Delhi: Local Market Food Tour & Cooking Class with Lunch

Summary

Delhi food market walk plus cooking class near lajpat nagar

You’ll dive right into Delhi’s market life—smelling spices, chatting with vendors—and then cook a five-course Indian meal in a welcoming kitchen near Lajpat Nagar. Expect laughter over imperfect chapatis, stories behind every spice jar, and a lunch you’ll remember long after you leave. It’s not just about recipes—it’s about sharing real moments over food.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that really fenugreek?” I asked, squinting at the pile of green leaves while our guide—her name was Ritu—grinned and handed me a sprig to smell. There was this chaos around us in Lajpat Nagar Central Market: vendors shouting, kids weaving through baskets of vegetables, the air thick with masala and fried snacks (I kept catching whiffs of something sweet—jalebi maybe?). We’d just started our Delhi food tour and already my hands smelled like coriander and newsprint from the bags. Ritu made us try bargaining for turmeric; I think I paid double but she said my accent made up for it.

The cooking studio wasn’t far—just a short walk dodging scooters and sari stalls. It felt like someone’s home kitchen: bright tiles, sunlight slanting in, music playing low. We washed up and got aprons (mine was way too big). The five-course meal part sounded ambitious but Ritu broke it down step by step—she even let me knead dough for chapati, though mine looked more like Australia than anything round. She explained how each spice worked together—not just for flavor but for health. Honestly, I’d never thought cumin could help your stomach. Or that cardamom could be sweet or savory depending on how you use it.

Lunch was more laughter than formality. We ate what we cooked—dal with this smoky edge from the tadka, fluffy rice, something called baingan bharta (eggplant mashed with so much garlic I could smell it on my fingers hours later), plus those chapatis I mentioned (everyone tried not to laugh when mine puffed up sideways). There was chai at the end—I still think about that chai sometimes. Not too sweet, just a little spicy warmth that stuck around after we left the studio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and cooking class

• Visit Lajpat Nagar Central Market
• Bargain with spice vendors
• Explore local market stalls
• Attend hands-on cooking class
• Learn to make Indian curries and breads
• Taste traditional food with host

Top questions

How long does the Delhi cooking class last?

The experience lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours including market visit and meal.

Where does the Delhi food tour start?

The meeting point is Tastesutra Cooking Studio near Lajpat Nagar Metro Station.

Is lunch included in the cooking class?

Yes, lunch is included—you’ll eat what you cook during the class.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you mention them when booking.

Do I need any cooking experience to join?

No experience needed—the class is hands-on and suitable for beginners.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is provided; public transport options are nearby (Lajpat Nagar Metro).

Can children join the Delhi cooking class?

The activity is suitable for all fitness levels; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What will we do at Lajpat Nagar Central Market?

You’ll shop for fresh ingredients with your guide and learn about local spices from market vendors.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for your five-course meal, beverages during the class (including chai), a guided walk through Lajpat Nagar Central Market to shop for spices and produce together with your host Ritu or another local chef, hands-on cooking instruction in a cozy studio near the metro station, plus lunch shared around the table before heading out again into Delhi’s bustle.