The Namaste Cookery Experience

A warm and welcoming Indian cookery class in Cambridge where you’ll learn authentic dishes, gain confidence with spices, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning led by one of Namaste Village’s founding chefs. Perfect for beginners, food lovers and anyone curious about real Indian home cooking.

ABOUT THE CLASS

Join us in Cambridge for an upbeat and engaging Indian cooking class, where we focus on creating a traditional North Indian thali made up of comforting homestyle dishes. The class is demonstration-led, with opportunities to take part in key hands-on steps so you can build confidence for cooking these dishes at home. The atmosphere is warm and easy-going, making it ideal for beginners as well as confident home cooks.

Classes are led by Chef Urmila Jetani, one of the founders of Namaste Village Restaurant Group. Alongside teaching each dish, she shares insights into healthy eating and conscious cooking, drawing not only from professional knowledge but also from generational wisdom, lived experience and years of thoughtful experimentation. In the rare event of her absence, one of our highly trained head chefs steps in to ensure the same quality and care. This session is suitable for all skill levels and is designed to be simple, enjoyable and confidence-boosting.

WHEN & WHERE

This class runs on the 3rd Sunday of every even month (February, April, June, August, October, December)
9:00am – 12:00 noon

The class is held at Namaste Village Restaurant, 45–47 Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AH. Namaste Village is a multiple award winning, fully vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurant, known for its comforting dishes, homely atmosphere and authentic flavours.

CLASS FLOW

9:00am – Arrival, welcome and complimentary hot drinks | Live cooking demonstrations with guided participation | Spice insights and practical home-cooking tips.
12:00 noon – Q&A and certificate presentation. Feel free to interact one-to-one with the chef, to know more about vegetarianism.
Optional - Post the session you may stay on for lunch at Namaste Village. 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

You’ll explore a selection of dishes that come together to form a traditional North Indian thali — a balanced and comforting home-style meal made up of vegetables, curry, lentils, bread, rice, salad and a cooling side.

1. The North Indian Curry Experience
Mutter Paneer A classic North Indian curry made with peas, tomatoes and paneer. 
Daal Fry A comforting lentil stew finished with an aromatic tempering. 

2. The Indian Bread & Rice Essentials
Plain Paratha Soft, flaky Indian flatbreads — the perfect accompaniment to any curry.
Jeera Rice Fragrant basmati rice tempered with crackling cumin seeds. 

3. The Homestyle Vegetable & Salad Set
Bhindi Nu Shaak A flavourful okra stir fry cooked with mild spices. You’ll learn how to handle okra properly to avoid stickiness while keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.
Kachumber Salad A refreshing chopped salad made with cucumber, tomatoes and onions, lightly seasoned with lemon, pepper and chaat masala. 

4. The Cooling & Finishing Touches
Cucumber Raita A soothing yoghurt-based accompaniment made with grated cucumber and gentle spices. 

WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR

- Beginners curious about Indian home cooking - 
- Food lovers looking for a fun weekend activity -
- Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free guests -
- Anyone wanting to understand spices and flavour balance -
Home cooks seeking authentic Indian recipe foundations
Most dishes are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making the class suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. If you have allergies, please inform our team in advance.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Every attendee receives a thoughtful Cookery Class Gift Bag, containing

- A printed recipe booklet -
- A branded Namaste Cookery School apron -
- A handcrafted cotton tote bag -
- Stationery for notes -
- A Namaste Group gift voucher -
- Your course completion certificate -

Perfect keepsakes to take your new skills home with confidence.