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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Sundari

Chennai (Madras), India

USD
$35-$55 per person

Indian Cooking Class and Market Tours in Chennai with Sundari

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food Tour

Meet Sundari

Sundari is a warm and cheerful host whose easy laugh will instantly make you feel at home in her beautifully converted in-laws’ house in Chennai, surrounded by fruit trees and decorated with traditional art and décor. Sundari has been cooking since the age of eight, even preparing meals on her own coal stove while her mother cooked for the family. Today, she delights in sharing her South Indian culinary traditions and culture with guests through authentic home cooking experiences.

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: (1-8 guests) Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal in Chennai, served the local way and eaten with your hands from stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves (when seasonally available). The dishes highlight classic South Indian flavors such as mustard seeds, chilies, coconut, and tangy tamarind, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Your meal may include authentic Tamil vegetarian dishes such as rasam (a peppery lentil soup flavored with lemon, tomato, or tamarind), sambar (a lentil and tamarind vegetable stew), kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy curry often made with sun-dried vegetables), kootu (a comforting dish of vegetables, lentils, and coconut), vegetable curries, rice, raita, and appalams (pappadams), served alongside a variety of traditional Indian condiments and snacks. Your meal concludes with a cup of South Indian filter coffee, a beloved local specialty made by blending frothy boiled milk with strong coffee decoction brewed in a traditional metal filter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Begin your experience with a warm welcome and a short tour of Sundari’s home in Chennai. She will introduce you to the South Indian vegetarian dishes you will prepare during your hands-on cooking class. Then join Sundari in her kitchen to learn how to cook a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal using authentic ingredients and techniques. During this Chennai cooking class, you will prepare 3 dishes that are part of a typical Tamil Brahmin meal. After cooking, sit down together and enjoy the dishes you prepared, eating the local way with your hands from stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves. Your menu may include classic Tamil vegetarian dishes such as rasam (a tangy peppery broth), sambar (a lentil and tamarind vegetable stew), seasonal vegetable curries, rice, raita, condiments, and traditional snacks.

Alternatively, you may request to learn how to prepare a South Indian brunch featuring dosas, idlis, and vadas, served with a variety of fresh chutneys. Sundari also offers traditional Chettinad, Kerala, and Karnataka cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to explore a variety of South Indian regional flavors. Please include your preference if you would like to try one of these cuisines instead.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) After your cooking class and meal, take a short walk with Sundari to the nearby Sastri Nagar neighborhood supermarket in Chennai, where she regularly shops for ingredients. During this guided market visit, Sundari will introduce you to a variety of South Indian spices, fresh produce, lentils, and pantry staples commonly used in local cooking. As you explore the aisles together, she will explain how these ingredients are used in traditional South Indian dishes and share tips on selecting and storing them. Sundari can also help you purchase authentic South Indian spices or ingredients to take home.

Please note: This experience includes a visit to a neighborhood supermarket rather than an open market. Due to traffic and the busy nature of roadside vendors in Chennai, the supermarket offers a more comfortable and practical way to explore local ingredients and learn about everyday South Indian cooking.

Notes:
1. Sundari serves only vegetarian food, as she is a Tamil Brahmin who follows a vegetarian diet.
2. If you join Sundari for dinner or on the weekend, her husband Krishna will also join. He is a foodie who enjoys meeting new people.
3. Sundari can also offer the market tour and cooking class starting at 12:30 pm and is happy to be flexible with timing when possible.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vadai (fried lentil and rice dumpling) served with seasonal chutney
  • Sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew)
  • Kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy South Indian specialty flavored by sun-dried vegetables)
  • Vegetable curry or kootu (an authentic Tamilian dish made of vegetables, lentils and coconut)
  • Rasam (peppery broth of lentils and spices made with lemons, tomatoes or tamarind)
  • Payasam (a traditional South Indian milk pudding flavored with cardamom)
  • South Indian Filter coffee

Traveler reviews

5.0 (76)
I had such a wonderful time with Sundari! The traditional dishes she taught me were absolutely delicious, and I learned so much throughout the experience. Sundari is a warm, charming, and caring person who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time, even outside of the cooking lesson. If you’re looking for the best places to buy spices or other local products, just ask her—she’ll happily point you in the right direction. Having traveled to many countries, she brings a unique perspective and a wealth of life experience that truly enrich her cooking and teaching. Although Chennai is a long flight from Japan, I’d definitely come back to learn more of her amazing recipes. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!
- Philip July 21, 2026
I had such a wonderful time with Sundari! The traditional dishes she taught me were absolutely delicious, and I learned so much throughout the experience. Sundari is a warm, charming, and caring person who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time, even outside of the cooking lesson. If you’re looking for the best places to buy spices or other local products, just ask her—she’ll happily point you in the right direction. Having traveled to many countries, she brings a unique perspective and a wealth of life experience that truly enrich her cooking and teaching. Although Chennai is a long flight from Japan, I’d definitely come back to learn more of her amazing recipes. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!
- pekang July 19, 2026
Thank you so much. We spend a lovly time. We are so glad I was able to learn the basics of South Indian cuisine. I'll definitely come again!
- fiona June 06, 2026
We made 3 delicious dishes together (paneer butter masala, potato and cauliflower dry masala, and Dal/lentils). Sundari also prepared some drinks and naan to go with the meal. She is a great listener, gifted cook, and exceptional teacher. She asked for my menu preferences and developed a menu based on that. I requested to learn about spices, and she explained ratios, and the timing to add spices to maximize their flavor. Each recipe had exceptionally well balanced spice profiles that I just loved!! We also walked to a small grocer so that I could buy the spices we used to bring home. This was a great experience. A short ride (15 min) Uber from ITC Chola. I highly recommend!
- pearl March 23, 2026
Absolutely fantastic food. This is the best food that I have tasted in a long time. Sundari I also very good company. She and her husband have a beautiful home as well.
- olevah February 16, 2026
Read More

Sundari

$35-$55 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $35 $35 $35
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $45 $45 $45
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $55 $55 $55
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $35 $35 $35
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $45 $45 $45
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $55 $55 $55
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:30pm-2:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 12:30pm-3:30pm 5:30pm-8:30pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 9:00am-2:00pm

Meet Sundari

Sundari is a warm and cheerful host whose easy laugh will instantly make you feel at home in her beautifully converted in-laws’ house in Chennai, surrounded by fruit trees and decorated with traditional art and décor. Sundari has been cooking since the age of eight, even preparing meals on her own coal stove while her mother cooked for the family. Today, she delights in sharing her South Indian culinary traditions and culture with guests through authentic home cooking experiences.

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: (1-8 guests) Enjoy a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal in Chennai, served the local way and eaten with your hands from stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves (when seasonally available). The dishes highlight classic South Indian flavors such as mustard seeds, chilies, coconut, and tangy tamarind, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Your meal may include authentic Tamil vegetarian dishes such as rasam (a peppery lentil soup flavored with lemon, tomato, or tamarind), sambar (a lentil and tamarind vegetable stew), kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy curry often made with sun-dried vegetables), kootu (a comforting dish of vegetables, lentils, and coconut), vegetable curries, rice, raita, and appalams (pappadams), served alongside a variety of traditional Indian condiments and snacks. Your meal concludes with a cup of South Indian filter coffee, a beloved local specialty made by blending frothy boiled milk with strong coffee decoction brewed in a traditional metal filter.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Begin your experience with a warm welcome and a short tour of Sundari’s home in Chennai. She will introduce you to the South Indian vegetarian dishes you will prepare during your hands-on cooking class. Then join Sundari in her kitchen to learn how to cook a traditional South Indian vegetarian meal using authentic ingredients and techniques. During this Chennai cooking class, you will prepare 3 dishes that are part of a typical Tamil Brahmin meal. After cooking, sit down together and enjoy the dishes you prepared, eating the local way with your hands from stainless steel plates or fresh banana leaves. Your menu may include classic Tamil vegetarian dishes such as rasam (a tangy peppery broth), sambar (a lentil and tamarind vegetable stew), seasonal vegetable curries, rice, raita, condiments, and traditional snacks.

Alternatively, you may request to learn how to prepare a South Indian brunch featuring dosas, idlis, and vadas, served with a variety of fresh chutneys. Sundari also offers traditional Chettinad, Kerala, and Karnataka cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to explore a variety of South Indian regional flavors. Please include your preference if you would like to try one of these cuisines instead.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) After your cooking class and meal, take a short walk with Sundari to the nearby Sastri Nagar neighborhood supermarket in Chennai, where she regularly shops for ingredients. During this guided market visit, Sundari will introduce you to a variety of South Indian spices, fresh produce, lentils, and pantry staples commonly used in local cooking. As you explore the aisles together, she will explain how these ingredients are used in traditional South Indian dishes and share tips on selecting and storing them. Sundari can also help you purchase authentic South Indian spices or ingredients to take home.

Please note: This experience includes a visit to a neighborhood supermarket rather than an open market. Due to traffic and the busy nature of roadside vendors in Chennai, the supermarket offers a more comfortable and practical way to explore local ingredients and learn about everyday South Indian cooking.

Notes:
1. Sundari serves only vegetarian food, as she is a Tamil Brahmin who follows a vegetarian diet.
2. If you join Sundari for dinner or on the weekend, her husband Krishna will also join. He is a foodie who enjoys meeting new people.
3. Sundari can also offer the market tour and cooking class starting at 12:30 pm and is happy to be flexible with timing when possible.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vadai (fried lentil and rice dumpling) served with seasonal chutney
  • Sambar (lentil and tamarind based vegetable stew)
  • Kuzhambu (a tangy and spicy South Indian specialty flavored by sun-dried vegetables)
  • Vegetable curry or kootu (an authentic Tamilian dish made of vegetables, lentils and coconut)
  • Rasam (peppery broth of lentils and spices made with lemons, tomatoes or tamarind)
  • Payasam (a traditional South Indian milk pudding flavored with cardamom)
  • South Indian Filter coffee

Traveler reviews

5.0 (76)
I had such a wonderful time with Sundari! The traditional dishes she taught me were absolutely delicious, and I learned so much throughout the experience. Sundari is a warm, charming, and caring person who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time, even outside of the cooking lesson. If you’re looking for the best places to buy spices or other local products, just ask her—she’ll happily point you in the right direction. Having traveled to many countries, she brings a unique perspective and a wealth of life experience that truly enrich her cooking and teaching. Although Chennai is a long flight from Japan, I’d definitely come back to learn more of her amazing recipes. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!
- Philip July 21, 2026
I had such a wonderful time with Sundari! The traditional dishes she taught me were absolutely delicious, and I learned so much throughout the experience. Sundari is a warm, charming, and caring person who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time, even outside of the cooking lesson. If you’re looking for the best places to buy spices or other local products, just ask her—she’ll happily point you in the right direction. Having traveled to many countries, she brings a unique perspective and a wealth of life experience that truly enrich her cooking and teaching. Although Chennai is a long flight from Japan, I’d definitely come back to learn more of her amazing recipes. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience!
- pekang July 19, 2026
Thank you so much. We spend a lovly time. We are so glad I was able to learn the basics of South Indian cuisine. I'll definitely come again!
- fiona June 06, 2026
We made 3 delicious dishes together (paneer butter masala, potato and cauliflower dry masala, and Dal/lentils). Sundari also prepared some drinks and naan to go with the meal. She is a great listener, gifted cook, and exceptional teacher. She asked for my menu preferences and developed a menu based on that. I requested to learn about spices, and she explained ratios, and the timing to add spices to maximize their flavor. Each recipe had exceptionally well balanced spice profiles that I just loved!! We also walked to a small grocer so that I could buy the spices we used to bring home. This was a great experience. A short ride (15 min) Uber from ITC Chola. I highly recommend!
- pearl March 23, 2026
Absolutely fantastic food. This is the best food that I have tasted in a long time. Sundari I also very good company. She and her husband have a beautiful home as well.
- olevah February 16, 2026
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $35 $35 $35
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $45 $45 $45
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $55 $55 $55
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $35 $35 $35
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $45 $45 $45
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $55 $55 $55
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:30pm-2:30pm 5:30pm-7:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 12:30pm-3:30pm 5:30pm-8:30pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 9:00am-2:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.