Meet
Nadia
Nadia is a professional actress and enjoys setting the stage (and table!) for stories to be relished. She offers an immersive in-home cooking class in Cologne, designed for small groups and guaranteed to leave lasting impressions. The event is held in her small but cosy apartment, where she lives with her boyfriend and their dog, Sago. Born in Singapore, she then spent 10 years in Rome during her mid-20s where, apart from acting, she launched a home dining business and hosted food tours in some of its most historic neighbourhoods. Her cooking reflects a variety of cultural influences and personal discoveries, with recipes passed down to her through loved ones as well as those created by her own travels and encounters with people. Each dish is a product of her curiosity and playfulness, making her classes go beyond the food. As a Traveling Spoon host, Nadia invites guests to experience honest home cooking sprouted from tradition and thriving in the present moment.
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:
(2-4 guests)
Nadia offers a unique menu in Cologne, unifying flavours and cooking techniques from her Singaporean roots, years in Rome, and current life in Germany. Her seasonal menus showcase fresh, local produce. Guests can expect interesting takes on classics and recipes created from Nadia’s ongoing research of German cuisine. Appetizers are first, followed by a main course, and dessert. When the weather permits, you will be treated to a garden dining experience, otherwise, the meal will be served indoors, in the kitchen-dining space. Before the event, Nadia will be in touch with you to discuss and finalise the menu.
Cooking experience:
(1-4 guests)
They say all roads lead to Rome. Interestingly, Cologne was once a Roman colony for 500 years, from 50 BC until the 5th century AD. This 3.5-hour, hands-on Cologne cooking class takes place in Nadia's small yet cozy home kitchen. As Nadia likes to cook using seasonal produce, you'll experience the same too in the menu which can be personalized to suit your interests. A few days before the event, Nadia will be in touch with you to confirm the menu.
With winter, comes the chance to get closer to hearty root vegetables and brassicas. Think brussel sprouts, beetroot, parsnips, celeriac. Even parsley root, which is a vegetable hailing from medieval times! Guests will make three items from scratch: kartoffelkloße (German potato dumplings) with an accompanying sauce and dessert to end the experience on a sweet note. A crowd favourite is Nadia’s seasonal fruit tartlet, on a rosemary and vanilla caramel, resting atop an olive oil pastry aromatised with orange blossom water and anise!
Each dish comes with a story, helpful cooking tips, and intriguing facts. After cooking, you will dine together and toast to your efforts with local wine or beer! Nadia will also share the recipes via email, so that you can recreate these dishes back home.
Market visit:
(1-4 guests)
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Nadia offers a farmers' market tour in her neighbourhood in Cologne followed by a hands-on cooking class. At the market, you’ll discover mostly organic regional produce along with international vendors, such as an Ethiopian coffee stand, a Greek stand, and a Sicilian stand. You will explore the stalls, learn about seasonal produce, and get to say hallo to some of Nadia’s friends - the local and international vendors. Los gehts!
Notes:
1. Nadia can accommodate lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets, if informed in advance at the time of booking.
2. A glass of local beer is included in the price of the experience.
3. Nadia owns a sweet, medium-sized dog who welcomes cuddles. Just be mindful of his beguiling eyes - he's coaxed many to feed him more than he should eat!
Languages spoken:
English, Italian
Sample menu
