3 Hour Nepali Meal Cooking Class in Pokhara or Kathmandu

Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Nepal by joining a 3-hour Nepali meal cooking class in the scenic locations of Pokhara or Kathmandu. Guided by an expert cook, you’ll learn to prepare a traditional Nepali thali, featuring essential dishes like rice, dal, vibrant vegetable curry, and slow-cooked meat or tofu. With hands-on experience using local ingredients, you’ll not only savor the delicious flavors but also engage in lively discussions about the cultural significance of each dish. Discover the essence of Nepali cuisine and uncover the stories behind the flavors that have captivated the palates of many.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Cooking Classes In Kathmandu.

Key Points

• A 3-hour private group cooking class focused on traditional Nepali cuisine, including rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and meat or tofu dishes.
• Classes are priced from €56.71 per person and include hotel pickup/drop-off, an expert guide/cook, cooking equipment, and alcoholic beverages.
• Locations offered in the Lakeside area of Pokhara, Thamel in Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur neighborhoods, with instruction available in Nepali, Hindi, and English.
• Participants learn essential techniques for cooking fluffy rice, preparing hearty lentil soup, and crafting vibrant vegetable curries and slow-cooked meat or tofu dishes.
• The class concludes with a traditional Nepali thali meal, allowing participants to engage in the cultural experience of eating with their fingers and discussing the cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Class Details

This Nepali meal cooking class is a 3-hour private group experience that provides participants an opportunity to learn the essentials of traditional Nepali cuisine.

Priced from €56.71 per person, the class includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an expert guide/cook, bottled water, necessary cooking equipment, and even alcoholic beverages.

Participants can choose to join the class in Pokhara’s Lakeside area or Kathmandu’s Thamel and Bhaktapur neighborhoods.

The class is offered in Nepali, Hindi, and English, ensuring a comfortable learning experience.

With a flexible cancellation policy allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cooking class is an excellent way to take in Nepali culinary traditions.

Nepali Cuisine Essentials

A traditional Nepali meal typically consists of rice, dal (lentil soup), vegetables, spices, and meat, with each component playing a vital role in the overall dining experience.

Dal, a hearty lentil soup flavored with turmeric, cumin, and coriander, is a staple and often garnished with fresh cilantro.

Bhat, or plain steamed rice, serves as the foundation.

Tarkari, the seasonal vegetable dishes, can include potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, or green beans, all cooked with aromatic spices.

Masu, the meat option, is usually slow-cooked chicken or goat.

Achar, the spicy pickles, and Dahi, the yogurt, provide tantalizing accompaniments.

The meal is often rounded out with the addition of Roti, a wheat-based flatbread, and a sip of the sweet, spiced Nepali tea known as Chiya.

Meal Preparation

Typically, the Nepali meal cooking class begins with an introduction to the essential techniques and ingredients involved in preparing a traditional Nepali thali, or platter.

Participants learn the proper way to wash and cook rice, ensuring it’s fluffy and aromatic.

Next, they dive into the art of crafting a hearty dal, or lentil soup, seasoned with an array of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

The class then moves on to preparing a vibrant vegetable curry, showcasing the vibrant flavors of locally-sourced produce.

Finally, they tackle a delectable chicken or tofu dish, slow-cooked to perfection.

Throughout the process, the instructor shares valuable insights into the cultural significance and traditional techniques of Nepali cuisine.

Rice Preparation

Participants begin the class by learning the proper technique for washing and cooking rice, a staple in Nepali cuisine. They carefully rinse the rice to remove any impurities, then add the appropriate amount of water to ensure the grains cook evenly and become fluffy.

The instructor guides them through the process, demonstrating how to cover the pot and simmer the rice until it’s tender and fragrant. Participants pay close attention, understanding that perfectly cooked rice is the foundation for many traditional Nepali dishes.

Once the rice is ready, they move on to preparing the next components of the meal, excited to continue their culinary journey through Nepali flavors.

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Lentil Soup Making

After perfecting the rice, the instructor now guides participants through the process of crafting a hearty lentil soup, a quintessential component of the Nepali meal.

Simmering an aromatic blend of split lentils, the class learns to infuse the dish with the warm, earthy flavors of turmeric, cumin, and coriander, finishing it off with a fragrant garnish of fresh cilantro.

The instructor explains the importance of lentils, or dal, in the Nepali diet, providing a protein-rich and filling base for the traditional thali platter.

As the lentils bubble away, the aroma fills the air, whetting the participants’ appetites for the flavorful meal to come.

With careful attention to technique, the class produces a perfectly seasoned, comforting dal to accompany the other Nepali dishes.

Vegetable Curry Cooking

With the rice and lentils well underway, the instructor turns the class’s attention to the preparation of a vibrant vegetable curry, a staple in the Nepali meal repertoire.

Explaining the versatility of seasonal produce, they demonstrate how to transform an array of fresh vegetables – such as potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, and green beans – into a richly spiced, simmered dish known as tarkari.

The class observes as the instructor deftly chops and combines the vegetables, adding a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

As the curry simmers, the room fills with the enticing aroma, and participants eagerly await the opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of this essential Nepali side dish.

Meat or Tofu Dish

The instructor now turns to the meat or tofu dish, a protein-packed component that completes the traditional Nepali thali.

For the meat option, they demonstrate simmering chicken or goat in a fragrant blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The meat is slow-cooked until tender and infused with the rich flavors.

Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, they prepare a tofu masala, sautéing the tofu with onions, tomatoes, and a selection of spices to create a flavorful, protein-rich dish.

Both protein-based dishes are essential components of the traditional Nepali thali.

The meat dish is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices to fully infuse the tender meat.

The tofu masala offers a delicious vegetarian alternative, packing protein and bold flavors.

Serving and Tasting

Participants eagerly gather around the table as the instructor arranges the various dishes into a traditional Nepali thali, showcasing the vibrant colors and aromas of the freshly prepared meal.

The instructor explains the purpose and significance of each component, from the steaming basmati rice to the fragrant daal, the sizzling vegetable curry, and the succulent chicken or tofu dish.

Participants are encouraged to start tasting the dishes, using their fingers to scoop up the flavors and experience the authentic Nepali dining tradition.

As they savor each bite, they engage in a lively discussion, sharing their impressions and asking the instructor questions about the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of the meal.

The class concludes with a newfound appreciation for the complexity and richness of Nepali cuisine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Customized Menu for Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the cooking class can accommodate customized menus for dietary restrictions. Participants can request adjustments to the menu, such as vegetarian or vegan options, to suit their dietary needs. The instructor is flexible in customizing the experience.

Is the Class Suitable for Beginners With No Cooking Experience?

Yes, the class is suitable for beginners with no cooking experience. The step-by-step instruction and hands-on approach make it accessible for participants to learn Nepali cuisine essentials, even without prior culinary knowledge.

Can I Bring Home the Prepared Dishes After the Class?

Yes, participants can take home the prepared dishes after the class. The class includes instructions on properly storing and transporting the food, ensuring participants can enjoy the authentic Nepali cuisine they’ve learned to make even after the class.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Class?

The private group experience has no stated maximum group size. It allows participants to reserve the class for their own private group, with the ability to select the date and number of attendees that works best for them.

Do I Need to Bring Any Personal Cooking Tools or Ingredients?

No, participants don’t need to bring any personal cooking tools or ingredients. The class provides all the necessary equipment and ingredients for the Nepali meal preparation. Participants can focus on learning and enjoying the cooking experience.

Recap

You’ll leave the 3-hour Nepali meal cooking class with a deeper understanding of Nepal’s rich culinary culture.

By getting hands-on experience preparing a traditional thali, you’ll gain newfound appreciation for the complex flavors and techniques that define Nepali cuisine.

Whether in Pokhara or Kathmandu, you’ll savor the delicious results of your efforts and come away with the skills to recreate these authentic dishes at home.

You can check if your dates are available here: