The Modern Desi, cooking teacher

The Modern Desi

The Modern Desi

location_on Sydney

local_activity classes: Indian CookingCooking

5.0 (171)
Instagram followers38k

Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar runs a small Cooking school business in Sydney called 'The Modern Desi Co' where she tries to break stereotypes about Indian cooking and making budget-friendly, nutritious food.

Bhavna is a mission to teach people that there is more to Indian food than Butter chicken and Rogan Josh. Her cooking classes showcase her love for food and are infused with storytelling and memories so you can understand and appreciate where the ingredients came from and how easy it is to whip up a six to seven-course Indian meal any day of the week.






Classes


The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass

5.0 (88)

date_range Runs regularly

location_on Epping / Mobile

1 to 12

label $190

Indian Street Food Workshop

date_range 19 Apr, 14 Jun

location_on Epping

1 to 10

label $180

South Indian Cooking Class - Vegetarian

5.0 (3)

date_range Sun 28 Apr, 10am

location_on Epping / Mobile

1 to 8

label $190

Regional Indian Cooking Class

5.0 (1)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping

2 to 15

label $220

Indian Fish Class

date_range Your choice of time

location_on North Ryde / Mobile

2 to 8

label $250

The Art of Indian Cooking - Private Class

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

1 to 5

label $300

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class

5.0 (44)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

4 to 6

label $190

Vegan Indian Cooking Class

5.0 (6)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

4 to 6

label $190

Indian Cooking Course: Master Indian Cuisine

date_range Your choice of time

location_on North Ryde / Mobile

1 to 6

label $800

No Onion No Garlic Indian Cooking Class

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

5 to 12

label $190

Biryani Cooking Masterclass

date_range Your choice of time

location_on North Ryde / Mobile

4 to 7

label $185

Know Your Lentils with Instant Pot Workshop

date_range Your choice of time

location_on North Ryde

4 to 6

label $180

Indian Cooking Class for Hens Parties and Bridal Showers

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

10 to 12

label $210

Indian Cooking Class for Kids

Adults & 12+ years

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Rozelle / Mobile

4 to 7

label $190

Father's Day Indian Cooking Class

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Epping / Mobile

5 to 12

label $210

The Art of Indian Cooking for Team Building

5.0 (3)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

6 to 100

label $95 - $200

The Art of Indian Cooking at Home

4.9 (18)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

4 to 30

label $120 - $350

Make Curry in a Hurry

5.0 (1)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

5 to 50

label $75





Gallery





Reviews

(171)


Michaela O'Shea Mar 2024


Bhavna is amazing at what she does! My boyfriend and I had an incredible time at the Modern Desi 7-course cooking class. Bhavna is a truly special person who offers this experience from her home. It felt like I was sharing this experience with friends️ Bhavna is a wealth of knowledge and shared so much about her culture and food. I feel truly privileged to have gotten to share this experience with the lovely guests. Bhavna created an interactive and fun environment and I learnt so much about cooking Indian food. I can’t wait to try out the recipes at home. I will definitely be back ️

Elijah Burrell Mar 2024


This was a one of a kind experience. The class was very intimate and personal. The instructors knowledge of history and spices was fascinating. We left feeling prepared to try these recipes ourselves. What we loved the most was that our instructor pre chopped and prepared the ingredients, leaving us with plenty of time for the real cooking.

Cooking class review by Elijah Burrell - Sydney

Teacher's response

Thank you, Elijah! We're thrilled to know that you found the intimate and personal atmosphere to be enjoyable. It's wonderful that you appreciated the pre-chopped and prepared ingredients, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more culinary adventures in the future. Thank you for your kind words!

Brendan Love Mar 2024


Intimate (small group), informative, well planned, some great tips. Really enjoyed the class. Would recommend it to friends/family. Brendan

Teacher's response

Thank you, Brendan! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an enjoyable and informative experience in our cooking class. We're grateful for your recommendation and look forward to welcoming your friends and family to join us for a culinary adventure. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing our class!

David Blyth Mar 2024


Welcome to a magical mystery tour into Indian Cuisine - history, culture, food and
religion for starters followed by a carefully curated cooking method in careful steps
well supervised by hands on experience in the kitchen.
Our group of students enjoyed every moment of our teachers animated and lush descriptions, enthusiasms and insights into the myths and facts of Indian cooking.
Everybody had a turned in constructing a dish and voila! A giant feast to share, laugh over, discuss and encourage one another with.
Thank you to our marvellous teacher with a warm, generous humanity :-)

Teacher's response

Thank you, David! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a magical and enriching experience in Bhavna's Indian Cuisine class. It's fantastic that you enjoyed delving into the history, culture, and flavors of Indian food, and that our teacher's guidance and enthusiasm made the cooking experience so enjoyable. We're glad that you and your fellow students had a great time sharing the fruits of your labor at the feast you created together. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we hope to see you again for more culinary exploration in the future. Thank you for choosing our class and for sharing your experience!

Beth Malmberg Mar 2024


This was the best experience ever! The best class we have ever taken! The instructor was extremely well prepared and made the course informative, enjoyable and so much fun. Would recommend to anyone.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Beth! We're thrilled that you found the course informative, enjoyable, and fun. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we're grateful for your kind words. We hope to see you again for more memorable experiences in the future. Thank you for choosing our class!

Lise Chagnard Feb 2024


What a delightful experience. Bhavna was an amazing and passionate teacher, giving me the confidence to keep on experimenting with Indian cooking.
The class was not just about teaching specific recipes, but about understanding flavours and techniques.
I highly recommend it!

Teacher's response

Thank you, Lise! We are so happy to hear that you had a delightful experience learning Indian cooking with Bhavna. It's wonderful to know that she was able to instill confidence in you to continue experimenting with flavors and techniques. We greatly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon for more culinary adventures!

Elisa Halloran Feb 2024


Had an absolutely amazing time. Learnt a lot about the foundation of Indian cooking and can’t wait to cook some recipes for my family.
Thanks for such a fun day.

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Elisa Halloran - Sydney

Teacher's response

Thank you, Elisa! We're thrilled to hear that you had an absolutely amazing time learning about the foundation of Indian cooking with us. It's great to know that you're excited to cook some recipes for your family. We're grateful for your kind words and we hope to see you again soon for more cooking adventures!

Trish Nicholls Feb 2024


Well prepared and well presented class teaching us the use of different oils, whole and powder spices and the essential order to make a good Indian 'curry' base for so many different tastes. Pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, individual hands on experience which was well supervised, even for a novice cook. At the end of the session, we had prepared six dishes to share with left overs to take home for family members to enjoy too. I would highly recommend this experience.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Trish! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time learning about the use of oils, spices, and creating a base for Indian curry in our class. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the hands-on experience and that you were able to take home some delicious dishes to share with your family. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you again for more culinary adventures!

Dominic Walker Feb 2024


I went to this class to expand my knowledge about vegetarian and spice based cooking - and I wasn't disappointed! The class is private and very hands on - Bhavna has a great teaching method and will answer any question you have. I love her tips and will be cooking the meals I learnt for my family!
Thanks Bhavna!

Teacher's response

Thank you, Dominic! We're so glad to hear that you had a great time expanding your knowledge of vegetarian and spice-based cooking in our class. Bhavna always aims to provide a hands-on and informative experience, so it's wonderful to hear that you found her teaching method helpful and enjoyed her tips. We hope your family loves the meals you learnt to cook, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more culinary adventures in the future!

Meg Galvin Feb 2024


Bhavna, our cooking instructor, was so
lovely and knowledgeable about Indian food and the history behind the cuisine and the spices. I loved the way she involved us in the cooking process and we each got to make a dish. The food was so delicious and we all felt like we had contributed to creating the feast we demolished at the end.
At the beginning of the day, we learnt to make the awesome basic sauce which is the basis for all the dishes we made and they turned out to taste so different.
This was a Christmas gift and I am so grateful I got to participate and had such an amazing day with my daughter. I would thoroughly recommend this course for lovers of Indian cuisine. Thank you Bhavna! I feel much more confident cooking Indian food now.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Meg! I'm thrilled to hear that that and your daughter had such a wonderful wonderful in my cooking class. It warms my heart to know that you found the experience enjoyable and that you feel more confident cooking Indian food now. Your kind words mean a lot to me and I can't wait to see you again for more tasty dishes and delightful sessions in the world of Indian cuisine. - Bhavna

Serena Goh Feb 2024


What an amazing class. Bhav was bery entertaining, considerate and lovely host and teacher to us all. Definitely given me some basic skills and techniques to try Indian cooking at home. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Serena Goh - Sydney

Teacher's response

Thank you, Serena! I'm delighted to hear that you had an amazing time in my cooking class. I'm so glad you found the experience entertaining and that you feel more equipped to try Indian cooking at home. Your recommendation means a lot to me. I hope to see you again soon for more cooking adventures! - Bhav

James Rolls Jan 2024


Jim's son gave us this for a Xmas gift as we both like cooking good food, different cuisines and the enjoyment of good food.
Bvahana Shyivalkar at Epping was excellent. She was very knowledgeable on spices, oils and how they influence the flavours of different Indian cuisines.
We sat at the kitchen bench savouring the aromas of the different spices we were to use. We watched as meals were prepared and each of us were assigned dishes to prepare, tasting as we went and adjusting spices where we thought necessary. We were very hands on as we each prepared dishes.
The highlight of the afternoon was sitting on an airy balcony overlooking the neighbouring bushland and enjoying the banquet we had prepared.
We learnt to roast seeds in hot oil and that powdered spices should not be added to oil. They are to be added as the dish is cooking, tasting all the time to achieve the desired flavour.
The cooking experience was a great gift and we really enjoyed involving ourselves in the preparation of a wonderful banquet.
Jim and Margaret

Teacher's response

Thank you, Jim and Margaret! It was a pleasure having you join me for a cooking session. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the hands-on experience and the delicious banquet we prepared together. It's great that you learned about the importance of spices and oils in Indian cuisine. I hope to see you both again for more culinary adventures! Best wishes, Bhavana

Danielle Fish Jan 2024


This was an exceptional experience. Bhavna has a background in teaching and a true passion for her culture and how culture is expressed in food. I attended as a birthday present (that I requested) with my teenage daughter - and we both had a lovely time. Bhavna taught us process and technique as well as the actual recipes and she teaches in such a natural manner, everyone felt very comfortable. By learning and repeating the process (in a hands-on way), I feel confident we will be able extend our recipes at home as our confidence grows. The instruction materials are clear and also very helpful in terms of the small details (those spices you can buy at the supermarket vs those requiring a specialist shop plus substitutions). At the end we all sat down and enjoyed more food than we could possibly eat - much to the satisfaction of my husband and son who have not stopped raving about the leftovers we bought home. This is a great experience - whether as a way to extend your own knowledge or a way to share an experience with a friend/family member, or as a gift to someone else - Highly recommended.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Danielle, for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such a lovely time during my cooking class. It's wonderful that you found my teaching style to be natural and comfortable. I appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!

Nadine McCosker Jan 2024


Hi. Just finished this awesome experience. Very comfortable and cosy, Bvana is extremely talented and knowledgeable of her cuisine. Very tasty and delicious. Well worth it.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Nadine! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with us and we're glad you found the atmosphere comfortable and cozy, and that the food was tasty. Your kind words mean the world to us. It is our pleasure to have you and we hope to see you again soon!

Ron Zwiers Dec 2023


Had a great time together with my daughter. Loved the 7 vegan courses Bhavna taught us to cook. Though Indian food and spices are not new to us I really got new information on specific combinations and use of different types of oil. Also will definitely try to make my own yoghurt and dough for Dosa. An inspirational day of cooking with a great teacher!

Teacher's response

Thank you, Ron! We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic time cooking with me and that you enjoyed the 7 vegan courses I taught you. It's wonderful that even though you are familiar with Indian food and spices, you still learned new information about specific combinations and different types of oil. It was our pleasure to have you and your daughter in our class, and we hope to see you again soon with more inspirational cooking sessions with The Modern Desi!

Laura Jackson Dec 2023


We had a sensational experience in the MasterClass cooking several delicious curries. A fine dining experience.
We felt welcome and our teacher was very experienced and gave us a whirlwind tour through the cuisines of India. I highly recommend this course, especially great idea as a gift for someone you love

Teacher's response

Thank you, Laura! We're thrilled to hear that you had a sensational experience cooking delicious curries in our MasterClass. It's great to know that you felt welcome and enjoyed the whirlwind tour through the cuisines of India with our experienced teacher. Your recommendation is truly appreciated, and we hope to welcome you back soon for more fine dining experiences. Best wishes!

Michelle Harris Dec 2023


Lots of great information about spices and how to use them. Enjoyed the small group because we were able to ask questions and see everything.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Michelle! We're delighted to hear that you found the information about spices and their usage enjoyable and informative during the small group session. It's fantastic that the intimate setting allowed for a personalized experience where you could engage with the content and ask questions. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back for more flavorful adventures with spices in the future. Best wishes!

Tamaryn Harris Dec 2023


What a great day, welcomed into Bhavna’s home and the world of Indian cuisine. Bhavna taught us how to make about 7 dishes with the students taking turns in the kitchen. She used different ingredients and techniques so we could taste the difference in the end dishes. And then we feasted! There was plenty for us to take home and enjoy again. Bhavna is generous with her knowledge and left me felling like I could easily make these feasts at home. Thank you!

Teacher's response

Thank you, Tamaryn! We're thrilled to to that you had such a great great immersing yourself in the world of Indian cuisine with Bhavna. It's fantastic to know that you enjoyed learning how to make a variety of dishes and that Bhavna's teaching style left you feeling confident to try them at home. We're delighted that you had a feast and plenty of leftovers to enjoy later. Thank you for your kind words, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more culinary adventures with us in the future. Best wishes!

Simon Orcsik Dec 2023


Wonderful class. Bhavna is very welcoming, funny and knowledgeable about her food and infusing the class with history. I have learned so much from this class, everything was delicious, cleanliness was a high priority. Simply marvelous I highly recommend it.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Simon! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful time in Bhavna's class. It's fantastic to know that you learned a lot and found everything delicious while also appreciating the high cleanliness standards. We're delighted by your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more marvelous culinary experiences in the future. Best wishes!

Toni Tsoukalas Nov 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


The class was incredible! Bhavna was so lovely, informative and very passionate about the history of indian cuisine and went very into depth which was so interesting. The class was easy to follow and explained so well, and everyone was very involved with the cooking process. Food was absolutely delicious and there were such generous servings! Felt right at home. Super fun and fascinating to learn, would definitely recommend Thank you Bhavna

Teacher's response

Thank you, Toni! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time in Bhavna's class. It's wonderful that you found the history of Indian cuisine so fascinating and enjoyed learning about it in depth. We're glad to know that the class was easy to follow and that you felt right at home while cooking with everyone. It's great that you found the food absolutely delicious and enjoyed the generous servings. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to having you join us for more fun and informative classes in the future. Thank you for your kind words!

S B Shanker Nov 2023


Bhavna's approach to this cooking class was top notch.
She stared off by serving some delicious tea and snacks before we commenced. This was a great ice breaker for the attendees to mingle around.
Bhava had everything well organised. Everything from utensils, groceries to the participation of the attendees was well planned and we all got plenty of time to cook under her guidance.
Her techniques were well demonstrated and re-emphasised throughout the day. There was plenty of time at the end for us to savour the food we cooked and even had enough leftovers for all of us to take back home.
She also doesn't send you back empty handed, you get detailed recipes of all the food that you cooked on the day.

Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Shanker! It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the delicious tea and snacks she served at the start, as well as the well-organized structure of the class. We're glad to hear that Bhavna's techniques were well demonstrated and that you had plenty of time to cook under her guidance. It's fantastic that you got to savor the food you cooked and even had leftovers to take home. We're pleased that you found value in the detailed recipes provided. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to see you again for more culinary adventures in the future. Thank you for choosing our cooking class!

Louise Taylor Nov 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Bharvna was amazing! Really fun and easy to get along with. Very knowledgeable about Indian food history and variations. Would completely recommend.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Gillian! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time with Bhavna. It's fantastic that you found her knowledge of Indian food history and variations to be so impressive. We're glad that you enjoyed the experience and had a great time cooking with her. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon for more culinary adventures. Thank you for your kind words!

Maya Goldsmith Nov 2023


I can’t recommend this experience enough. Bhavna was an absolute delight. She was engaging, vibrant, deeply knowledgeable and fun. The cooking was amazing, and Bhavna made the atmosphere personal and relaxed. My dad and I learned so much from her about cooking the different dishes and she made the process of Indian cooking seem so straightforward. I feel confident that I would be able to replicate the dishes we made. I will be definitely joining another one of her classes.

Linda Woodley Nov 2023


Thank you so much for a fabulous afternoon learning how to cook Indian cuisine. I learnt so much about the spices, cooking oils, and how a few simple ingredients can make the base for many Indian dishes. The best part was we got to eat all the dishes afterwards on a lovely relaxing spot on the balcony with our new cooking friends. Looking forward to making all the recipes at home. I’d recommend this class to anyone who has always wanted to cook Indian cuisine but hasn’t had the courage. You won’t regret it.

Teacher's response

Thank you so much, Linda! We're delighted to hear that you had such a fabulous time time Bhavna's Indian cuisine class. It's wonderful that you found the experience educational and enjoyable, learning about spices, oils, and ingredients that make up the base of many Indian dishes. We're thrilled that you got to taste the fruits of your labor on the balcony with your new cooking friends. It's great to know that you feel confident to try out the recipes at home now. Thank you for recommending the class to others, and we hope to see you again for more culinary adventures in the future. Thank you for your kind words!

Adam Braun Nov 2023


Absolutely wonderful cooking class! The teacher was lovely, gave lots of insight into cooking and Indian history and food geography. Was a wonderful time, and I definitely learned some good techniques for maximising the flavor in my dishes. Highly reccomended!

Teacher's response

Thank you so much, Adam! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Bhavna's cooking class. It's delightful that you found the insights into Indian history and food geography to be so engaging and valuable. We're thrilled that you learned some great techniques for enhancing the flavors in your dishes. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you again for more culinary adventures in the future. Thank you for your kind words!

Jillian Blackall Oct 2023


The teacher was very welcoming and she knows all the traditional
methods of Indian cooking. The class was interactive - we all
had a chance to cook something.
The venue was a manageable walk from Epping Station.
The food was very substantial and I really enjoyed cooking and eating it.

Teacher's response

Thank you, Jillian! We're delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience in Bhavna's Indian cooking class. It's fantastic that you found her knowledge of traditional cooking methods to be so impressive and that the class was interactive and hands-on. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the substantial food and had a great time both cooking and eating. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you again for more culinary experiences in the future. Thank you for your kind words!

Lewis Fogerty Oct 2023


Great experience with a very knowledgeable teacher who told us about the history of Indian cooking before teaching us the cooking methods. The food was very tasty and I feel confident to try cooking at home now.

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Lewis Fogerty - Sydney

Jess Rhodes Oct 2023


I’ve never done a cooking class before but I can’t imagine how it could be better than the class I did with Bhavna. Bhavna is so passionate and knowledgeable and demystifies Indian cooking (and provides a history lesson at the same time!). I now realise what my curries are missing! Her mushroom korma may be the best thing I’ve ever tasted and now I know how to make it! Would recommend this class to anybody A fantastic gift

Andre Murrell Oct 2023


The teacher (Bhavna), food, venue and whole experience was excellent.

I purchased the experience as a present for my partner and I, and it was one of the most creative and unique date experiences we’ve had in a really long time.

The cooking and whole process was fun and really engaging, the 5 hours flew by, and the other participants in the afternoon/evening made for great company.

Great value for money. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Susan Fitzsimmons Sep 2023


I really enjoyed our Indian cooking class with Bhavna, it exceeded our expectations! Learning about the history, health benefits, and cultural influences behind Indian cuisine was super interesting and made cooking even more fun. The hands-on experience was great, and the food we made was delicious. Bhavna is a lovely and very interesting person who is very patient and made sure we all had a great time while learning. I'll definitely be recommending this class to my friends.

Lisa Blischke Aug 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


The class was amazing! We had a really wonderful time with Bhavna and learned so much about indian food, culture and history. She is very entertaining and knowledgeable and a great teacher! Special thanks to her husband for cutting up aaalll of those onions in advance ;-)

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class review by Lisa Blischke - Sydney

Walter Firgau Aug 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


What a wonderful class! Kaleidoscope of smells and taste, many practical tips, history lesson, Bhavna's incredible passion and spirit - pure "infotainment". Five hours of fun and delight. Highly recommendable!

Katrina Ching Aug 2023


Great way to spice up your day! Bhavna is an incredible host and teacher. You’ll learn how to make several dishes and get a good history lesson too. It was a unique experience for me personally to be able to see, smell, and taste ingredients I don’t normally cook with. Would recommend :) Thank you so much, Bhavna. We had a fun time.

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Katrina Ching - Sydney

Deborah Willshire Aug 2023


I highly recommend Bhavna’s Indian cooking class. She is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about food, I learnt how to correctly use spices, had a fun experience and got to enjoy a wonderful meal (even getting to take home leftovers).

Cooking class review by Deborah Willshire - Sydney

Sarah Cooper Aug 2023


Best cooking class ever. Immersive, interactive and delicious. I will definitely be making these recipes at home for my family.

Andrea Campling Aug 2023


Lovely knowledgeable teacher.
Fantastic menu some great tips, great to be involved at all stages of the various dishes.
Lovely food and even got to take some home.

Steve Aug 2023


Bhavna is a fantastic teacher. Our experience with her was very memorable and she provided a warm, welcoming and enriching learning environment. We learnt about the many spices and cooking techniques unique to Indian cuisine, while also learning fascinating historical information about the Indian subcontinent and how certain dishes and cooking elements came to be. This was truly a great and intimate cooking class and we can not recommend it enough. Thankyou Bhavna for making our anniversary experience, one to remember. 5 stars

Brendan Collogan Jul 2023


What a wonderful experience - and even better teacher!

Loved every minute and plan to do another one.

Henry Shepherd Jul 2023


An excellent teacher, great cooking tips and such delicious food Would definitely recommend to others

Darren Smith Jul 2023


Teacher was knowledgeable and friendly. Appreciative of her experience on this course. I’m looking forward to using some of the new skills cooking at home.

Jenny Khazen Jul 2023


Such a great teach with an amazing personality!

Will definitely do it again

Great work

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Jenny Khazen - Sydney

Blake Baxter Jul 2023


Had a great experience overall.

Cozy space. Great people. Amazing food. Loads of information.

Also - mumma knows best. Always.

Michael Cartmell Jul 2023


This was a small class run in Bhavna's home attended by my sister and another couple. We were made to feel welcome with a cup of chai and samosas accompanied by Bhavna's wonderful chutneys.

We were given a brief history of Indian cuisine and then an in depth introduction to the essential spices, ghee and various oils and how these are used in the making of a good Indian meal.

All ingredients were prepared before the class started so we were straight into cooking afterwards. All the recipes were for dishes that are quick and easy (once you know what to do!).

All up the course ran about 3 hours with another hour on the balcony enjoying the view, conversation and eating the delicious lunch we had cooked ourselves.

I can thoroughly recomend this course. It is very informative and was great value.

Brendan Gomes Jul 2023


It took all of about 2 minutes to understand why this class still has a perfect 5-star rating after more than 120+ reviews.

The versatility and depth of the recipes we learned and were able to prepare absolutely blew us away.

A perfect mix of history, humour and hands-on cooking delivered in a welcoming home.

Diane Odonaghoe Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Great afternoon of cooking and some interesting historical facts about variety in Indian culture. Was heaps of fun and very personable

South Indian Cooking Class - Vegetarian review by Diane Odonaghoe - Sydney

Jenny Callagher Jul 2023


Bhavna was very entertaining and knowledgeable. All the chopping was done for us which was good. The dishes we cooked were simple but delicious which was great. The venue was cosy but probably a little too small for my liking. Making the paratha was fun.

Kym Benson Jul 2023


I have done many cooking classes and this by far is my favourite one. Bahvna was so passionate about the Indian food, culture and history. She taught us to cook authentic Indian, that was simple and on a budget. We sampled herbs and Bahvna told us of their medicinal qualities. We walked out of there bursting at the seams, ate so much amazing food, equipped with the knowledge of how to cook these healthy delights and best of all how to save so much money on our weekly shopping bill. Her home was so welcoming and next time we are in Sydney we will book in for another cooking class. I just felt that we got so much value for our money. Thanks Bahvna, we’ll definitely be back.

Cooking class review by Kym Benson - Sydney

Connie Zhang Jul 2023

12 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews


Bhavna is a terrific teacher, she instantly made us feel at home with her chai and samosas. She is knowledgeable and shares history and her enthusiasm for food and cooking throughout the class. Meeting Bhavna’s mother who showed us how to make authentic parathas was a bonus. Would highly recommend this experience to all ages and occasions.

Jesse Merhi Jul 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Bhavna was amazing, a history lesson, geographical lesson and culinary lesson all packed into one. Was a great experience, and learned some awesome techniques. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for something to do on a weekend!

Alexander Colli Jun 2023


This class was a great time from start to finish!
Bhavna was an excellent teacher and took us through a bit of the history and background of Indian cooking while teaching us the basics of the wonderfully diverse cuisine.
I highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to learn more about the basics of Indian cooking :)

Eriko Iwata Jun 2023


This cooking class was one of the things I was most looking forward to during my one-month-long stay in Sydney, and it was a great experience that did not disappoint me at all.

From the moment I walked into the house, the beautiful decor and music made me feel instantly relaxed, and the snacks and chai served at the beginning of the class convinced me that this was going to be great. That chai was one of the most flavorful and delicious things I have ever tasted in my life.

Before we started cooking, Bhavna, the wonderful teacher, taught us about spices, types of Indian cuisine, and history. These talks were very interesting and helped me to remember all the spices that were introduced.

When cooking, we were given very clear instructions and taught various techniques that we could apply at home. We were also taught a variety of substitutions, so I will definitely try to recreate them at home using the same techniques but with different ingredients.

Needless to say, the meal we made was exquisite and definitely one of the top Indian meals I have ever had in my life. Each bite was a perfect fusion of flavors, and all the well-balanced spices spread in the mouth. I was truly amazed that none of the dishes contained extremely complicated process.

I would like to express my huge thanks to Bhavna and to her mother. They made my stay in Sydney unforgettable, and spices will be an essential part of my life from now on. Thank you very much for the wonderful cooking class! This experience definitely made my day:)

Cooking class review by Eriko Iwata - Sydney

Annabel Mackinder Jun 2023


Had a wonderful day with Bhavna who is a wealth of knowledge and a very enthusiastic teacher. We learnt so much in an afternoon about oils, spices and all their different uses within the dishes- it was very informative and also help from her mother visiting from India, a great treat for us.

Kjell Lea Jun 2023


Great experience and explanation in the use of spices and combinations. Overview of key philosophies in cooking procedure and step by step cooking without all the required prep work. Get to enjoy the final meal and all dishes as a group.

Aurelien Robelet Jun 2023


Bhavna is great teacher, we learn how to cooked 6 beautiful dishes and learned all about the different ingredients and techniques. The class is dynamic and fun, and the food tasted incredible. We had a great time and would recommend to anyone!

Maria Dunne Jun 2023


Fabulous afternoon spent in good company learning how to make delicious no fuss Indian food. Wonderful host. Amazing food. Highly recommended!

Vegan Indian Cooking Class review by Maria Dunne - Sydney

Margaret Morgan Jun 2023


Class was wonderful, Bhavna was exceptional. We had a wonderful experience, learning about and cooking authentic Indian food. An extremely memorable, fun, delicious and informative Sunday for sure! Would highly recommend this class
Many thanks Bhavna

Gavin Brown Jun 2023


I had the pleasure of attending Bhavna The Modern Desi's Indian cooking class, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Bhavna, who exudes a modern and charismatic energy, was an exceptional host who made the class both fun and relaxed. Her dishes were bursting with flavour and fragrant aromas, as she expertly layered the Indian spices to create a taste that was never overwhelming.

Throughout the class, Bhavna shared invaluable secrets and tips on how to build a wonderful base to create any dish. I was surprised at how easy it was to make some of the most delicious Indian dishes that I had previously thought were too complicated. While all of the dishes were outstanding, my top favourites were the lemon and cashew rice and cauliflower and potatoes. The cabbage paratha was equally amazing and left me wanting more.

Bhavna's passion for Indian cooking shone through her warm and vibrant personality, making the class enjoyable for everyone. I left feeling inspired and excited to try out the dishes at home. I highly recommend Bhavna's Indian cooking class to anyone who wants to learn how to make authentic Indian dishes while having a great time. Thank you, Bhavna, for an unforgettable experience!

Georgie Conroy May 2023


My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Bhavna used a perfect mix of Indian history and food, making it a very engaging class. The bonus of her mum staying with her was a great addition, as she shared her wealth of knowledge. The food was fresh and delicious, easy to make. Everyone should give it a go. My daughter came straight home and made a paratha from memory.

Jyotsna Pruthi May 2023


The cooking class was a great experience for me. I learnt how to make dough and I had been struggling with kneading dough for a long time. The food cooked was flavourful and fresh. I highly recommend Bhavna as a fantastic teacher and historian of Indian cuisine.

Brendan Sweeney May 2023


Fantastic class, lots of great information presented really well and Bhavna was a wonderful teacher and we made some delicious food. Fantastic and productive way to spend an afternoon.

Kate May 2023

6 ClassBento workshops attended


My Dad and I had an amazing time at this class! Really informative, very well organised and the food was delicious. Thanks so much Bhavna!

Philip Wittann May 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Excellent tour through the core flavours and spices. She made it easy to see how to combine the different elements to make some delicious dishes.

Ann Clark May 2023


Engaging teacher, learned a lot, and will actually make some of the dishes at home. All prep work was done by the teacher before class, making things easier.

Mico Mila May 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Very knowledgeable and welcoming instructor with a wealth of experience. Lived the mix of history with cooking and learning about the spices. Would be keen to try another one of her classes any day.
Loved every minute. Perfect length of class and perfect size with leftovers to take home as a souvenir a nice touch.
Hope I can remember all the new skills. Practice, practice, practice

Ruari Moran Apr 2023


Excellent experience, very authentic and great range of food provided. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about Indian cuisine.

Michael Trau Apr 2023


Thanks for the class today. It was very informative and we received some great tips on how to prepare the various dishes. Mike T

Hannah Freeman Nov 2022


Bhavna welcomed us into her home and world of Indian cuisine and we could not have been happier with the experience. A highlight was how knowledgeable she is about the history and origins of the items we were cooking. We cannot wait to attend her other classes - Highly Recommend!

Maksim Astakhov Nov 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Fantastic course. It was really engaging and provided great insight into both the history of Indian cuisine, the cooking techniques, spices and ingredients. The food was amazing too! Would definitely do another course.

Helen Gaulton Nov 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews


Lovely teacher with lot's of knowledge, warm and inviting environment. She prepared (cut) all the food so we could concentrate on cooking. Had a great time

Marc Harry Nov 2022

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 20 reviews


Had the best time class was fantastic did a lot of cooking and learnt many new things. Teacher is perfect, a perfect place environment to learn Indian cuisine. I am so glad I have to say thank you very much. Till the next time…

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Marc Harry - Sydney

Tony Caban Nov 2022


I had an absolute great day learning the tricks to Indian cooking
Bhavna taught us some history about all the produce we used in the cooking class
Would absolutely recommend this course to anyway wanting to learn about Indian food
Thanks again Bhavna

John Mair Nov 2022


Bhavna was very engaging and welcoming with extensive knowledge of regional cooking variations. The afternoon was great fun and ended all to soon but we had a complete meal of seven dishes to feast upon before leaving. Highly recommended.

Deborah Marshall Nov 2022


I really loved the cooking class I did on the weekend with Bhavna, she is a fun and entertaining teacher with so much knowledge. I learnt lots of tips and tricks that will make Indian cooking simple and enjoyable.
The classes are held in her lovely home which made for a more personal experience.
I can’t recommend doing a class with Bhavna more highly, you will eat amazing food and have the knowledge to replicate the dishes at home

Katrina Sandbach Oct 2022


Bhavna greeted me with warmth and humour, and before long my fellow students and I were munching on delicious Indian snacks and the best chai I've ever tasted; this would keep us going for the next few hours until we could enjoy the meals we were about to learn how to cook. Bhavna's stories and anecdotes brought her culture to life, and she generously offered cooking tips and tricks that one usually only hears from a dear family member. Importantly, each of us took turns preparing six delicious dishes that we shared as a feast (my photo simply doesn't do this justice), each leaving with containers full of takeaways. This was the best home-cooked Indian food I've ever tasted and now equipped with the booklet provided by Bhavna, I'm confident and excited about growing my vegetarian repertoire with everything I learned and experienced. Highly recommend!

Vegan Indian Cooking Class review by Katrina Sandbach - Sydney

George Organ Oct 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Absolutely loved this class. Really helped build our understanding of Indian cooking without making it feel daunting. Perfect sized classes (6) with plenty of hands on action when it came to the important parts (the cooking rather than chopping and prep). Would highly recommend. So delicious!

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by George Organ - Sydney

Denise Daynes Oct 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


A great teacher, who makes the class fun and informative. Lots of great tips. Perhaps one meat dish would have been nice and perhaps a little more hands on cooking. However given the limited space, it was done very well. Thank you for a fab experience.

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Denise Daynes - Sydney

Krista Gardner Oct 2022


Awesome class. Really interesting hints and tips on how to make your own fabulous Indian food. Delicious food and a great enjoyable day!

Sanny Hsu Oct 2022


The teacher really knew her stuff and explained everything well. The atmosphere was great and the food was amazing!

Elaine Shek Oct 2022


Bhavna is a wonderful teacher. The class was so much fun. I am now confident that I can make nutritious and tasty vegetarian dishes. The class was good value and the paneer curry was better than what I had in a restaurant. Highly recommend this

Leidy Meneses Oct 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


I loved the course. It was exactly what I wanted. I got to learn few techniques and variations of food. Instructor was great. Thank you.

Dara Verney Oct 2022


Thoroughly enjoyed our Indian Masterclass as we learned alot about Indian food, flavours and cooking techniques. Would highly recommend! Looking forward to putting our knowledge to test at home!

Rajeswarie Ravichandar Oct 2022


I truly enjoyed the experienced I had. The teacher thoroughly explained every spices and technique needed to make good Indian dishes and also gave us alternative options to make according to individual preferences and taste. I was confused with all the different recipes online but she made me more confident cooking Indian dishes.

Cooking class review by Rajeswarie Ravichandar - Sydney

Marc Harry Oct 2022

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 20 reviews


Loved this cooking class, facility was perfect comfortable and made for an easy learning opportunity. Teacher is the perfect example of class and friendliness. Learnt a lot and will attend another one at this venue. Couldn’t recommend anything better than this class. Thank you sincerely …

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class review by Marc Harry - Sydney

Justine Colyer Sep 2022


This was a great cooking class - so many tips and tricks for making it easy to make at home!

Zacharia Hamsab Sep 2022


Venue was clean, comfortable and homey. The teacher Bhavna was amazingly friendly, knowledgeable and inviting. Lots to learn and beginner friendly! Would absolutely recommend

Isabella Richardson Aug 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


The class was excellent and Bhavna was an amazing teacher. It was perfect for my sister (an avid cook) and myself (a beginner! I learnt so much, and we made many amazing yummy dishes. I would highly recommend trying this class, you are guaranteed to learn something knew.

Cooking class review by Isabella Richardson - Sydney

Catherine Llewellyn Aug 2022


We had a wonderful experience cooking with Bhavna who was extremely informative friendly and professional The food we cooked was exquisite and we were able to take left overs home The venue was clean and very relaxing Would highly recommend

Simon Robson Aug 2022

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


Our Indian vegan cooking course with Bhavna was a really wonderful experience. Bhavna is a very gifted and knowledgable Indian cook and she is just as gifted a teacher. We learnt with her for 4 hours and she kept us interested and engaged for the whole time. I am not a great cook and hardly cook at all, but Bhavna has inspired me to dive into Indian cooking. My wife who is more experienced was similarly energised by Bhavna's expertise and teaching. I would not hesitate in recommending her courses to anyone, from those already experienced in Indian cooking, right down to the novice like me. Also, the food we prepared and ate at the end was simply divine. I'm still dreaming about it!

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class review by Simon Robson - Sydney

Anthony Yiu Aug 2022


Bhavna was an excellent teacher. She is so knowledgeable on the history and origins of Indian cuisine, and she was an absolute delight to be around. The food was surprisingly easy to make, and yet it was so delicious. Her place was stunning and the atmosphere with the decor and other fellow classmates were very pleasant. 10/10 would recommend.

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class review by Anthony Yiu - Sydney

Ref Hoogervorst Aug 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


The teacher was really welcoming and explained a lot about Indian food and customs and cooking techniques. A few dishes I struggled with in the past were clarified and the results were clear and tasty. There were a lot of new dishes we had not had before and everyone had a chance to be involved. Her home setting was well organised and clean and it was a great experience overall! We will be back for more!

Bradley Stone Aug 2022


Had a fantastic day learning all about Indian cooking. The class was informative, fun and had hands on elements. We took home some excellent resources and a lovely gift box with loads of spices and really enjoyed ourselves. We were welcomed into our teachers home and made feel at home. It was a great experience and we took a great deal of knowledge away with us. Highly recommended to any one wishing to learn the basics of Indian cooking. Excellent value and a great experience.

Jordan Wood Aug 2022


Fantastic worthwhile class to go to. Small group of people so a really intimate, personal class where all my questions were answered. I loved how this class wasn't just about learning a set recipie. It taught me concepts that I can apply to all my cooking, and can modify and combine to meet my tastes and improve my food. I learnt everything in the class description, but also so much more - history of the food and culture, insight into the diversity of indian cuisine, the health benefits and all the different uses for spices and ingredients (haircare, skincare, tips for if your bloated or drinks for sleep). Plus the host was so helpful, passionate and friendly. And she sent even more reciepies after the class as I expressed interest in them. If your considering booking this class, the price is 100% good value. I had 5 hours of personalised advice, there would have been much time put into prep prior to the class, the hosts passion and depth of knowledge was amazing, plus the massive feast with leftovers to take home (had breakfast, lunch and more for the next day) was amazing. Oh and we brought home a box of spices and ingredients. I plan to book in another of her other classes. Was great!

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Jordan Wood - Sydney

Emmanuel Reneaume Aug 2022


Bhavna was a fantastic teacher, host, cook and a super nice person. Thanks! We cooked a host of delicious vegetarian indian dishes including chickpea curry, lemon & cashew rice, brown dal, lentil & raisin stuffed paratha, eggplant & potato, beetroot raita and mushroom korma as well as the legendary kickass potatoes. Beyond just the recipes, we learnt a lot about the different types of spices as well as about Indian food history. The class was hands-on, but the fact that many ingredients were already prepared meant we could cook many recipes and focus on the interesting parts. Thanks!

Jane Lorimer Aug 2022


Amazing class! I learnt so much from B on not only cooking amazing Indian food but also Indian history and the benefits of different ingredients. B was very welcoming and answered all of our questions

Food was amazing and enjoyed every minute. Highly recommend 10/10

Sarah Doblander Jul 2022


Warm and welcoming host who took the time to individualise the cooking process, whilst imparting Indian history. My partner and myself thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful experience. Could not recommend this class more

Shelley Yin Jul 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Booked this course as part of my friend's Hens Day and couldn't have chosen a better event to kick off her Hens day.

From the first contact, Bhavna was so lovely and accommodating and adapted the course to suit our group's specific needs. We booked a private class and wanted the menu to have more of a Sri Lankan/South Indian focus since our Hens fiancé is from there, and also had gluten intolerant and vegan attendees, so Bhavna designed the entire menu to suit our needs so everyone could participate and eat the delicious food we cooked.

Since we had other activities to attend to in the afternoon, Bhavna accommodated a much earlier start time than usual (and allowed us to arrive even earlier to decorate her beautiful home with Hens party balloons and decorations before our Hen arrived) and served us all Indian breakfast with freshly made hot Chai to kick off the morning.

The class itself was so much fun and incredibly informative. Bhavna is extremely organised; she had recipe booklets printed for us, fresh aprons to use, and all the ingredients pre-chopped and prepared so we could really focus on learning. It was still a very hands on class and everyone had the opportunity to participate and get involved in the cooking of the dishes.

Each and every dish was unique, incredibly delicious and complemented the other dishes we were cooking. The best part was we got to feast on all the amazing dishes we'd just cooked at the end of the class!

Would highly recommend Bhavna and her cooking classes, on behalf of all the girls, thank you so much for a wonderful morning and welcoming us into your home so warmly

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Shelley Yin - Sydney

Georgia Battin Jul 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


I cannot recommend others to take this cooking class enough! Bhavna was an incredibly talented and knowledgeable teacher, extremely organised all while still being a lot of fun! The whole experience was a total breeze and took any usual stress of cooking away, so you could just focus on learning and take in all the information.
As it was held in her beautiful home, it felt like you were cooking with friends and brought the warmth and energy of a loving home cooked meal.

There was such an impressive range of dishes taught! Everything was so hands on, making it a lot of fun and not just a demonstration - really getting involved and absorbing all the information on particular methods, flavours and spice combinations. Every dish was full of flavour and beyond delicious, without being over complicated.

I took away so much from this class, I love Indian cuisine and have always wanted to understand the correct spices to utilise.

And to top it off she gave us a gift pack of handmade spices and ingredients to recreate your dishes at home.

Thank you so much Bhavna!

Cooking class review by Georgia Battin - Sydney

Lynette Hoare Jun 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Bhavna is a fabulous host - full of interesting info, highly skilled and funny as hell.
B was super prepared and the day ran smoothly so the time just whizzed by.
Food was delicious and small group made for excellent dining conversation.
Loved every minute.

Azar Masalehdani Jun 2022


Incredible class, my partner and I loved every minute of it and have come away with some great skills for Indian cuisine. Bhavna was a fantastic teacher and even provided some history lessons along the way. Cheers, Mike and Azar

Alex Kopczynski Jun 2022


My family and I had a great experience with Bhavna's Indian cooking class. The lesson was at a pace my 13 and 10 year old could follow, while still teaching us all valuable cooking skills.

At least one of the recipes will be in our regular cooking rotation. Thanks for sharing your culture and cooking expertise with us Bhavna!

Janet Behenna May 2022


Practical lessons in making and balancing indian spices in fun way. Hands on practice made the day
it even memorable. Did not go home hungry.

Joanne Withnall May 2022


Had a great time. Was an intimate class with only six people which was great. Held in the hosts home which was actually very nice. Great food and learnt lots of tips for some great Indian food.

Stephen Lee May 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Very Intimate class, with authentic indian cooking and Bhavna was very knowledgeable. Very much enjoyed it

Christian Drysdale May 2022


They day included amazing food, great conversation and some excellent lessons learnt cooking Indian dishes

Talie Finlay May 2022


Great Indian cooking experience, learnt a wealth of knowledge from spices to cooking techniques. Thank you B!

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Talie Finlay - Sydney

Fraser Moore Mar 2022


Food was amazing. Experience was amazing. Bhavna was amazing. Ended up with so many leftovers. 10/10, would definitely recommend.

Ben Robinson Mar 2022


This class was an amazing, fun and informative intro to the world of Indian cooking. In addition to being a fantastic cook and great teacher, Bhavna was a wonderful host and entertainer.

The 5 hour class flew by as we laughed and chatted while making a range of delicious, authentic and practical Indian dishes, while learning the history and origins of the ingredients and methods. To finish it off, we got a feast of great food at the end, with plenty of leftovers to take home. I can't recommend this class highly enough for a really enjoyable day!

Nipuni Perera Mar 2022


Friendly host who made us feel very welcome.
Recipes were AMAZING and explained step by step with all of us given a chance to participate. It was really good to learn not just about Indian cooking but also about the history and culture of India. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone.

We left with happy hearts and bellies!

Gavin Sacks Mar 2022


Wonderful introduction to Indian cooking from an enthusiastic, friendly, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable host. Great food at the end. Really fun day

Faguni Motiani Mar 2022


Thank you so so so much for teaching me to cook today! I didn't really know how they would turn out but actually, everything tasted AMAZING! My partner absolutely loved them as well and he was so proud of me.

I always thought cooking would be the hardest thing ever but you helped me see that I can actually cook!

Karen Zwaan-Dowley Mar 2022

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Patient, friendly and very helpful teacher with a well structure plan that ran perfectly to time.

Shawn Phua Mar 2022

23 ClassBento workshops attended • 19 reviews


The Indian Vegan online class, The Art of Indian Cooking at Home was interesting with different food ingredients.

Jane Qiu Mar 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Beautiful food and even more beautiful the history behind - super inspiring and insightful. Thank you so much:)

Carmen Famularo Feb 2022


I felt at home the minute I walked through Bhavna’s door. It was such an enjoyable and insightful experience. I loved the small intimate nature of the class, getting to know each other over samosas, home made chutneys and tea, all the yummy dishes we got to learn about and make and the historical facts and origins of certain ingredients. I left feeling a lot more knowledgeable and inspired. Thank you Bhavna!

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Carmen Famularo - Sydney

Jessica Stewart Feb 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


It was such an amazing session! I learnt so much and had a wonderful time. Would recommend this class to everyone!

Paula Dutton Feb 2022


Bhavana is an incredible person, generous with her time and knowledge. She made the class so interesting that time seemed to fly by. Her home is welcoming and very clean. We learnt a lot in one afternoon as the the dishes carefully chosen. I would definitely recommend this class.

Alissa Cook Feb 2022


A fantastic introduction to Indian cookery. The host is very knowledgeable, very warm, and has a deep knowledge of the history of Indian food. We cooked 7 dishes, and at the end of the day enjoyed a lovely meal cooked by us, there were even leftovers to take home. I would highly reccomend this course.

Jodie Cathcart Feb 2022


A friend & I did this class yesterday. The teacher was very friendly with a great sense of humour. She made us feel very welcome in her home which worked remarkably well as a venue for a cooking class. She was very knowledgable not only about the food preparation but the history of the food & the ingredients. The food we produced, under her tutelage, was excellent & we came away with the knowledge required to attempt it at home. I thoroughly recommend this class.

Michael Falk Jan 2022


Bhavna’s class was exceptional. Bhavna is a charismatic and enthusiastic teacher. She invited us into her apartment, where we were greeted with a delicious selection of homemade chutneys. The afternoon whizzed by as she entertained us with anecdotes and explanations of her cooking. We made six—or was it seven?—dishes, which were fragrant and spicy and perfectly textured. Bhavna is a very skilled cook, with numerous tips and tricks that I will certainly use in my cooking from now on. Dhanyavad Bhavna

Ekaterina Kullengren Jan 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


It was so great. The food was the best Indian food I've ever had. My partner really enjoyed it as well.

Cooking class review by Ekaterina Kullengren - Sydney

Laura Masia Jan 2022


If you are thinking about doing an Indian cooking class with Bhavna from The Modern Desi, or gifting it to a loved one, this is your sign to do it!
Bhavna welcomed us into her beautiful home and instantly we were captivated by her kind, welcoming energy.

Heading into the class, I was really excited to learn how to cook some delicious dishes but most of all was hoping to learn about the application of different spices and techniques. Bhavna took her time explaining techniques, traditions and the history of various dishes to our intimate class of four. I particularly loved learning about the misconceptions we have about Indian food in Australia!
During the class we all were able to have a turn being hands on to make each dish which was super fun.

I took my Dad for his birthday and it was such a fun, practical thing to do together. We had a great time and I feel like even without following the recipes in the book Bhavna had kindly already typed up for us, my new knowledge of how spices and ingredients work together will help me whip up a delicious Indian dish!

10/10 do this class!

Melinda Fletcher Jan 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Bhavna is such a superstar, she makes you feel welcome and as ease from the start, irrespective of your cooking experience. She's an excellent teacher and chef who goes the extra mile by providing you with a bit of history and geography, a take home list of recipes and some spices. We learnt so much and the time absolutely flew by. I would definitely want to cross paths with Bhavna again in the future to learn more of what she has to share! Thank you!

Charles Sas Jan 2022


Thank you Bhavna for a great cooking experience. I had a great time and food was great. The small number of people in the class was small which is perfect as it felt that we were getting a one-on-one session with lots of hands on time. Enjoyed it very much.

Zoe Hoad Jan 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Bhavna was an excellent host and teacher for our class. The small friendly class took place in her home (with excellent consideration of covid) and we were provided with lots of opportunity to learn about, cook and taste a really broad selection of Indian dishes, as well as providing leftovers to take home for the rest of the family. The class exceeded my expectations in all regards. Highly recommended!

Chris Palombo Jan 2022


Great class. Very informative and tasty ! We both enjoyed this very much. Great. Thanks again.

Ranya Chikhaoui Dec 2021

3 ClassBento workshops attended


The teacher was amazing! Although I was only watching the class, I enjoyed how precise, in depth and patient the teacher was. She answered every question I had and listened to what I asked. Would definitely recommend this Indian cooking class to anyone who wants to learn.

Matthew Taylor Dec 2021


I have to say this was the most enjoyable, fun and informative class I have attended in a long time. Not only was I entertained non stop for hours by our teacher/cook/entertainer, I took away new skills and knowledge beyond what I expected. Not only was there culinary learnings I also leant a lot about culture and geography of the region in which the food was derived. With her deep knowledge of nutrition coupled with her wit, the style in which Bhavna delivered this class keep everyone constantly engaged, interested and laughing throughout. I would recommended this class to anyone with an interest in food, Indian culture and entertainment !

Jennifer Truong Dec 2021


Bhavna was such an amazing and passionate teacher. Her class was so insightful. She not only taught us about Indian cooking but the rich history behind each dish and ingredient. I can’t wait to apply my knowledge to our weekly cooking. Thank you so much for an amazing time. Indian cooking doesn’t feel so scary anymore thanks to Bhavna.

Theodore Cook Dec 2021

8 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Very friendly teacher and had a great experience.
Would be happy to do more classes.

Alex Clark Nov 2021


Bhavna was an awesome host for our class! My partner and I had a great time learning about all the little geographical and historical tidbits about the food, and the whole process was super fun and engaging.

Gemma Clarke Nov 2021


What a fantastic way to spend a Sunday in Sydney- learnt so much, not just about how to cook Indian like a homecook in India would do, but learnt about health benefits of so many spices and fantastic natural remedies, and fascinating history behind the food. And, our all so wonderfully and engagingly led by the absolutely lovely Bhavna. And, that is before even mentioning the food. Could not fault a single thing, I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning about and wanting to eat real Indian style cuisine! Excellent value for money- definitely come hungry and be ready for 4 fun filled hours to pass by in a flash!

Isabelle Kelman Nov 2021


Excellent! Loved every bit of it and learnt so much as well as consumed so much deliciousness.

Melinda Blayney Nov 2021


Bhavna is an excellent teacher who’s passion for Indian history and culture shows beautifully through her food & talks during this class. I was gifted this class by a good friend and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who loves to cook, learn and chat! Thank you Bhavna for a lovely afternoon!

Anna Dobson Nov 2021

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Many thanks to Bhavna, we had a fabulous time and learned so much about Indian cuisine, from the different spices and oils to use, to cooking techniques and the history of the food. It is always a wonderful experience listening to someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about their subject. We cooked so many different dishes and had an absolute feast to finish.

Aziza Mustar Nov 2021


Great class, learned alot of things.

Teacher was knowledgeable and thank you:)

Foof was amazing

Jason Todd Nov 2021


Great teacher and really delicious food, learnt a lot and would recommend to every one!

Jaron Cohen Oct 2021


Food was delicious, feeling very full and everyone loved it. The teachers was very engaging and inclusive always checking that we were keep up.

Sarah Brunson Oct 2021


Bhavna was knowledgable and a great host! She took us through each step clearly and made cooking some slightly intimidating dishes really easy. Wonderful tips along the way too that we’ll definitely benefit from whenever coming back to cook these meals.
Fab way to celebrate our wedding anniversary Thanks Bhavna!

David Speller Oct 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended


What a great lesson. Really clear instruction throughout and the meal was superb. Very different to anything I’ve cooked before and my family loved it.
Thanks so much for running the lesson.

Toni Gardener Oct 2021


This was an excellent class! The food was fantastic and the instructions were great. Bhavna was a delight - she is funny, helpful, generous and very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend! We had a fabulous feast at the end and enjoyed this class very much.

The Art of Indian Cooking at Home review by Toni Gardener

Stella McGinn Sep 2021

4 ClassBento workshops attended


we had a great afternoon and learned alot. Will defintely use these recipes and feel less intimdated by Indian cooking. Thanks B
Stella

Leree Rogers Sep 2021


Bhavna was excellent, explained everything and kept us all working together. We have never used that much spice in one meal before! Magic and delicious

Cooking class review by Leree Rogers

Melissa Dutton Sep 2021


A fun way to learn new dishes, and tips cooking Indian cuisine. Bhavna is a great teacher, and very helpful throughout the cooking process and
the end product are delicious meals to enjoy.

Thomas Niccol Sep 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Thank you so much for such a fantastic evening. This is the perfect lockdown activity. Bhavna has managed to make cooking via zoom, simple, fun and most certainly delicious. You will also have many lunches and dinners following the class Definitely will be back! Thanks again.

Jacqueline Veldhuis Sep 2021

52 ClassBento workshops attended • 27 reviews


What an amazing class

Fun. The flavours smells and colours

So well organised.
I learnt so much not just about Indian cooking but also history and culture

I would highly recommend this class

If you are doing the class open the box earlier. Than I dis. There is a bit of prep

And check what size pans you need and how many

You will have enough food for the whole week

Thank you

Jacqueline Veldhuis Sep 2021

52 ClassBento workshops attended • 27 reviews


so much wonderful food
Indian cuisine is something that I am new to and now love
the smell in the kitchen was delicious and everything was so bright and colourful
a lot to follow and keep up with and I wish I had not opened the box 5 min before class as there was a lot of prep work to do

One suggestion would be to be aware how many pans you are going to need and what size/types of pans

I learnt a lot about not just the Indian food but culture and history

I would recommend this class to anyone

we have enough food left for the rest of the week

Thank you

Jesse Richards Sep 2021


Such an unreal experience. I could not recommend this more! Bhavna was so much fun and a fantastic cook. We will be doing this again.

Eric Emerick Sep 2021

14 ClassBento workshops attended • 11 reviews


The best cooking class I have ever attended. Though the ingredient list is lengthy, the host made it super simple and was so supportive. The food is delicious, house smells amazing. Can’t get enough!

Kim Francis Aug 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


I organised a virtual cooking lesson with The Modern Desi for my fiancé’s 30th with a few of our friends. We had so much fun! Bhavna was very helpful and accomodating during the booking process and leading up to the class. It was all so well organised you can tell a lot of work and thought was put into every little detail. We received all our ingredients and a personalised menu ahead of time. Bhavna made sure we had an amazing time, the lesson itself was so well thought through and she made it really easy to follow along. She was funny, engaging and gave us some really interesting historical facts about Indian food while we cooked! My Fiancé loved his gift and all our friends messaged me afterward to say how much fun they had during the class. Finally, the food itself was so delicious We couldn’t wait to have the leftovers the next day (which was even more yummy than we remembered!)
I could not recommend this class more! It’s so worth it. Thanks for giving us such a lovely experience.

Cooking class review by Kim Francis

Mike Sager Jul 2021


My team was very impressed with the course and our instructor was amazing. If the rest of the ClassBento are half as good then you're doing well.

Mike Sager Jul 2021


Amazing teacher can not recommend moregreat virtual team event. We were able to run across team members in different states and in Australia and New Zealand.

Jackson Morand Jun 2021


A great class from an extremely engaging, knowledgeable and helpful teacher. Thanks for the lesson!

Christopher Chircop Jun 2021


We had a great time seeing and hearing Bhavna's enthusiasm for the food she loves and learning the skills to recreate these dishes in our own home. We had a lot of fun and a lot of food to enjoy and take home! Thank you Bhavna for a wonderful time in your kitchen

Peter Scrivener Jun 2021


What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Bhavna was a wonderfully welcoming host and made us feel at home immediately . Her knowledge of India and Indian cooking was encyclopedic! Venue was fantastic and cosy, and the quality and quantity of dishes and spices we were introduced were amazing. This course certainly left eager to take on any sort of Indian cuisine with a lot more confidence than before.

Taj Davis May 2021


Fun, informative, and delicious! Bhavna makes Indian cooking simple and easy to do, and gave us some good recipes

Simon Davies May 2021


Delicious food & a great experience! Complete beginner in cooking Indian food & I learn a lot. Host was amazing & very informative around each spice used & why it’s used. Highly recommend if you would like to know how to cook a delicious home cooked curry.

Lesley Strydom May 2021


Delicious, authentic food taught from scratch.
Bhavna was amazing, informative with a good sense of humour would definitely recommend!

Fynn Cameron May 2021


Amazing value, such a rich immersion into real Indian culture and food. It was an intimate cooking class teaching you about flavours, spices and new cooking techniques. Fantastic for beginners and those looking to unskill!
Can’t forget the yummy foods you get to take home to fill you up for the following days! 10/10

Cooking class review by Fynn Cameron - Sydney

Rachel Sandhu Apr 2021


Awesome Indian cookery class. A great host, peppered with useful cooking tips and a glorious meal to finish proceedings. Highly recommended.

Destiny Valencia Mar 2021


My partner and I had such an amazing time during this class. Bhavna was a wonderful host, who is very passionate about what she teaches. She shared with us a wealth of knowledge about Indian cuisine, spices and ingredients. She also shared the history of the spices and various ways they can be used.

Bhavna welcomed us into her home and made us feel very comfortable throughout the class. She prepared a booklet and a goodie bag for us to take home - including a number of different ingredients as well as very generous portions of all of the food we’d cooked together on the day.

Would absolutely recommend this to anyone who’s interested in Indian cuisine, regardless of their cooking skill level.

Julie Murphy Mar 2021


My daughter and I had the most fun and informative day with Bharvna today , we learnt some great techniques to try at home and it was very interactive
Best part was sitting down to eat our marvellous dishes afterwards, we did the vegan lesson and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day !

Henry Giles Feb 2021


A great experience, with helpful tips and amazing food at the end. Will be recommending to everyone.

Sophia Tran Feb 2021


Bhavna was an amazing teacher, she was so warm, engaging and knowledgeable. We had a fun time learning how to cook a variety of delicious Indian vegetarian dishes and eating our meal together at the end. We left with plenty of leftovers, a booklet full of information and recipes, and a goodie bag with spices! I would recommend this experience to anyone, even a beginner cook like myself :)

Vegetarian Indian Cooking Class review by Sophia Tran - Sydney

Kamani Krish Feb 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Bhavna had a lovely manner, and teaching style. The time flies as you learn the fundamentals of Indian cooking.

Melanie Poyntz Feb 2021


Amazing day
A warm welcome and friendly smile as we entered the cooking class
I have learnt so much today and we made tasty fabulous food which we sat and ate and chatted with our teacher
I would recommend to do this class if you enjoy Indian cuisine ❤️

Cooking class review by Melanie Poyntz - Sydney

Daniel Driscoll Jan 2021


My girlfriend Dom and myself had spectacular time with the Modern Desi! We did the vegan Indian cooking class, during which time we learnt many new cooking techniques, ingredients, and methods of preparation. Bhavna is a lovely woman with a deep knowledge of Indian history and cuisine, and is also a skilled chef and excellent host. We would highly recommend her lessons.

Andrew Bartlett Jan 2021


A fantastic, informative, professional, fun experience that I definitely want to do again. Whether for a solo experience, with a friend or a group, this class is a must! The food was absolutely the best I have eaten in my long love affair with Indian food & I already feel empowered & confident that I can replicate it at home. Bhavna is a culinary magician & one of the nicest people I have met. Her knowledge of Indian history & the origins of the ingredients enhances the cooking experience. This was the best Christmas present I have received in a long time. An awesome gift idea & a lovely date day with my husband. I highly recommend this class.

Andrew Nov 2020


We absolutely loved cooking and learning about Indian food with Bhavna! She was full of insight and clear instruction every step of the way whist making the class feel very casual and comfortable. I appreciated learning more about spices and gaining awareness of confidence in how and when to use them. All the dishes were spectacular and I can't wait to try them at home. Highly recommend!

The Art of Indian Cooking Masterclass review by Andrew - Sydney

Danielle Baynes Nov 2020

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Absolutely fantastic experience. Bhavna is an incredible teacher, cook and host. Her knowledge is deep and so is her passion to share it with her students. We left with a greater understanding of how to use spices, how to create very easy vegetarian dishes that can be customised to our tastes and lots of handy tips and techniques for a home cooking experience. We gained a lot of confidence during this class and left wonderfully full with lots of delicious left overs and treats. Highly recommend this experience, it was a privilege to learn from and share food with Bhavna.

Daniel Esz Nov 2020


This class was fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't wait to start utilising my new skills in my everyday cooking at home. Highly recommend this class. The modern desi made my partner and I feel completely comfortable and at home. The food was amazing and plentiful

Cooking experience review by Daniel Esz - Sydney

Emily Hannah Feb 2020


Mu husband and I had a brilliant night and thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
We prepared and cooked a 5 course meal instructed by Bhavna in her home. The food was delicious and we even got to take it home to enjoy also.
She also prepared step by step instructions and recipes for us to take home so we could prepare these meals again. Bhavna was kind, patient, had a wonderful vibrant personality and was a wealth of knowledge in Indian cooking and culture. We would highly recommend this to anyone who is keen on doing an Indian cooking class.

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