Authentic Indian Cooking Experience in Antwerp

Meet Aastha

Aastha is an Indian home cook living in Antwerp, passionate about sharing the diverse and rich flavors of Indian cuisine with locals and travelers. Growing up surrounded by the aromas of her family’s kitchen, Aastha’s culinary journey began at the age of 12 when she first made 'besan ka halwa' with her mother. This Indian sweet, made with gram flour, sparked a lifelong love for cooking. Although Aastha has not professionally trained as a chef, her cooking is deeply rooted in her family recipes and traditions, with both her parents being exceptional cooks. Her experience reflect the true essence of Indian food, which is far more than just curry and naan. Aastha proudly shares a wide variety of regional dishes, from North Indian to South Indian to popular street food, offering an immersive experience in Indian cuisine, culture, and culinary traditions. <br><br>When we asked Aastha why she would like to be a Traveling Spoon host, this is what she had to say: "Cooking is not just a skill for me; it’s a cherished tradition that flows through my veins, connecting me to my heritage and allowing me to share the rich flavors of my culture with others."

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 5 guests) Aastha hosts this Indian meal experience from her apartment in Antwerp, which is close to the MAS Museum. You can expect to try some of her favorite dishes that she grew up eating, taking you on a journey through the diverse and vibrant flavors of India. You’ll explore culinary treasures from different regions of India, from the rich dishes of the North to the bold flavors of the South, and vibrant street food—it's a celebration of spices, textures, and traditions. Join Aastha at her dining table for a comforting, home-cooked Indian meal that may include North Indian classics such as crispy corn, aloo puri, or aloo paratha with yogurt and mango pickle, along with halwa. Or you may enjoy South Indian favorites like pakora, Chettinad chicken curry, lemon rice, kheer, or Mysore pak. Or famous street foods such as bhel puri, dahi puri, pav bhaji, and masala chai. Please choose one menu when booking your experience with Aastha.

Cooking experience (1 - 5 guests) Join Aastha for a 2-hour hands-on Indian cooking class in Antwerp in her home kitchen, where you’ll learn to cook two authentic dishes based on the menu you choose. If you opt for North Indian, you’ll prepare crispy corn and aloo puri or aloo paratha from scratch. For South Indian, you’ll make chicken curry, lemon rice, and either pakora or kheer. If you choose street food, Aastha will teach you to cook pav bhaji and brew the perfect masala chai. While cooking, Aastha will teach you about Indian spices, share her family recipes and stories about learning to cook these dishes, and offer insights into Indian culinary traditions. After cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve helped create, experiencing the rich flavors and traditions of Indian cuisine firsthand.

This Indian cooking experience in Antwerp is perfect for anyone visiting or living there, who is curious about trying authentic Indian food that goes beyond what you typically find in restaurants. With Aastha’s guidance, you’ll learn to cook traditional dishes from scratch, gaining the skills and knowledge to recreate these flavorful meals at home. It’s an opportunity to discover the true essence of Indian cuisine and bring its rich, vibrant flavors into your own kitchen.