11 Day Culinary Splendour in Kerala, India: A Gourmet Journey at The Pimenta
India Cooking Holiday
Experience the culinary splendor in Kerala at The Pimenta. Indulge your senses in a 10-night, 11-day culinary adventure designed for chefs and foodies alike.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- 10 days of activities
- 1 or 2 cooking lessons per day
- Visits to markets, growing fields, local places of interest, and a snack-producing company
- Excursions to hills and Cochin
- Observing the growth of cardamom, tea, coffee, and spices
- Scenic backwater cruise
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Accommodation
Facilities
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Terrace
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
The accommodation is offered in The Pimenta's garden bungalows throughout the year. In keeping with the eco-friendly values of The Pimenta, the bungalows and communal spaces are fitted with ceiling fans. For those who would prefer air-conditioners, alternative accommodation can be arranged during the summer months (March 31 - May 31).
Program
At The Pimenta, they offer a unique cooking holiday that encompasses the rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions of Kerala. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of backwaters, midlands, and the enchanting Western Ghats while also honing your cooking skills with hands-on classes covering South Indian and North Indian cuisines infused with the traditional aspects of Ayurvedic cooking.
The program starts on Mondays. Available throughout the year with February, March, April, May, July, August, and September being the recommended months to visit. Each day is themed, starting with a morning session introducing spices, grains, and cooking styles specific to the day. Evening cooking sessions and dinners. Maximum of six participants for an intimate and personalized experience. This exclusive program focuses on vegetarian cooking.
An exciting bean-to-bar chocolate workshop offers you the chance to learn about the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa beans to delicious bars. Suitable for individuals of all skill levels. Solo travelers are welcome with possible one-on-one interactions. Embark on a culinary adventure at The Pimenta and immerse yourself in the flavors, traditions, and beauty of Kerala. Enquire about the availability of your spot today and elevate your cooking skills while exploring this enchanting region.
Daily schedule
Day 1 - Monday: Arrival
- Arrive
- Check-in
- Savor a delicious lunch
- Get introduced to the regional cuisine
- Cooking session
- Dinner
Day 2 - Tuesday: Exploring local vegetables
- Discover local vegetables with visits to markets or growing fields
- Lunch
- Hands-on cooking session
- Dinner
Day 3 - Wednesday: Trip to the hills
- Explore the hills and witness the growth of cardamom, tea, coffee, and spices
- Breakfast and lunch outside
- Cooking session
- Dinner
Day 4 - Thursday: Spices and grains
- Learn about spices and grains used in vegetarian cooking
- Lunch
- Hands-on cooking
- Dinner
Day 5 - Friday: Mastering spice blends
- Create garam masala, sāmbhar, rasam powders, and gunpowder
- Lunch
- Two cooking sessions
- Dinner
Day 6 - Saturday: Scenic backwater cruise
- Quick cooking session
- Picnic lunch
- Enjoy a scenic backwater cruise
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 7 - Sunday: Chutneys and pickles
- Prepare chutneys and pickles (Cooking session)
- Lunch
- Cooking session
- Dinner
Day 8 - Monday: Kerala Sadhya feast
- Prepare the Kerala Sadhya, a festive feast
- Lunch
- Continued preparation
- Lesson on how to eat the traditional Kerala meal
Day 9 - Tuesday: Cochin sightseeing
- Sightseeing trip to Cochin, shopping for cooking utensils and cookbooks
- Lunch at a restaurant
- Dinner at a seafood or vegetarian restaurant
Day 10 - Wednesday: Local exploration
- Visit local places of interest and a snack-producing company
- Enjoy a doubt-clearing session
- Late dinner
- Cooking session
Day 11 - Thursday: Farewell
- Breakfast
- Bid farewell
Included excursions
You will experience scheduled trips to explore Kerala's beauty and culinary traditions.
Instructors
Jacob Mathew
Jacob is a foodie with a passion for cooking with quality ingredients. He will be there to help you and give you the confidence to create a dish during The Pimenta's courses, using a holistic approach to get acquainted with the history, techniques, and ingredients that shape Keralan recipes.
Location
This holiday will take place in Kerala, India. Set in the foothills of the Western Ghats, The Pimenta offers the perfect getaway from the clamors of the big city and an opportunity to get off the beaten track.
Features
Activities
- Cooking classes
- Shopping
General
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Kitchen
- Lounge
- Restaurant
- Special menu request
Services
- Free bottled water
- Free Wi-Fi
- Local market
Food
You will be served daily meals featuring a wide range of vegetarian culinary delights and bottled drinking water included in the price. The Pimenta is happy to accommodate special dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free requirements. Please inform them in advance during the booking process, so they can ensure that your dietary needs are catered to while still providing you with delicious Indian cuisine. The Pimenta prioritizes the safety of their guests by providing unlimited bottled water for drinking purposes. The water used for cooking is boiled, ensuring its cleanliness and safety.
Wake up and smell the coffee, literally. The warm aroma of freshly ground coffee, grown and roasted on the premises, is your daily invitation to breakfast. The traditional American breakfast receives a Keralan twist at The Pimenta so in addition to the standard fare of eggs, bread, muesli, and fruit, you can expect something a little different, such as warmed banana, coconut, and jaggery. Lunch and dinner are an opportunity to explore the local cuisine.
A light lunch is usually served at 1:30 p.m. or else enjoyed at a local restaurant, while dinner kicks off around 7:30 p.m. and spreads over four courses. All meals are vegetarian, and prepared from scratch, and aim to showcase the very best of Keralan cooking. True to their beliefs, food and spices are locally sourced - often from their very garden, and organic produce is incorporated as far as possible.
For your comfort, tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the communal area and you are invited to help yourself to bottled water at no extra cost. Tropical fruits are always available and they are happy to prepare fresh smoothies with yogurt for you. Please let them know of any dietary requirements prior to arrival. Vegan options are available, and Ayurvedic meals can be prepared for people undergoing Ayurvedic treatment or taking a rest before, or after it.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Ayurvedic
Things to do (optional)
Alongside the cooking holidays, The Pimenta offers a host of activities to keep you entertained during your stay at The Pimenta. Either they can organize a package for you or you can design your own excursion. Your host Jacob will only be too happy to assist and advise you, taking into consideration your interests, the time of year, and the duration of your stay. The following sights and activities are on offer:
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Back-water tour
- Local river punting tour
- Local village
- Loom cooperative
- Lorry-decorating workshop
- Old Syrian Christian church
- Pineapple market
- Rubber plantation and factory
- Tea plantation
- Temples
- Tours of the region and natural vegetation
What's included
- Hands-on cooking sessions led by experts in home cooking
- Scheduled trips to explore Kerala's beauty and culinary traditions
- 10 nights accommodation
- All meals
- Bottled drinking water
What's not included
- Airfare
- Taxi fares to and from The Pimenta
- Tips for the staff
- Extra activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Cochin International Airport
39 km
Transfer not provided
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.