. Rakhi loves welcoming guests into her Chicago home near Wrigley Field to share cooking experiences inspired by her global culinary background, deep family traditions, and the city she now calls home. In addition to international cuisines, she also teaches guests how to prepare iconic Chicago dishes and local favorites while sharing stories about Chicago’s rich food culture. Through her hands-on classes, guests learn professional techniques, discover vibrant flavors, and enjoy meaningful cultural connection around the table. Her goal is to make cooking approachable, creative, and joyful for every traveler she hosts.

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.

Cooking experience: (4-10 guests) Experience a private Chicago cooking class in the home of Rakhi, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who lives near Wrigley Field. During this 2.5-hour hands-on culinary experience, roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and learn professional cooking techniques while discovering Chicago's rich food culture and culinary traditions.

Perfect for couples, families, celebrations, date nights, and small groups, this personalized cooking class offers a unique opportunity to cook alongside a professional chef in her welcoming Chicago home. Rakhi will guide you step-by-step through preparing a delicious meal, sharing cooking tips, family recipes, and stories from her culinary journey. Afterward, sit down together to enjoy the meal you've created.

The default menu celebrates Chicago's Italian-American culinary heritage, featuring local favorites such as Chicken Vesuvio, chopped salad with giardiniera, garlic bread, and a homemade dessert. Alternatively, choose from Southern comfort food, Tex-Mex, classic Indian, Italian pasta-making, or vegan Indian menus. Whether you'd like to master handmade pasta, prepare authentic Indian curries, or learn to make fresh tortillas, Rakhi can tailor the experience to your culinary interests.

Please indicate your preferred menu or any dishes you'd like to learn to cook in the notes when booking. If no preference is provided, the Classic Chicago menu will be prepared by default.

Vegetarian, vegan, and lactose-free diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

Notes: Please indicate your preferred menu or any specific dishes you'd like to learn to cook in the notes when booking. If no preference is provided, Rakhi will prepare Menu 1: Classic Chicago Favorites by default.
Rakhi is happy to welcome smaller groups for this private cooking experience; however, a minimum booking charge equivalent to four guests applies, regardless of group size.

Languages spoken: English, French, Assamese

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.
  • Menu 1: Classic Chicago Favorites – Chicken Vesuvio (a beloved Chicago-style chicken dish with garlic, white wine, and potatoes), Chopped Salad with Giardiniera (a tangy, spicy Chicago-style pickled vegetable relish), Garlic Bread, and Fudgy Chocolate Brownies.
  • Menu 2: Southern Comfort Food Favorites – Hot Fried Chicken (crispy, juicy fried chicken with a spicy kick), Buttermilk Biscuits (fluffy, buttery Southern-style biscuits), Country Gravy (rich, creamy gravy), and Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies (homemade cookies with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans).
  • Menu 3: Tex-Mex Favorites – Skirt Steak Tacos (tender, flavorful grilled steak), Homemade Flour Tortillas (soft, freshly made from scratch), Pico de Gallo (a fresh salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime), and Mexican Flan (a silky caramel custard dessert).
  • Menu 4: Classic Indian Favorites – Butter Chicken (tender chicken in a rich, creamy tomato sauce), Dal Makhani (slow-cooked black lentils), Tandoori Roti (traditional Indian flatbread), and Vermicelli Kheer (a creamy, cardamom-infused Indian dessert).
  • Menu 5: Classic Italian Pasta Class – Seasonal Salad (fresh greens and seasonal vegetables), Handmade Fettuccine (fresh pasta made from scratch), Bolognese Sauce (a rich, slow-simmered Italian meat sauce), and Panna Cotta (a silky Italian cream dessert).
  • Menu 6: Vegan Indian Cooking Class – Poori (fluffy, deep-fried Indian bread), Chole (chickpeas simmered in a fragrant, spiced gravy), Aloo Dum (tender potatoes cooked in a rich, aromatic curry), and Carrot Halwa (a traditional Indian carrot dessert made with plant-based milk).
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $129 $129
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 4 ppl 5+ people
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $129 $129
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
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 4% 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. Transfers are typically charged on a per car basis, not per person. 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 round-trip transfers as an optional add-on. A driver collects you from your hotel or residence, takes you to the experience, and brings you back at the end. Pricing is quoted per car, not per person, so a group shares one fare. Your host's exact pickup instructions come with your confirmation details once the booking is accepted. A few hosts arrange transfers differently — a one-way ride, or a pickup from a central meeting point — and where that is the case their profile says so in place of the round-trip wording.

    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.