Cooking classes/schools/homestays in Kerala

[keralabound]

I am embarking on a culinary trip down the Kerala (in India)coast in November, and was curious if anyone had tips on cooking classes that I could take while there. The key os for them to be reasonably priced. The three that I have found are part of incredibly upscale "resort-type" vacations to the tune of $600-700 a week. That seems a bit steep to me, and probably not as authentic? Any advice is appreciated. I plan to be in Cochi, Kumarakom, Thekkady - but will follow food if need be.

[M.K.]

I spent some time in Kerala a few years ago,and alas,mainly experienced resort cooking classes.The food of the region was fantastic,and there are many spice farms in the region.The best thing,it would seem,would be to hang around one place for awhile,and see if you could find a local cook to spend time with.Tourist cooking classes usually do not have much depth-you will spend a lot of money,and just get your toes wet..Please post if you find anything wonderful-I would love to go back to Kerala some day.

[keralabound]

thanks for the insight. i figured as much. do you have any insider tips on places to stay/things to see?

[Buen Provecho]

Recently (8/30) my local PBS channel ran a program about Kerala called Hidden India: The Kerala Spicelands. I don't know where you're located but you might check your local listings to see if it's playing in your area soon. There might be some useful information about travel to the area. I only caught the last few minutes, but it showed some regional cooking with the use of betel leaves and nuts. For some reason my browser was giving me troubles with the PBS site, so I couldn't include a link here.

[Minnie]

I lived in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu for 4.5 months and found that it took almost that whole amount of time to learn to appreciate the food. And I was probably just beginning, but in any case I am skeptical of hearing anyone talk about South Indian cuisine if they were not in the area for at least a few months.

So I am suggesting you make your trip as long as possible.

Also, I did a homestay. That way i just ate what your normal (albeit wealthy) S. Indian eats. Learned what is eaten for each meal etc. And I accompanied the family to various functions and got to sample wedding fare and the like.

I cant think of a better way to learn about food and accompanying culture, manners and practices. That , with a cooking class or two thrown in, if you are not getting adequate instruction at your homestay, would be a great time.

(If your aim is to eat a wide variety of stuff and go to social functions, you may want to find a wealthy household.)

[Miele Maiale]

I went to Kerala and Coorg on a self-guided culinary trip last November, and wanted to avoid the same high-end resort rip-offs that you do. I felt pretty successful in achievig that goal. Here are some places you could try:

Vijnana KalaVadi (Aranmula) Delicious hindu vegetarian kerala food and cooking classes, among other things. This place is a gem, but be prepared for very spartan accomodations.

Ayesha Manzil (Tellicherry). Mopillah Muslim food and classes. Pricey, but worth EVERY PENNY! The accomodations are grand for the price, and Faiza is a genius. Still a way better deal than the resorts.

If you stay at smaller places in little towns, the restaurant chefs are eager to share recipes. One place I highly recommend is Keraleeyam, in Allepey. Wonderful cottages for a song, and the food is great. I got recipes whenever I asked.

I had the good fortune of learning Syrian Christian cooking from a family friend at her home, so don't have any recommendations there. But Mrs. Mathews puts out a pretty good Syrian Christian cookbook that I now use all the time.

Hope this helps. All info can be Googled.

[cherylp]

I did a one month stay at Vijnana Kala Vedi a couple of years ago. I studied Keralan cooking while there and thoroughly enjoyed myself.
I loved being in a small village off of the beaten tourist track.
For anyone who is looking for a fun culinary vacation, they have a website at: www.vijnanakalavedi.org

[chackmatha]

This seems to be little late to post it here . But this info will be help full for many using this site. There is an homestay called Haritha Farm's The Pimenta running weeklong Kerala Cookign Adventure and Three nights Four day Kerala Cooking residencies.You can have a look at their website www.harithafarms.com --- site not looking professional but informative .