Mysore: Private Home Dining & Karnataka Cuisine Experience

Summary

Meet Mysore’s flavors at Devika’s table with family recipes

You’ll join Devika in her Mysore home for an intimate meal rooted in Karnataka tradition — think homemade pakoras, slow-cooked chicken or vegetable curry, fresh salads, and sweet payasam for dessert. Swap stories at her table as you learn about local spices and family recipes. This is more than a meal; it’s an invitation to feel at home in Mysore.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint scent of curry leaves drifting out to the street — honestly, my stomach started rumbling before I even knocked. Devika answered with this easy smile and handed me a glass of something cold and sweet (mango juice, I think?), which hit just right after walking through Mysore’s busy lanes. Her kitchen felt like the opposite of a restaurant: there were faded recipe notes on the fridge, her grandmother’s photo tucked by the spice jars, and a gentle clatter as she fried up pakoras. I tried to help but mostly just got in the way, so we laughed about it.

We sat down together — Devika, her husband popping in between calls, and me — plates already piled with flatbreads, roasted chicken (the masala was deeper than anything I’d tasted before), rice, and this cucumber salad that was somehow both cooling and spicy. She told stories about learning to cook from her grandmother in north Karnataka; at one point she mimed how her “ajji” would scold her for chopping onions too slowly. It made me think about my own family back home. The private in-home dining experience in Mysore wasn’t just about food — it was all these tiny moments strung together.

I’ll admit, I almost skipped dessert because I was full, but Devika insisted (“it’s not a meal without payasam!”). The warm cardamom-scented pudding was worth every bite. When we finished eating, we lingered over chai while the ceiling fan hummed above us and the city noise faded into background static. There was no rush — just that rare feeling you get when someone lets you into their world for an afternoon. Even now, certain smells bring me right back to that table.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — In-home South Indian dining experience

• Arrive at Devika's home in Mysore
• Receive a welcome drink of fruit juice
• Enjoy freshly made pakoras snack
• Join Devika and family at dining table
• Savor home-cooked dry roasted chicken with flat bread or rice and vegetable curry
• Eat cucumber salad and pickle
• Conclude meal with payasam dessert

Top questions

Is this dining experience vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available on request when booking.

Where does the private home dining take place?

It takes place at Devika's home in Mysore.

What dishes are included in the meal?

The menu features pakoras, dry roasted chicken or vegetable curry with flatbread or rice, cucumber salad, pickle, and payasam for dessert.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during your visit.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included with your meal.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Devika's home.

How do I inform about dietary requirements?

Please advise any specific dietary needs when booking your experience.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers are welcome to book this private dining experience.

What’s included

Your private day includes all fees and taxes plus a full home-cooked meal featuring regional Karnataka dishes prepared by Devika using family recipes; you’ll enjoy welcome drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), snacks like pakoras on arrival, main courses such as dry roasted chicken or vegetable curry with flatbread or rice, salad and pickle sides, plus traditional payasam dessert before lingering over tea together at her Mysore home.