Culinary Gems from the Malabar Coast | The Pimenta

Culinary Gems from the Malabar Coast: A Cooking Adventure at The Pimenta

Welcome to The Pimenta, your gateway to the culinary gems of the Malabar Coast! Immerse yourself in a8 -day / 7-night hands-on cooking experience like no other, set in a separate kitchen and dining area for non-vegetarian and non-vegan enthusiasts. Get ready for a journey filled with flavours, aromas, and cultural exploration.

Dietary Focus: Non-Vegetarian

Our cooking program begins on Sundays, starting with a check-in followed by a light lunch. The day continues with an exciting hands-on cooking session and concludes with a delicious dinner. You’ll participate in a Garam Masala making session, learning the art of crafting South Indian and North Indian variations.

Daily Itinerary: A Glimpse into Your 7-Day Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Culinary Adventure

Sunday: The Grand Welcome & Culinary Immersion!
- Arrive and check-in, followed by a refreshing light lunch.
- Dive into your first exciting hands-on cooking session.
- Savour a delectable dinner.
Monday: Spice Secrets & Dosa Delights!
- After a delicious breakfast, delve into the secrets of making Chutney Powder, Sambar Powder, and Rasam Powder.
- In another session, master the art of creating Masala Dosa, Idlis, Uthappams, and Masala Paniyaram, accompanied by Sambar and a variety of fresh Chutneys.
- To break the monotony, we offer a trip outside, and if possible, a memorable boat ride on the river.
Tuesday: Market Treasures & Biriyani Bliss!
- Tuesday kicks off with a delicious breakfast, followed by a trip to the Farmer’s market, an exploration of the Old Syrian Christian Church, witnessing traditional clay pottery techniques, and a visit to the pineapple market.
- After a fulfilling lunch, prepare the exquisite Thalasseri Mutton Biriyani, along with Raita and Chutney.
- Learn the secrets of creating the special Biriyani Masala and savor a delightful dinner.
Wednesday: Plantation Adventures & Rice Revelations!
- Wednesday begins with a delightful breakfast before embarking on an adventure to the Tea Plantation, Spice Gardens, and even a Rubber Band making workshop.
- Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, followed by the preparation of more rice and vegetable dishes, culminating in a memorable dinner.
Thursday: Backwater Serenity & Seafood Sensations!
- On Thursday, relish a delicious breakfast before attending a cooking session to prepare a picnic lunch.
- Embark on a serene three-hour backwater trip on a comfortable boat, enjoying our lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings.
- Upon returning, prepare Alleppey Fish Curry and Kerala Fish Fry, complemented by Kerala brown rice and vegetable curries.
Friday: The Grand Kerala Thali!
- Friday’s breakfast sets the stage for a delightful Kerala Thali Meal.
- Throughout the day, prepare some dishes in advance, followed by a lunch outing to sample a traditional dish of the region.
- The day concludes with a traditional meal served on a banana leaf.
Saturday: Culinary Shopping & Seafood Indulgence!
- Saturday invites you to indulge in breakfast before embarking on a visit to various shops specializing in cooking utensils and cookbooks.
- Treat yourself to a sumptuous seafood lunch and dinner before enjoying a well-deserved rest.
Sunday: Farewell & Flavourful Memories!
- Sunday, our final day together, begins with a heartfelt breakfast and a fond farewell.

Unique Feature: An exciting bean-to-bar chocolate workshop is now included in our program, offering you the chance to learn about the entire chocolate-making process from cocoa beans to delicious bars!

Pricing & Packages (Valid until May 31, 2026)

Prices are approximate for international currencies and subject to exchange rates at the time of booking.

Cooking Participant (Solo – occupying a double room): ₹145,000 (starting from $1,739 USD)
Cooking Participant + Accompanying Guest (sharing a double room): ₹160,000 (starting from $1,918 USD)
Two Cooking Participants (sharing a double room): ₹185,000 (starting from $2,217 USD)

What’s Included:

COOKING PARTICIPANT: Full program access

Immersive cooking sessions where you will learn and refine your culinary skills through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on participation.
Recipe booklet
Certificate of completion
Hands-on participation
Comfortable accommodation in our charming garden bungalows. Our air-conditioned bungalows are nestled in the shade of beautiful trees, providing a serene and tranquil ambiance. Embracing our eco-friendly values, our bungalows and communal spaces are fitted with ceiling fans, creating a pleasant and sustainable environment.
All meals – a gastronomic feast featuring the best of Malabar Coast cuisine.
Unlimited refreshing bottled drinking water.
Guided tours of local markets, significant places of worship, and all trips mentioned in your itinerary.
Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop.

ACCOMPANYING GUEST: Observational access

Meal inclusion
Cultural tours
Accommodation
Cooking demonstrations (observation only)

What’s Excluded:

Taxi fares to and from The Pimenta, although our host can arrange additional transport upon request.
Ayurveda treatments, which can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. Indulge in rejuvenating therapies and wellness practices to enhance your overall experience at The Pimenta.
Any tips or new taxes to be levied.

Accommodation & Amenities

Comfortable accommodation in our charming garden bungalows. Our air-conditioned bungalows are nestled in the shade of beautiful trees, providing a serene and tranquil ambiance. Embracing our eco-friendly values, our bungalows and communal spaces are fitted with ceiling fans, creating a pleasant and sustainable environment.

Booking Information

Our courses are suitable for individuals of all levels of knowledge and expertise in Indian cooking.
We limit the number of participants to a maximum of eight, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
There is no minimum requirement, and even solo traveller’s can join, being aware that they might have a one-on-one situation.
Our cooking program begins on Sundays.

Practical Information Section

Getting There:

Nearest Airport: Cochin International (45 – 60 minutes)
Railway Station: Ernakulam 150 minutes Aluva 100 minutes and Kottayam 150 minutes
Transportation assistance available

Best Time to Visit:

Ideal: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December
Monsoon cooking: June-September
Peak season: December-March

What to Bring:

Comfortable cooking clothes
Closed-toe shoes for kitchen
Apron is provided
Notebooks to make notes
Camera for memories

Dietary Accommodations:

Allergies: Please inform at booking
Special diets: Jain, gluten-free available inform at booking
Spice tolerance: Adjustable to preference

Booking Process:

Initial inquiry and availability check
30% nonrefundable deposit to confirm booking with mailing address and a copy of the passport which has validity for the dates of the program. Also make sure that you have a valid visa for the time of the program
Balance payment on arrival which is nonrefundable except we could not conduct the program.
Confirmation with detailed information pack

Accepted Payments:

Payments are accepted in Indian Rupees, US Dollars, Euros, UK Pounds, and Cards.
Bank transfer
International wire transfer
Credit/debit cards (processing fee applies)