Market Tour and Pondicherry Cooking Class with Local Expert Manisha

Meet Manisha

Born in Nagaland to Oriya parents and raised in West Bengal, Manisha has called Pondicherry home for over 40 years. Her diverse cultural background and deep expertise in medicinal plants have shaped her unique culinary approach, blending the rich flavors of Indian and French Creole cuisines. With a passion for food as medicine, she teaches how culinary traditions can enhance health and well-being. Manisha's work has been featured in National Geographic, Conde Nast, ARTE - European Cultural TV, and Hyundai Road Chasers, where she showcases the cultural and medicinal value of food. For over two decades, she has shared her knowledge with thousands of international students through hands-on cooking classes, food walks, and cycle tours in French, English, and various regional Indian languages. Her goal is to create dishes that not only delight the senses but also nourish the body and soul.

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.

Market visit (1 - 7 guests) Shop, cook and savor the flavors of Pondicherry with a local expert! Embark on this flavorful journey through Pondicherry with a guided tour of Goubert Market led by a local expert, Manisha. As one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in the city, Goubert Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this bustling hub. Choose your menu for the day and then explore a wide array of seasonal, local produce as Manisha shares fascinating stories from the vendors and insights into the ingredients' origins. After selecting the freshest ingredients, hop into a rickshaw and head to Manisha's home for an interactive and authentic Pondicherry cooking class. This tour is the ideal way to kickstart your culinary adventure in Pondicherry!

Join Manisha for a 1.5 hour, hands-on cooking class in her home kitchen in Pondicherry. Whether you choose an Indian or French Creole menu, Manisha will guide you through each step of the cooking process, helping you create 2-3 authentic dishes from scratch. Her goal is to introduce you to the rich culinary traditions that reflect Pondicherry's unique cultural heritage. This interactive class is perfect for anyone looking to learn to cook Indian food in Pondicherry. You'll not only master traditional recipes but also gain insights into local ingredients, culinary traditions, and the medicinal value of food. Manisha is passionate about preserving sustainable cooking practices and sharing her knowledge of the deep connection between food, culture, and well-being.

After cooking, sit down with Manisha to enjoy the meal you've prepared together, exchanging stories and laughter in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A unique opportunity to culturally immerse yourself in Pondicherry's rich heritage, ideal for food lovers, travelers looking for an authentic, local experience and anyone interested in connecting with local culture through food!