Learn to cook a South Indian meal in Chennai

My favourite world cuisine, without a doubt is Indian food. It has everything from snacks, main courses, rice and so many different "breads", sweets as well as coffee, teas and lassi!! With varying levels from subtle spice to the searing levels of chilli making my taste buds tingle and ears pop, I don't think I could ever tire of it. I thought I was fairly sophisticated and occasionally brave, working my way through the menu of my local Indian restaurants and measuring the success of each, depending on how well they cooked Aloo Gobi. I naively thought I had tasted it all but I was certainly in for a surprise. I had always wanted to travel to India, to experience the people, the place and of course the food. Having arrived, I didn't want to leave without experiencing a cooking demonstration or lesson and was thrilled to hear that 5 Senses Tours did indeed offer, exactly that. I enquired and the date and time was set, 09:30-13:00 and lunch included. On a warm Saturday morning, at just before 09:30hrs, promptly as ever, our guide, Kannan arrived. I was not alone this time, I had encouraged two friends to come and share the experience. We were greeted and once in the car we were whisked off to the small narrow streets to the local markets. It was bustling and there were people and produce everywhere. This was the hub of the local area where goods and good wishes were exchanged in equal amounts, as we found out later. The car stopped, we thought we were taking the scenic route but, then we're told, "if we didn't mind", that we were here to meet our host, a local lady who was going to share "her" streets with us. We were a little surprised but a lot excited. Then we were introduced to the beautiful Dhanalakshmi or Dhana. She greeted us with the biggest smile and introduction and then asked if we were happy to do a little walkabout. We were. She knew the street vendors, told us some of their history and educated us about produce we had never seen and some never heard of before. We were told why and when these plants would be used and any therapeutic effects they had. As we walked and talked the vendors greeted her and asked to be introduced to her "visitors". They were all proud of their produce, gracious in their reception of us and excited for a photo op. With produce procured we hopped back into the car leaving the market behind. As we approached our unknown destination things became clearer. Dhanalakshmi is Kennan's wife. The whole experience was to be a real family affair. We were welcomed into their house and introduced to their extended family who were also instrumental in the success of what was to be a most fabulous day. After some refreshment we then went to the kitchen. Everyone had been busy preparing for our visit. Chicken tikka, a favourite of Dexter's was on the menu but the menu was so much more. Kitchen implements I had never seen before captured the imagination and then I saw the masala box, a shiny box of spices, which brought back memories of my childhood. So many things to take in, the sights, smells and tastes were all put to the test as we tried to remember the information given when in the market. I should have taken notes!!! Even with lots of preparation already done, there was still much to do, but both Dhanalakshmi and Kennan were Masters at what they do, and were a great team as they mixed and blended the spice, tasting and testing as they went, including us to "help" so as to adjust the flavours if necessary. I watched, mesmerised as Dhanalakshmi deftly used her had to mix the chosen spices and herbs into rubbing and cooking pastes. Other home cooked snacks were shared while we took it all in. It wasn't just a cookery demonstration, it was also a lesson in Ayurvedic principles and "medicine" which runs through the heart and psyche of so many Indian people. The laudable principles of being "earth friendly", organic, when possible, reduced food miles by purchasing local and in season food, as well as the importance of how things are used were definitely being practiced by our hosts. Food plays such a big part in Indian culture, it brings people together, in markets, homes, as well as offerings in the Temples and in all these, brings a connection and real joy. The time flew by with our hosts preparing and encouraging us to participate. There was chicken tikka, garlic prawns, kingfish masala to look forward to. Once cooked we relocated and were served cool drinks whilst the dining room was prepared. Chicken tikka was served, without a gravy so we were able to properly taste it. It was delicious. The kingfish was mouthwatering and we all went back for more and the garlic prawns were awesome. I have never seen so much garlic being used in a dish but it was delicious. These were the dishes we observed being cooked but then we were guided to the table. It was an Indian banquet. We sat, looked at each other and wondered where to start. Butter chicken, gravies, both mild and spicy, chutney, a piquant soup as well as steamed rice and my new favourite, South Indian ghee rice all ready to be tasted. Plates lined with banana leaves beckoned to be used,and they were. A discussion on the appropriate way to fold your banana leaf after you finish as meal was also imparted. It was an exceptional meal and we were in exceptional company. We were treated like Royalty and we were humbled by this family's generosity. Once completely satieted, we just sat and chatted about life, the universe, Bollywood films and music as well as what was next on our to do lists. Our time shared with our hosts was a fabulous experience, never feeling like strangers and encouraged to feel at home. Our parting gift, another culinary delight was one of the most delicious drinks I have ever tasted. Cardamom tea, it was delicious and yet another thing I will have to master. On our way back to the hotel we made a stop in search of suitable wedding clothes, our hosts even came and made sure we were looked after. In a world where people seem to have become so self centred, Kannan and Dhanalakshmi definitely buck the trend and went well above and beyond all on my expectations. I thank them and their family for everything they have done for us. If you are ever in Chennai and are eager to have an exceptional experience this is it.

I have to admit that this activity was beyond my expectations, yes you could say you can get a feel for Indian cuisine anywhere, but to be taken to the markets and experience the real-life activities and then to be given a full explanation of how and why the food is cooked and delivered in a certain way was amazing. (market to plate feel) Our hosts took their time to show us and explain exactly what they are doing, and at the end of the day eating the food that was prepared in front of you just explodes your taste buds. I’m not a cook and I have limited experience in the kitchen, but this gave me an understanding of how I could improve and what effects and importance the ingredients have to give the true Indian taste. A big thank you to our hosts who went above and beyond what I would have expected.

As outdoor sites were shut i decided to do the cooking tour in Chennai. It was a very enjoyable and fulfilling day. We were taught the nuances of cooking the wonderful spread of a Tamil meal. We had a patient host who was the chef and brought us home and taught us the tricks in her kitchen. I learnt how to make vegetables in Tamil style, rasam, sambar, cook rice and fry papad. We ended with the typical curd rice. A memorable day for sure. The recipe is going to serve me well for years to come! All covid protocols were followed. We were provided masks as well as sanitizers. Distance was maintained. Highly recommended.

Our 5 Senses guide, Kannan, invited us to his aunt's house for a dosa cooking class. It was intimate, fun and the meal at the end was delicious. Don't miss this opportunity if you have the time!