10 Indian Cooking Courses to look out for in London
Dal-Chawal, Spicy Curries, Roti-Sabzi — these are some of the many traditional Indian dishes that are popular throughout the world. With delightful flavours, colours, and aromatic spices and herbs, Indian cuisine is loved by people of all ages and nationalities. Portraying the multiculturalism of the UK, Chicken tikka masala today is truly a National Dish showing just how well Britons absorb and adopt external influences making it their own.
Understanding and adopting the intricate techniques involved in Indian cuisine may be daunting at first but sit back and relax as there is a cultural revolution doing the rounds changing the entire landscape, with home cooks and professional chefs opening their doors towards mentoring budding aspirants. Mastering Indian cuisine hasn’t been this easy.
In this piece, we’ll look at 10 such culinary studios that offer a variety of Indian cooking courses in London. Whether you’re looking for Indian vegetarian cooking courses or you simply want to perfect the technique of making Naan, we’ve got you covered!
1. The Cooking Academy
Founder: Kumud Gandhi
Website: https://www.thecookingacademy.co.uk/
Location: Rickmansworth
Cost: £115 – £200 per person
About the founder:
Kumud Gandhi is a published author, food writer, keynote speaker, and broadcaster who, inspired by her Indian heritage, founded The Cooking Academy in 2010. Though Kumud has a background in Economics, she left the corporate world behind to research food science and create tasty, healthy food. Today, with over a decade of professional experience in nutrition and food, Kumud teaches Indian cookery classes at The Academy, intending to educate people about vibrant, flavoursome, and healthy Indian cuisine.
About the course:
The Cooking Academy offers a range of basic and advanced Indian non-vegetarian and vegetarian cooking classes. Some of their popular courses include: popular courses include:
- Half-day cooking class: A class for beginners to understand the fundamentals of spice blending and cook dishes such as Chana Masala Curry, Chicken Kebabs, Bombay Potatoes, and Raita. Hands on sessions focusing on the basics sure to get you cooking in half a day. Also a great option as a date if you and your partner are looking for something enteraining and educational.
- Indian vegetarian cooking class:A 1-day course that explores tasty and healthy meat-free Indian recipes using ingredients such as green beans and tofu. Indian cuisine has predated the veganism movement for centuries emphasising on the benefits of a vegetarian diet and in this course aspiring chefs will be introduced to the basics of day-to-day vegetarian cuisine as seen in an Indian household.ofu.
- Mogul Emperor’s Feast Class:An advanced class where you can learn to cook elaborate dishes such as Cinnamon Spring Lamb, Peshawari Rice, Makhan Raja Prawns, Dal Makhani, and more. With heirloom recipes requiring intricate spice mixes and multiple stages of cooking this course is a sure fit for professionals and trained homecooks.
Why you should check it out:
The Cooking Academy offers some of the best, beginner-friendly, healthy Indian cooking courses in London. Not only do they teach you lip-smacking dishes, but they also educate you on Indian spices, spice blends, cookery techniques, and the art of demystifying Indian cooking without overcomplicating it. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can visit their website or social media for more information.
2. Cooking with Monisha
Founder: Monisha Bharadwaj
Website: https://www.cookingwithmonisha.com/#
Location: Hounslow
Cost: £39 – £145 per person
About the founder:
Monisha is a chef, food historian, and author of the award-winning book ‘Indian in 7: Delicious Indian recipes in 7 ingredients or fewer’. An Allumini of the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management in Mumbai, Monisha established her cookery studio in London in 2004. Apart from being a guest chef and judge at several culinary schools and events, Monisha enjoys teaching people her brand of simple yet authentic regional Indian delicacies with a wide variety of veg and non-veg classics from the humble Indian houses to royal courts and their kitchens.
About the course:
Cooking with Monisha offers both in-person and online cooking classes, ranging from a full-day simple Indian cookery course to vegetarian, vegan, South-Indian, and sea-food courses. You can learn classic Indian recipes such as Tarka Dal, Roti, Lentil Salad, Onion Bhajia, and Potato and Cauliflower Curry or go the advanced route and experiment with cooking recipes like Goli Bhaat, Murgh Makhani, Bagara Baingan, and Saag Aloo.
Why you should check it out:
Cooking with Monisha is an Indian cooking class in London that simplifies the art of cooking by teaching you that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a healthy and tasty Indian meal. You’ll learn about layering flavours, blending spices, and creating delicious curry pastes that you can use in your everyday cooking. So if you’re looking for one of the best Indian cooking courses in London, you can give this one a try!
3. Sweet Cumin
Founder: Binixa Ludlow
Website: https://www.sweetcumin.co.uk/
Location: Clapton
Cost: £125 – £225 per person
About the founder:
Though Binixa grew up in Bradford, she learnt traditional Gujarati cooking from her mother when she was only eight years old. Since then, she has developed a passion for exotic Indian ingredients and traditional Indian cuisine. After visiting India in 2005 and understanding authentic Indian cooking techniques, Bini began to teach cooking professionally. In 2011, she established Sweet Cumin, and today, she runs a range of Indian cookery classes in London.
About the course:
Sweet Cumin offers half-day and full-day cookery courses suitable for vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions. From a complete Gujarati Indian Thali Course to an Indian Railway Tiffin Course and a South Indian Course, there’s something for everyone. Some of the delectable dishes that are a part of Bini’s cookery classes include Lamb Curry, Stuffed Breakfast Paratha, Jeera Rice, Chicken Tikka, Dosas, Vegetable Cutlet, and Kerala Tamarind Prawns.
Why you should check it out:
Sweet Cumin is one of the few Indian cookery studios in London that teaches you about the importance of loving the ingredients that you cook with. Bini is a firm believer that when care, time, and effort are taken, rich and deep Indian flavours can be brought to life, and that’s precisely what you’ll get to learn at Sweet Cumin.
4. Spice Monkey
Founder: Nikita Gulhane
Website: https://spicemonkey.co.uk/
Location: Victoria Road
Cost: £75 – £400 per person
About the founder:
Nikita Gulhane has an extensive background in the culinary industry, having worked for many cafes and French restaurants. He also helped create food policies for DEFRA and made documentaries about food for BBC radio.
About the course:
Spice monkey offers a nice variety of Indian cookery classes in London for both beginners and those looking to extend their repertoire. Some of their popular Indian courses include Student Curries, Street Food and Snacks, Taste of Punjab, Simply Vegan, and Veggie advanced. Through Spice Monkey’s cookery classes, you can learn how to make lip-smacking vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes such as the Maharashtrian Mutton Rassa, South-Indian Vadas, Gujarati Lentil Cakes, Thoran, Palak Paneer, and Smoky Roasted Aubergine.
Why you should check it out:
Spice Monkey’s Indian cooking classes focus on learning the essential techniques needed to make your cooking adaptable and intuitive. Through step-by-step guidance, you’ll be able to unlock the secret of combining aromatic Indian spices to create a fantastic meal. So if you’re interested in meeting new people and enjoying a fun-filled day of cooking Indian food, check out Spice Monkey!
5. The Avenue Cooking School
Founder: Diana
Website: https://theavenuecookeryschool.com/
Location: Wandsworth
Cost: £90 – £170 per person
About the founder:
Diana started her culinary journey as a chalet chef before founding her specialist food ventures — a catering company, a refined delicatessen in Chelsea, and The Avenue. The Avenue is a family-run Cookery School where Diana creates classical dishes and delectable culinary creations with trailblazing twists that are sure to delight your palate.
About the course:
The Avenue offers a diverse range of live and online cookery courses in London, across different cuisines and levels. Their Indian cooking class is a fun-filled 3-hour class where you can learn how to cook 2 Indian courses (Spicy Beef Kebabs, Butter Chicken/Paneer, Jeera Rice), Mint Raita and Naan Bread.
The course also includes useful tips and tricks of the trade, insights into Indian cuisine, knife skills, preparation and organisational skills, a guide to using Indian spices, and recipe booklets.
Why you should check it out:
This delicious Indian cookery course in London is all you need to start your Indian culinary journey. With a strong understanding of robust flavours and spices, The Avenue uses a hands-on approach to equip people to whip up delectable dishes the hassle-free way. Not only do they offer a fun and informative cookery demonstration, but they also provide you with unlimited wine to kick it up a notch!
6. Pure Punjabi
Founders: Surinder and Safia
Website: https://www.purepunjabi.co.uk/
Location: Downton
Cost: £89 – £189 per person
About the founders:
Surinder and Safia are a mother-daughter duo from Punjab, dedicated to teaching people their North Indian culinary traditions. Both Surinder and Safia started their culinary training at the age of 8. In fact, when Surinder was 11 years old, she would prepare the traditional family meals at home after returning from school. Their goal is to provide people access to Indian cuisine by teaching them the traditional cookery methods of their ancestors.
About the course:
Pure Punjabi is an extremely popular Indian cooking class in London and even made it to the top 8 Indian cookery courses in the UK. Their most popular class is called ‘The Indian Experience Cookery Workshop’ where groups of 4-6 people are taught to prepare a 3-course Indian meal under expert supervision. The course also includes lunch with beer and wine. They also offer an Indian Street Food Workshop where you can learn how to make appetising dishes such as Samosas, Amritsari Fish, and Gol Gappa.
Why you should check it out:
If you’re looking to learn the art of cooking Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from two extremely passionate chefs, then Pure Punjabi is the place to go! With a deep understanding of Punjabi cuisine and Indian flavours, Safia and Surinder promise a hands-on cooking experience that is insightful and entertaining.
7. Ren’s Kitchen
Founders: Renuka Patel
Website: https://www.renskitchen.com/
Location: Edgware
Cost: £125 – £185 per person
About the founder:
Renuka Patel worked in a corporate job for over 13 years. After the birth of her daughter Monica, she decided to take a step back and spend time with her at home. However, she still wanted to pursue a career and decided to establish Ren’s Kitchen out of her love for cooking Indian food. She started by teaching Indian recipes to small groups of people and eventually built her cookery studio over a decade ago. Today, she offers a variety of Indian cooking courses in London through Ren’s Kitchen.
About the course:
All Indian cooking classes conducted by Ren’s Kitchen include an introduction, a talk about spices, prepping ingredients, cooking the dish, a quick recap, and a Q&A session. They offer various group and private cooking classes in London where they teach how to cook curries, vegetarian snacks, and dinner party delights. Some of the Indian dishes they teach include Goan Fish Curry, Vegetable Pakoras, Chapatis, Bhuna Chicken, and Mutter Paneer.
Why you should check it out:
The best part of Ren’s Kitchen is that they provide complete hands-on training rather than one-sided demonstrations. This allows you to understand spices, quantities, and flavours better. She also teaches you authentic and healthy Indian recipes that are easy to recreate, even if you’re only a beginner. And at the end of the day, you get to take the food you prepared home with you!
8. Najma’s Indian Cookery Classes
Founders: Shermin
Website: Najma’s – Indian Cookery Classes
Location: Raynes Park West London
Cost: £45 – £60 per person
About the Founder:
Raised in a family of career F&B professionals, Shermin’s father has run a successful catering business for the past 40 years.
With his legacy and backed by her mothers favourite heirloom recipes, Shermin offers you a hands on experience diving into the complex world of Indian cuisine.
With the classes being conducted in her family’s home kitchen one can experience true Indian household cuisine at its finest.
About the Course:
Sharmin’s kitchen has been rated Level-5 in the Food and Beverage Hygiene and is the perfect place to explore one of the various beginner level or advanced level courses she offers.
Covering essentials of Indian cooking equipment to spice blends and techniques.
Her most famous classes being the Biryani Master Class, Ready steady Kofta and the Beginers Course, with each being priced between 45 to 60 pounds per student.
Why you should check it out:
Inviting you into her home the host grants us a unique and rare glimpse into the house hold scenario of cooking Indian food which is what most of us may encounter as we go about our lives. This gives you access to generational wealth passed down in the form of tips tricks and teniques.
With over 50 years or mmore of cumulative experience cooking professionally between the members of the family it is one of the most hands on and focused classes you cna find. With batches not exceeding more than 4 to 5 participants. Ensuring you receive indiviual attention and guidance.
9. Food at 52 Cookery School
Founders: John & Emily Benbow
Website: Food at 52 Cookery School
Location: 96 Central Street London
Cost: £100 – £150 per person
About the Founder:
From running a professional movie set manufacturing company to dawing the apron, John has been cooking ever since he can imagine and launched Food at 52 Cookery School to pass down his knowledge of food and cuisine honed over years of cooking and tasting multiple cuisines.
With his wife and a team of professionally terained chefs the team at Food at 52 are equipped with a full fledged kitchen to enable you to revieve hands on training with highest international standards being followed.
About the Course:
They offer two unique courses ie. Southern Indian Cookery and Indian Street Feast Cookery classes. The former consisting of a deep dive into the colourful word of South Indian Cuisine highlighted with the robust use of fresh herbs and spices paired with meats and sea food, forget that butter chicken or chicken tikka masala, try some meen moilee or mutton chettinad for a change and experience the other side of India’s robust and flavourful cuisine.
The Indian Street Food Feast is more focues on culinary delights form the streets of Indian including delicacies such as chaats to accompaniments, dips, sauces and much more.
Why you should check it out:
With a home styled kitchen located on central street, once you step in youre transported to a colonial house in the suburbs of Kent or Surrey. Providing a relaxed and well furnished lounge to a fully equipped kitchen, professional chefs will guide you very step of the way and make this experience a truly memorable one. With a decade of experience under their sleeve the team of Food at 52 surely have made a name for themself.
10 The Avenue Cookery School
Founders: Diana, Sophie and Richard
Website: The Avenue Cookery School
Location: WandsworthLondon
Cost: £100 – £150 per person
About the Founders:
Mother Son & Daughter Trio run this wonderfully vibrant and entertaining cookery academy for almost 2 decades, along with a team of professional chefs and kitchen executives offering their own speciality to each course giving you a chance to delve deep into the subject receiving hands on experience and guidance.
With Undying energy warmth and guidance Diana the mom guides all her pupils into the kitchen with utmost care.
About the Course:
The Avenue offers a Vegan Indian Cuisine cookery class with simple yet stellar collection of curries including mixed lentils, black chickpea curry, naan and much more. With a demo to start the class the srtudents will jump head first and cook their own versions of the dishes presented under the guidance of professional chefs and unending flow of wine to set the mood for an entertaining and enducative experience.
Why you should check it out:
They offer both short duration courses and in-depth courses with a blend of dishes best suited to focus on developing oyur desired skillset.
Consistently rated and appearing in multiple publications and guides they are a sure shot in our books and would highly be recomended.
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