Authentic chaat and Indian fusion cooking class in Decatur

Meet Naina

Naina is a culinary entrepreneur and teaching people how to cook brings Naina the utmost joy! Her passion for food, cooking and spices has taken her on a mission to demystify the cuisine of India, Persia and the Near East. A warm and fun host, Naina is excited to help guests experience the joy in making and enjoying chaat (Indian street food) as well as Indian-inspired Southern dishes. She hosts from her beautiful home and kitchen in Decatur, a suburb of Atlanta. When she isn’t cooking or with her family, you will probably find Chef Naina meditating! She believes deeply in the power of food and cooking to keep you present, engaged with the senses and in the moment. She offers workshops that bring her love of cooking and consciousness together.

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.

Cooking experience (1 - 6 guests) Meet your host Naina at her large and beautifully designed home and kitchen in Decatur, located 20 minutes from midtown Atlanta. Join her in her kitchen, a wide open contemporary space and sip on a refreshing drink and snack as you learn to cook an Indian inspired seasonal meal. During this professional, hands-on Indian cooking class in Atlanta, learn the techniques involved in making 2-3 dishes such as a chaat, an Indian street food appetizer characterized by an explosion of flavors, an Indian-inspired Southern main dish, and a dessert. A confidence-inspiring cook, Naina encourages people to cook based on what you taste, see and smell. You will learn to cook 2-3 dishes from scratch during your cooking lesson that lasts about 2 hours. After cooking, sit down at the table to share the Indian meal you helped prepare with Naina. The cost of your meal includes wine or beer. On days that they are available you will be joined by Naina's husband Cyrus, a beer aficionado and her two children. Naina is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic Indian cooking class in Atlanta. She can also accommodate dietary requests so please include any dietary restrictions, if any, when making your booking.

Market visit (1 - 6 guests) Meet your host Naina at her home and she will drive you 8 minutes to Your Dekalb Farmer's Market. This is a lively, indoor covered market with a wide selection of produce, meat, seafood and specialty foods. Walk through the market and explore with your host local and regional produce, meat and spices sold by her favored vendors at the market. You will purchase a few ingredients that you will use during your cooking class after the market tour. Your market tour will last about one hour.

If you're interested in a tour of an authentic Indian market instead, let Naina know when making your booking and she will take you to Cherians, a 5-min drive from her home. Learn about the ingredients that go into Indian cooking as Naina introduces you to a variety of Indian spices, lentils, grains and tropical vegetables that you may not see in a regular grocery store. After picking up a few ingredients for your meal, Naina will drive you back to her home to begin your cooking class.