Dal bhat making in Nepal

This one-day cooking experience in Kathmandu takes you from vibrant local markets to a warm family kitchen, where you’ll learn the story, ingredients, and traditions behind Nepal’s everyday dish. More than a cooking class, it’s a hands-on cultural exchange that connects you deeply with Nepali life and leaves you with a skill to carry home.

Itinerary

9:00 AM: Meet and Greet in Thamel

Your trip starts in the busy area of Thamel. This is the main part of Kathmandu for travelers. You will meet your friendly guide at a calm cafe. Your guide loves food and knows a lot about Nepali cooking and its roots. Over a warm cup of chiya, a spiced milk tea, your guide will tell you what the day will be like. They will tell you the history of Dal Bhat. They will also talk about why each food part matters. They will also answer any questions you have. This first meeting sets the stage for a real and true experience. You will feel linked to the day’s purpose before you even cut your first vegetable.

9:30 AM: Exploring a Local Market

After your tea, you will leave Thamel behind. You will take a short, nice drive to a busy local market like Asan Bazaar. This is a very old place for trading. The real Kathmandu comes to life here. You will take in everything with your senses. The air is thick with the rich smell of fresh food. It also has the strong smell of many spices. And the sweet scent of incense comes from nearby temples. Your guide will help you move through the busy place. They will show you the best local sellers. They will teach you how to choose the right food. You will find the best tomatoes and green plants for your Tarkari. You will also learn about the right kind of lentils for a perfect Dal. This is a great time to take honest pictures. You will also see a part of daily life that many people miss.

11:00 AM: Welcome to a Nepali Home

After the trip to the market, you will go to a quiet home. It is in a normal part of the city. You will be greeted with open arms and a warm smile. You will hear the normal greeting of "Namaste." Now you will meet your teacher for the day. This person cooks for their family. They have made Dal Bhat for a long time. Their recipes have been passed down from one family member to the next. You will sit in their nice home. They will offer you another cup of tea and some small snacks. This calm time gives you a chance to talk with the family. You can ask them questions. You can learn about their daily life and culture. This happens in a real and true way.

11:30 AM: The Hands-On Cooking Experience

The real fun begins now. You will put on an apron. You will go into the heart of the home. This is the kitchen. Your host will show you every single step of the cooking process. You will learn the right way to wash rice and lentils. You will learn the best ways to chop vegetables. You will also learn to grind fresh spices on a stone slab. You will learn by doing. You will use all your senses.

Making the Dal: You will learn the main art of heating spices. You will fry cumin seeds and other nice-smelling things in hot oil. This makes a rich base for the thick lentil soup.

Perfecting the Bhat: Find out the simple way to get soft, non-sticky rice every time. This skill is key for many meals in Asia.

Making the Tarkari: You will make a tasty and healthy vegetable dish. You will learn how to mix flavors. You will use the fresh food you picked at the market.

Making the Achar: Learn the secret to making a fast, sour, and hot side. It adds the right kick to the meal.

The whole class is hands-on. You will be an active part of it. You will not just watch. Your host will make the time better by sharing family stories and cooking tips. These are things you cannot find in a book. This makes the class very personal and special.

1:30 PM: The Grand Feast

The lovely smells from the kitchen show that the food is ready. It is time to eat the great meal you made. The food will be served in the Nepali style. It comes on a thali, a large metal plate. Small bowls hold each dish. You will sit with the family to eat. They will want you to try the old way of eating. You will mix the Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari with your right hand. Many people think this makes the food taste better. (There is also silverware if you prefer.) The talk flows as you share this wonderful, home-cooked meal. It makes a true link that is about more than just food.

2:30 PM: Farewell

After a very good meal and kind goodbyes, your guide will take you back to where you started in Thamel. You will not only have a full belly. You will also have a new skill. You will have a printed recipe book to make the food later. And you will have nice memories of the new friends you made. This trip often becomes a high point for people in Nepal. It stays with them long after they go home.