Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

No matter how much time you end up spending in Nepal, there’s a high likelihood of you falling in love with the fresh produce and rich flavors and of Nepali cuisine. The capital city of Kathmandu is simply bursting with the delicious smells of freshly cooked rice, meat and veggies.

Why not bring the authentic taste of Nepal home with you by learning traditional cooking techniques and local recipes when you join a cooking class in Kathmandu? Not only will you gain new culinary skills, but you’ll also create special memories with your travel companions.

Here's all you need to know about cooking classes, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Kathmandu.

What are the best cooking classes in Kathmandu?

Half-day cooking class in Thamel, Kathmandu

Learn to make traditional Nepali dishes and gain valuable insight into local culinary culture when you join this half-day cooking class in Thamel, Kathmandu. The class takes place at the cooking school of the Brews Restaurant, a well-respected local eatery.

You’ll begin your experience by meeting the chef, who will guide you through the entire process. The chef will teach you how to pick the right ingredients and how to prepare them for cooking. Next, you’ll learn a few different cooking techniques to ensure your meals are a success.

There are three different menus to choose from, so there should be dishes to pique your interest and suit your preferences. Once you have created your delicious four-course meal, you’ll sit down to feast on your creations with your travel companions.

While this is the ideal cooking class for passionate cooks, you don’t need to have any culinary experience to thoroughly enjoy the class. You’ll be provided with beverages to quench your thirst, and you’ll receive tips from a professional Nepali chef!

Nepali cooking class and Kathmandu market visit

Go a step further than simply eating Nepali food during your time in Kathmandu. Join a local chef in their family home and learn how to make some of your favorite traditional dishes so that you can impress your friends back home with your newfound culinary skills.

Begin your gastronomic journey with a hotel pickup before making your way to the local food market to pick out your ingredients. You’ll also get to visit a private farm, where you’ll learn about traditional farming methods and choose vegetables for your cooking class.

Some of the delicious dishes that you’ll learn to make include lentils, rice, sweet fried bread and steamed dumplings. Your instructor will demonstrate techniques and provide you with clear instructions and helpful advice along the way.

The relaxed setting of a local home makes for an unforgettable, authentic experience, with the highlight being the end of the class when you get to taste the meal you’ve worked so hard to create!

Private Kathmandu cooking class

Choose between cooking yourself a delicious lunch around midday or a hearty dinner in the early evening when you book this private cooking class in Kathmandu that lasts approximately 3 hours.

Make your way to your passionate cooking instructor’s home in the Old Baneshwor neighborhood, where you’ll learn how to prepare some of Nepal’s most-loved dishes, including dumplings, dhal bhat and chicken curry. In addition to gaining new cooking skills, you’ll also gain valuable insight into Nepalese history and culture. You’ll also learn to cook a popular local dessert before you sit down at the family table to enjoy your delicious meal!

This is the ideal cooking class for those looking for an authentic experience in Kathmandu. You’ll enjoy warm hospitality and get to chat with a local about everyday life in Nepal as you learn cooking techniques in a laid-back atmosphere.

Which places are visited?

Cooking classes in Kathmandu typically take place in local homes or cooking schools in the trendy neighborhood of Thamel. Depending on the class you choose, you may also get the chance to visit a local market with your cooking instructor, where you’ll get to shop for fresh produce.

On some cooking classes, you may even visit an organic farm, where you’ll learn about traditional farming techniques and handpick vegetables for your meal yourself.

How much do cooking classes in Kathmandu cost?

Basic cooking classes, that take place at a local culinary school, usually cost about US$30 per person for a shared group experience.

More comprehensive cooking classes that include a visit to a local market, generally cost around US$60 per person for a shared group excursion.

Private cooking classes in Kathmandu typically cost around US$75 per person and operate in small groups, offering the greater flexibility and optimization.

What is included?

When you book a cooking class in Kathmandu, you’ll be provided with all the ingredients and equipment you need to make a variety of local dishes. Classes are led by a local home chef or professional cooking instructor, and you’ll be offered beverages like tea, coffee and bottled water. In most cases, roundtrip hotel transfers are included in the price.

Where does it start?

Cooking classes usually take place in Thamel, either at a cooking school or a local home. Some tour operators require that you make your way there on your own terms, while others offer hotel pickup and drop-off services.

If you are receiving a hotel pickup, make sure that you are ready and waiting in your hotel lobby at the stipulated pickup time.

How long does it last?

Cooking classes in Kathmandu are usually half-day experiences, typically lasting anywhere between 3 and 6 hours, depending on how many dishes are made during the class. They usually take place either at lunchtime or dinnertime.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, most cooking classes in Kathmandu are not suitable for wheelchair users. However, there are a few select classes, such as the half-day cooking class in Thamel, that are wheelchair-friendly and offer wheelchair-accessible facilities.

When is the best time for a cooking class in Kathmandu?

The best time for a cooking class in Kathmandu is during the post-monsoon months of October and November. During this period, the weather is clear and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring local markets for fresh ingredients. Additionally, these months are rich in cultural festivals, offering a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Nepali dishes and their stories.

Travel tips

• To get an idea of Nepalese cuisine and what you can expect to make at your cooking class, consider joining a food tour in Kathmandu.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes to ensure you're at ease during the cooking process.
• Inform the cooking school ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, so they can make necessary accommodations.
• Take notes or photos as you go along, so you can recreate the dishes when you're back home.
• Don't hesitate to ask about ingredients, techniques, or the cultural significance of the dishes!