Welcome to the Private Premium Nepali Cooking Class at Kathmandu Cooking Academy! This exclusive culinary journey offers a luxurious exploration of Nepal’s vibrant flavors and traditions. Begin with a warm Nepali Masala Tea and an introduction to the rich heritage of Nepali cuisine. Enjoy a personalized market visit before diving into the hands-on cooking of iconic dishes like dal bhat, momo, and traditional desserts. Conclude with a tasting session paired with Nepali wine and depart with a recipe booklet and heartfelt memories, ready to recreate the magic of Nepal in your own kitchen.
Cost Details: 1 Person: USD 75 / 2 Persons: USD 60 per person / 3 Persons: USD 55 per person / 4 Persons: USD 50 per person / 5 Persons: USD 45 per person
Welcome & Introduction (20 minutes)
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Masala Tea: Begin your immersive culinary journey with a warm, aromatic cup of Nepali Masala Tea. Infused with traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this tea awakens the senses, setting the perfect tone for exploring Nepal's vibrant culinary landscape.
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Introduction to Nepali Cuisine: Our expert instructor will provide a brief but insightful introduction to the essence of Nepali cuisine. You’ll learn about its diverse flavors, influenced by Nepal’s multicultural heritage, and the key ingredients that make it so distinctive. This session also includes a discussion on the cultural significance of food in Nepal and the traditional practices that shape the cuisine, offering you a deeper appreciation before we start cooking.
Market Visit (30 minutes)
Ingredient Selection: Accompany your instructor on a guided stroll through a lively local market to handpick fresh, organic ingredients. Discover the vibrant Nepali spices, herbs, and produce that infuse each dish with authentic flavors.
Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of each ingredient's role in Nepali cuisine, with tips on selecting the highest quality produce, just as locals do. This enriching market experience sets the stage for a truly authentic cooking journey.
Cooking Session (3 hours)
Entree Selection: Choose one to prepare and savor
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Bara (Fried Lentil Patties): Dive into the preparation of Bara, a popular Nepali street food made from black lentils, herbs, and spices. Learn the techniques for creating perfectly crisp patties with a soft, flavorful center. You’ll enjoy the dish as a warm starter, complemented by a spicy, tangy dip.
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Chatamari (Nepali Rice Pancake): Often referred to as Nepali pizza, Chatamari is a thin, crispy rice flour pancake topped with savory ingredients. You’ll learn the art of spreading the rice batter to get the perfect texture and how to top it with minced meat or vegetables, creating a deliciously unique flavor profile.
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Aloo Chop (Spiced Potato Patties): Master the technique of making Aloo Chop, a spiced potato fritter popular in Nepali households. You’ll prepare and season the mashed potatoes, coat them in a thin, crispy batter, and deep-fry until golden. This dish is served hot, with a choice of dipping sauces for added flavor.
Main Course: Learn to cook one main dish with accompaniments
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Dal Bhat with Chicken or Vegetarian Curry: This quintessential Nepali meal consists of spiced lentils (dal), served with steamed rice (bhat) and a choice of either chicken or vegetable curry. You’ll learn to season the dal for a perfectly balanced taste and cook a rich, flavorful curry. The dish is completed with traditional accompaniments such as pickles and fresh greens, offering a full experience of Nepali comfort food.
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Momo (Chicken or Veg Dumplings) with Achar (Pickle): Discover the art of making momos, one of Nepal’s most beloved foods. You’ll prepare and fill the delicate dumplings with either minced chicken or a vegetable filling, learning the techniques for folding and steaming them to perfection. Paired with a spicy achar (pickle), this dish delivers a burst of Nepali flavors in every bite.
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Thukpa (Tibetan-style Noodle Soup with Vegetables or Meat): Warm and comforting, Thukpa is a noodle soup rich in Nepali and Tibetan influences. You’ll prepare the broth, add vegetables or meat, and learn the spices and seasonings that give this dish its unique flavor. The result is a hearty, satisfying soup, ideal for colder days and packed with the aromas of the Himalayas.
Dessert: Finish on a sweet note with two traditional treats
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Yomari (Sweet Dumplings with Jaggery and Sesame Filling): Experience the preparation of Yomari, a dessert with roots in Newari culture. You’ll learn the process of making the dough, filling it with a mixture of jaggery and sesame, and steaming the dumplings to achieve a soft, chewy texture. This dessert has a unique flavor, combining sweetness with a subtle nuttiness, perfect as a finale to your meal.
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Kheer (Creamy Rice Pudding with Cardamom, Nuts, and Dried Fruits): Kheer is a classic Nepali rice pudding infused with cardamom and adorned with nuts and dried fruits. You’ll prepare this rich, creamy dessert from scratch, learning how to balance the flavors and textures for an authentic taste. It’s a comforting, festive dish enjoyed on special occasions.
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Carrot Halwa (Nepali Carrot Pudding): A variation of a well-loved South Asian dessert, Carrot Halwa is a warming, spiced carrot pudding. You’ll grate fresh carrots, cook them with ghee and milk, and enhance the flavor with cardamom and nuts. This dish is rich, aromatic, and a perfect sweet conclusion to the cooking class.
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Mushroom Choila (Spicy Marinated Mushrooms Served with Rice or Roti): For a savory dessert option, try Mushroom Choila, a marinated mushroom dish rich with spices and traditionally served with rice or roti. You’ll learn to balance spices and achieve the perfect marinade, creating a dish that highlights Nepal’s love for bold, spicy flavors.
Tasting Session & Wine Pairing
After the cooking session, indulge in the flavors of your hard work with a tasting session, where you’ll enjoy each dish you’ve prepared. To elevate the experience, a complimentary bottle of Nepali wine will be provided for each participant, thoughtfully paired to complement the rich spices and flavors of Nepali cuisine. Our instructor will guide you through the tasting, highlighting how the wine enhances the sensory experience of each dish. This moment is perfect for savoring the depth and complexity of Nepali flavors and celebrating your culinary achievements.
Grateful Conclusion
Recipe Booklet: As a parting gift, each guest will receive a beautifully crafted recipe booklet, complete with detailed instructions and tips on recreating these dishes at home. This booklet serves as a lasting memento, ensuring you can bring the magic of Nepali cuisine to your own kitchen.
Fond Farewell: Conclude your culinary journey with a heartfelt thank you from the instructor, who will share a final reflection on the experience and the spirit of Nepali hospitality. You’ll leave not only with new culinary skills but also with cherished memories, a deeper connection to Nepal’s culture, and a taste of its warm, welcoming essence.
Inclusions
- Guided market visit for ingredient selection
- Expert-led cooking session with personalized instruction
- All ingredients and cooking tools provided
- Welcome Masala Tea and introduction to Nepali cuisine
- Hands-on preparation of one entree, one main dish, and two desserts
- Tasting session with each prepared dish
- One bottle of premium Nepali wine for pairing
- Recipe booklet to take home
- Complimentary apron and cooking accessories
Exclusions
- Transportation to and from Kathmandu Cooking Academy
- Additional alcoholic beverages or special wine requests outside of the included bottle
- Personal expenses during the market visit
- Gratuities for the instructor or staff (optional)
Thank you for joining our Private Premium Nepali Cooking Class! We hope you leave with unforgettable memories, newfound culinary skills, and a deep appreciation for Nepal’s rich flavors. Enjoy recreating these dishes at home with your recipe booklet, and may this experience stay with you as a cherished taste of Nepal. Safe travels and happy cooking!
