Nepal is known for its rich culinary traditions, diverse food culture, and flavorful dishes that blend influences from India, Tibet, and China. If you are a food enthusiast or a traveler who loves to explore new cuisines, joining a cooking class in Nepal can be an unforgettable experience. Cooking classes offer you the chance to learn how to prepare authentic Nepali dishes, understand the use of local spices, and get a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique food heritage.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best cooking classes in Nepal. Whether you’re interested in learning how to make momos, dal bhat, or other Nepali delicacies, these classes provide handson experiences that will enhance your culinary skills and deepen your connection with Nepali culture.

1. Nepali Cooking Course by Social Tours (Kathmandu)

Social Tours is a wellknown travel company in Kathmandu, offering a variety of cultural experiences, including their popular Nepali Cooking Course. This cooking class focuses on teaching participants how to cook traditional Nepali dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

What to Expect
The class begins with a visit to a local market, where participants can learn about and purchase fresh ingredients. This gives you an opportunity to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a Nepali market and discover the spices and vegetables commonly used in Nepali cuisine.

Once the ingredients are gathered, you’ll head to the kitchen where the instructor guides you through the preparation of traditional dishes such as dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and aloo achar (spicy potato salad). The cooking process is handson, and participants get to practice techniques like making dough for momos, steaming dumplings, and preparing flavorful curries.

Why It’s One of the Best
Cultural Immersion: The market visit is an added bonus, offering a deeper connection with the local culture.

Small Groups: With small class sizes, you receive personalized attention from the instructor.

Community Impact: Social Tours is committed to responsible tourism, and your participation in their cooking class supports local communities.

2. Cook Like a Local (Pokhara)

Pokhara, known for its serene lakes and mountain views, is also home to Cook Like a Local, a popular cooking class that offers tourists and locals the chance to learn how to make traditional Nepali food in an authentic environment.

What to Expect
Cook Like a Local offers halfday cooking classes where participants learn to prepare classic Nepali dishes such as thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), sel roti (a traditional rice doughnut), and gundruk (fermented leafy greens). The class emphasizes the use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

In addition to the cooking lessons, you’ll also learn about the history and cultural significance of the dishes. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Nepali cuisine, ensuring that you leave the class with not just recipes but also an understanding of Nepali food culture.

Why It’s One of the Best
Stunning Location: The class is set in the picturesque town of Pokhara, with views of the Annapurna range.

HandsOn Experience: You get to cook each dish from start to finish, making it easy to replicate the recipes at home.

VegetarianFriendly: This class caters to vegetarian participants by offering a variety of plantbased dishes.

3. Annapurna Cooking School (Pokhara)

Another fantastic cooking class in Pokhara is the Annapurna Cooking School, which offers a unique farmtotable experience. Here, you’ll learn how to prepare Nepali dishes using fresh ingredients harvested from the school’s organic garden.

What to Expect
The class begins with a tour of the garden, where you can pick fresh herbs and vegetables to use in your dishes. After gathering the ingredients, you’ll head to the kitchen to cook alongside experienced chefs. Popular dishes taught at Annapurna Cooking School include dal bhat tarkari (rice, lentils, and vegetable curry), momos, and chatamari (Nepalistyle pizza).

The cooking school is located in a beautiful, tranquil area, making it a peaceful and relaxing environment to learn new cooking skills. The instructors provide stepbystep guidance, and the small class sizes ensure that each participant gets plenty of personal attention.

Why It’s One of the Best
FarmtoTable: Using fresh, organic ingredients adds a unique element to the cooking experience.

Scenic Setting: The cooking school is set in a peaceful location with stunning views, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.

Organic Focus: The focus on sustainability and organic farming aligns with the growing interest in ecofriendly cooking.

4. Classes at Himalayan Cooking School (Kathmandu)

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, the Himalayan Cooking School offers cooking classes that introduce participants to the flavors and techniques of Himalayan cuisine. This school specializes in teaching traditional Nepali and Tibetan recipes that have been passed down through generations.

What to Expect
At the Himalayan Cooking School, you’ll learn to prepare a variety of dishes, including shapale (Tibetan meat pies), thenthuk (handpulled noodle soup), and alu tama bodi (a stew made with bamboo shoots, potatoes, and beans). The class also covers Nepali comfort foods like gundruk and sel roti.

Participants are taught in a stepbystep manner, with detailed explanations of the cooking techniques used in Himalayan households. The instructors are warm and welcoming, making the experience enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Why It’s One of the Best
Traditional Recipes: The class focuses on authentic Himalayan dishes that are not commonly taught in other cooking schools.

Central Location: Being located in Kathmandu, the school is easily accessible to tourists and locals alike.

Cultural Insight: The instructors share stories about the cultural and religious significance of the dishes, adding depth to the culinary experience.

5. Seven Women Cooking School (Kathmandu)

The Seven Women Cooking School is a social enterprise that provides cooking classes while empowering marginalized women in Nepal. This school offers a great opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Nepali food while supporting a meaningful cause.

What to Expect
The Seven Women Cooking School offers halfday and fullday classes where participants can learn how to make popular dishes such as dal bhat, momos, tarkari (vegetable curry), and achar (pickles). The women who teach the classes are experienced home cooks who share not only their culinary skills but also stories of their personal journeys and the role food plays in their lives.

Before the cooking begins, participants are taken on a tour of a local market to purchase ingredients. This experience allows you to learn about the local produce and spices that are essential to Nepali cooking.

Why It’s One of the Best
Social Impact: By taking a class here, you are supporting marginalized women and contributing to their financial independence.

Interactive Learning: The market tour and handson cooking experience provide a comprehensive introduction to Nepali cooking.

Authentic Nepali Experience: The instructors bring a personal touch to the class, sharing traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.

6. Gurung Cooking Class (Pokhara)

For those interested in learning about the culinary traditions of Nepal’s ethnic communities, the Gurung Cooking Class in Pokhara offers a unique experience. This class focuses on teaching participants how to cook traditional Gurung dishes, giving insight into the food culture of this indigenous community.

What to Expect
The Gurung Cooking Class offers a deep dive into the flavors of Gurung cuisine, teaching dishes such as kodo ko roti (millet bread), gundruk ko jhol (fermented leafy green soup), and chicken sel roti. You’ll learn about the ingredients commonly used in Gurung cooking and how to prepare them using traditional methods.

The class is hosted in a warm, familyfriendly environment, often in the instructor’s home, giving you a chance to experience Gurung hospitality firsthand. You’ll also hear stories about Gurung traditions and how food plays an essential role in their celebrations and daily life.

Why It’s One of the Best
Cultural Exploration: The class provides a unique opportunity to learn about Gurung culinary traditions, which are distinct from mainstream Nepali cooking.

Personalized Attention: Since the class sizes are small, each participant gets plenty of oneonone instruction.

FamilyOriented Atmosphere: The class often takes place in a home setting, offering an authentic and intimate learning experience.

7. Sapana Village Lodge Cooking Classes (Chitwan)

Chitwan is best known for its wildlife and jungle safaris, but it also offers some excellent cooking experiences. Sapana Village Lodge, located near Chitwan National Park, offers cooking classes that teach participants how to prepare traditional Tharu dishes, which are native to the indigenous Tharu community.

What to Expect
The cooking classes at Sapana Village Lodge focus on Tharu cuisine, known for its use of fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful preparations. Participants learn how to make dishes such as bagiya (steamed rice dumplings), ghongi (snail curry), and various vegetablebased curries.

The classes are set in a beautiful, ecofriendly lodge with views of the surrounding jungle, making the experience both relaxing and educational. Instructors explain the significance of Tharu ingredients and how they are used in everyday cooking.

Why It’s One of the Best
Unique Cuisine: Tharu cuisine is not as widely known as other types of Nepali cuisine, making this cooking class a rare opportunity to learn about the food traditions of the Tharu community.

Scenic Location: The class is held in a peaceful setting near Chitwan National Park, offering a unique blend of cooking and nature experiences.

Cultural Immersion: You’ll gain insights into the Tharu way of life, including their cooking traditions and the role food plays in their culture.

8. Himalayan Heritage Cooking School (Kathmandu)

The Himalayan Heritage Cooking School is one of the best places in Kathmandu to learn about both Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. It offers a range of cooking classes that teach you how to prepare popular dishes from the Himalayan region.

What to Expect
In this cooking class, you’ll learn to cook dishes such as thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), momos, aloo tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry), and sel roti (sweet fried dough). The instructors are professional chefs with years of experience, and they make the class accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll also learn about the medicinal properties of Himalayan spices and how they are used not just for flavor but also for health benefits. The cooking school emphasizes the importance of using fresh, local ingredients, which you’ll source from a nearby market before the class.

Why It’s One of the Best
Tibetan and Nepali Fusion: The class offers a fusion of two culinary traditions, making it a diverse and enriching experience.

HealthFocused: You’ll learn not only how to cook but also how to incorporate spices for health benefits.

Experienced Instructors: The instructors provide indepth knowledge of Himalayan cooking techniques and are skilled at teaching beginners.

9. Momo Cooking Class at Cooking with Nepali Mom (Kathmandu)

If you love momos, the Cooking with Nepali Mom class is a musttry. This class, located in Kathmandu, is focused solely on teaching participants how to master the art of making momos, Nepal’s famous dumplings.

What to Expect
In this class, you’ll learn to make momos from scratch, including the dough, filling, and traditional sauces. You’ll prepare different types of fillings, such as vegetable, chicken, and buffalo. The instructor, a Nepali mom with years of experience in cooking, shares tips and tricks for folding and steaming the perfect momo.

The class is fun, interactive, and a great way to learn a skill that you can replicate at home. Whether you’re making momos for the first time or trying to perfect your technique, this class offers valuable handson experience.

Why It’s One of the Best
Momo Expertise: If you’re a fan of momos, this class focuses entirely on perfecting this iconic Nepali dish.

FamilyCentric: The class is taught by a Nepali mom, offering a personal and homey atmosphere.

Interactive Learning: You’ll be involved in every step of the process, from preparing the dough to folding and steaming the dumplings.

10. Rural Cooking Experience (Dhading)

For those seeking a more immersive and rural cooking experience, the Rural Cooking Experience in Dhading is a perfect choice. Located in a rural village outside of Kathmandu, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Nepali cooking in a village setting.

What to Expect
Participants are welcomed into a local family’s home, where they learn how to prepare meals using traditional cooking methods, including openfire cooking. The dishes taught vary depending on what is seasonally available, but common dishes include dhido (a traditional Nepali porridge), gundruk (fermented greens), and aloo ko achar (potato pickle).

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in other household activities, such as grinding spices or preparing firewood for cooking. The experience goes beyond just cooking—it’s about learning how rural Nepali families prepare and enjoy their meals in their daily lives.

Why It’s One of the Best
Cultural Immersion: The class offers an authentic rural Nepali experience, allowing you to cook in a traditional setting.

HandsOn Participation: You’ll be involved in every aspect of meal preparation, giving you a true feel for how food is made in Nepali villages.

Community Connection: This experience provides a personal connection to the family hosting the class, making it an unforgettable cultural exchange.

FAQs: Common Questions About Cooking Classes in Nepal

Nepal is not only a land of breathtaking landscapes but also a country rich in culinary traditions. By participating in one of the many excellent cooking classes available, you’ll have the chance to learn about the diverse flavors of Nepali cuisine, master traditional cooking techniques, and take home skills that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a traveler looking for a cultural experience or a local seeking to deepen your knowledge of Nepali cooking, these cooking classes offer something for everyone.