Ranjana is nothing short of fantastic. My friends and I are three high school seniors completing a capstone project on cultural enclaves in Chicago, and we stumbled upon Ranjana's Indian Cooking Classes -- having visited Little India and being devoted eaters of Indian food, we were naturally interested and emailed Ranjana to set up a date. First, after hearing that we were students, Ranjana very kindly offered a student discount on an already well-priced class, which was incredibly sweet of her. We chose a North Indian menu, and we were delighted by how many delicious options there were for such a low price: we got to make masala chai, imli and coriander chutneys, samosas, roti, paratha, papad, pepper jalfarezi, eggplant curry, pulav, paneer, tofu curry, and kaju katli (a tasty cashew dessert that I will be trying to make at home!). The experience was intimate, as it was hosted in Ranjana's home, and we really enjoyed getting to learn about the history of her neighborhood, about her family (seriously, a family of changemakers and geniuses), and especially about the significance behind and cultural context of the ingredients we were using and the dishes we were eating. She is patient, funny, and not scared of hot things! Her house is full of art, music, and culture. It is clear she cares deeply about what she does, be it her advocacy as LGBTQ+ ally and former executive director of Asian domestic violence shelter Apna Ghar, or teaching this wonderful class and engaging with her students. And the food... the BEST samosas I have ever had, no joke. I've never had something so flavorful and crisp and just the right bit of greasy from a restaurant. And the roti with the pulav and an array of vegetables with a nice cold glass of water was just fantastic. As my friend said, you might not think, as a meat-eater, that you can have a full and truly nourishing meal without meat. But Ranjana's classes will dispel your beliefs: I left her house stuffed, warm, and smelling like the all the aromatic spices of her kitchen. Such a wonderful experience and educational where you wouldn't expect it. I cannot recommend this enough! - Daniel, Alexa, Lia read more

I have never taken a cooking class before so I didn't know what to expect, but this was amazing! Ranjana and her husband welcomed us into their home. They were both so inviting and kind. Before arriving, we had picked out the recipes we wanted to cook. Ranjana then prints out those recipes so we can take notes as we go and can take the recipes home. Since Covid, she is only offering private classes (instead of big group classes) so it was just the two of us for the cooking class. We made SO much food and it all came out amazing. Every dish we made was vegetarian, too! We had mango lassi, daal, saag paneer, samosas, halwa and more. I left feeling so full! Ranjana went above and beyond to teach us cooking tips and teach us about the ingredients we were using. We also learned about all the amazing work she has done throughout Chicago and some history of their neighborhood. Their house is easy to get to and has parking right out front. They can give you a parking permit for your car. If you enjoy the class and want to be able to recreate dishes at home, Ranjana sells a spice kit you can purchase. I highly recommend taking this class! read more

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I've had Indian cooking classes on my mind for some time now and I finally took the plunge and signed up and completed the series of Ranjana's four classes. I can't speak highly enough of her and family. These classes were more than a cooking lessons, it's an experience in hospitality. Located in Jackson Park right off LSD you will have no trouble getting there, ample parking also right out in front. A beautiful area and they have a lovely home, make sure to have Vijay, her husband tell you about the area and their home. You will find him just as warm and personable as her, he is also an actor and master gardener and many of the vegetables and herbs we cooked with were fresh from their garden. She is an accomplished cook as well as other professions, some humanitarian. Be prepared to share, you're in their home and in addition to cooking, it's a personal experience. Now to the classes, she will introduce you to the spices, you get to smell and taste them, she will educate you on where they came from and the elements of what makes a dish come together, and where you can improvise, for instance for a chutney, don't have a banana? You can use apple instead. You will also get to participate, be prepared to slice, blend, stir, fry and knead dough. After all how else are you going to learn? She's a patient teacher, it took me a bit to get the creases correct on a samosa. It can be a bit overwhelming, as anything new is and several dishes may be happening at the same time, however it all comes together and will make sense. Nothing short of amazing. Come hungry, you get to eat what you made, you will be full. You also get to take home the recipes of what you made. She also does tours of Devon Ave., I'm planning to take one in the future. Thank you Ranjana for sharing the knowledge and the warm welcome into your home. read more

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Our extended family of eight adults thoroughly enjoyed an evening cooking with Ranjana! She beautifully blends art with science, knowledge with humor, and formal introductions with personal touches. We started as strangers and left feeling like family. Over the course of about 4 hours, we counted up no less than 12 dishes learned and enjoyed - complete with a recipe packet to take home! Ranjana was willing to modify recipes and techniques for our dietary restrictions, too (corn, gluten, dairy). Some of our family's favorite dishes to make and eat were pakori with tamarind chutney, paneer, ringed eggplant, chole, biryani, and almond burfi. At the end of the night, we were full of delicious food, warm feelings, and unique memories. We highly recommend treating yourself and people you love to a special occasion with Ranjana! read more

Since I'm first to review Ranjana's cooking classes, I will give you a bit of background on what they are all about. Ranjana is originally from India and moved to Chicago about 40 years ago. She's cheerful and sweet, and has a motherly quality which makes you feel right at home. Based in Hyde Park, she gives cooking classes out of her kitchen, which is equipped with with an industrial stove. The classes accommodate 8 people, so the environment is intimate. You can choose to attend classes one at a time (on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.) or in a 4 class series. This past Saturday we made 9 different dishes from Northern India including Matar Paneer, Pakori, Coriander Chutney, Pulav, Paratha, Chole, Aloo Gobi, Kheer and Chai Tea. Being a newbie to Indian food, Ranjana did a great job of taking us through all the spices and how they are used, where to shop for the items, and how to prepare each of the dishes. Everyone got a bit of hands-on cooking time, but mostly we sat, watched, took notes and learned, which was just my speed. One thing I find when we eat at the different restaurants on Devon is the food can be really oily. Ranjana showed us how much oil the restaurants tend to use, and it was great to see because it just reaffirmed it's probably kinder on the waistline to make Indian food yourself! The best part of the class was the end where we all shared the meal around her dining room table. It was fun meeting new people and learning a new way to cook. I can't wait to go to Devon street to buy the spices so I can try the dishes at home. read more

I purchased the Basic North Indian Cooking for my Boyfriend (who is from South India) and me (who is not Indian and never cooked Indian food). I instantly felt welcomed into Ranjana's home. Her husband welcomed us and immediately took our coats. Ranjana lives on the south side in a beautiful home in an area in Chicago I had no idea existed. After the entire group arrived (classes are limited to 8 people, which is perfect amount) we were invited into the kitchen. Ranjana had all the fresh ingredients lined up. She also had a large map of India on the wall. She began the class by teaching us a little bit about cooking in various northern regions of India. She taught us that all Indian dishes need something Salty, Tangy, and Spicy (or some kind of heat) in it. This is something I never knew but after making the dishes completely understood. She provided hands on training while making me feel like I was cooking with my mom in the kitchen. She spoke of her marriage, coming to Chicago (from India), and her kids (wow-what successful children she has raised). I have always been intimidated by Indian food. It has always seem so complicated and time consuming. Ranjana broke each recipe down to a very easy and manageable format. Come hungry!!! We made so much food that our group couldn't possibly have consumed all of it. It's a fantastic deal for the amount of time Ranjana spends with you as well as the amount of food you get. My boyfriend has been cooking Indian food his whole life and even he learned a lot in this class. He was engaged and eager to participate. It's a very laid back and welcoming environment. Don't let the south side location deter you. It is 150% worth the trip. My boyfriend and I can't wait to go back and take the south Indian cooking class! Ranjana is also extremely organized. When booking the class, she immediately responded that she had room in the class I wanted. She also created a "gift certificate" for my boyfriend so that I could present him with some type of gift. She also followed up the day before with specific instructions (where to park--they have permits for the street and the street parking was wide open) and directions. If you looking for something different to do in the city, look no further! read more

What a great experience! I took the basic South Indian class this past Saturday. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the experience was just awesome. Ranjana opens up her home and is just lovely, welcoming, gracious, funny, and so knowlegeable and patient. Her home is beautiful and you feel very welcomed. There were 6 in the class, which was a good size group. We made about 10 different recipes - a combo of demo and hands-on. Because the Dawali holiday is this week, she included some extra special recipes and went above and beyond. All the food came out so good and flavorful. I'm not vegetarian, but there wasn't a dish we made in which I missed or needed meat. I would make all these recipes again at my home. They were simple with complex flavors. I can't say enough good things about Rajana and her class. I am taking another class with her in a few weeks, and I cannot wait! read more

For an early Valentine's day present, my boyfriend and I signed up for a private cooking lesson with Ranjana. I have to say it was definitely a great idea and I left having learned a lot of techniques that I could apply to my cooking style in general. I didn't participate in much of the planning of the course but I do know Ranjana was very flexible in accommodating picky eaters like us with no problem (Keep in mind that we did book private lessons). Ranjana's classes only include vegetarian dishes but she is great at telling you how you can tweak them to accommodate meat. Recipes are provided but she also does a great job at having you watch and take notes yourself so you can retain the information a lot better. Dishes we tried included two chutney dishes, several main courses, kulfi (ice cream), lassis (smoothies), and several breads. Ranjana is an excellent instructor overall. She has taught in the past and you can tell she puts a lot of work in accommodating different learning styles. I definitely learned a lot and would highly recommend her classes to anyone. read more

I just had an amazing cooking class at Ranjana's lovely home last night. What an amazing experience! Where do I begin? My boyfriend and I went to her beginner level Northern Indian cooking class. We're both pretty good cooks already, but Ranjana really challenged us. Everybody gets involved in a very hands-on way, and the tasks are great fun! We were making chutneys, frying samosas, and watching rotis puff up on the burner. All the food was delicious, and we were all so proud because we made it, with Ranjana's gently firm guidance the whole time. She really teaches you about Indian spices, and the components of Indian cooking. She encourages you to be creative at home, and gives you enough knowledge that you can improvise without following recipes. In addition to the recipes we expected to learn, she also taught us a few "extra" treats because she had leftover ingredients. She's also had an incredible life, and will tell you such lovely stories while you work. You really feel like a guest in her home. I hope very much to return for more classes. I literally cannot imagine a better cooking class - most cooking classes just teach you really basic, noncreative food that you could probably figure out yourself. Ranjana's class was exciting and challenging, and the food was delicious. Can't wait to fry up some samosas later this week, on our own! We've got to come back for a second class! read more

*Basic South Indian One tradition of my family's that I really enjoy is that we try to get each other activities as gifts, or something functional. My little sister is a vegetarian, but the kind that survives primarily on Boca Burgers and such. I wanted to take her somewhere fun and that would be interesting to her. So we signed up for one of Ranjana's classes. :) Delicious! I want to go back for more. :) She is friendly and makes truly delicious food; she also helps you to see how the spices from each area are different, the basics of ingredients for any recipe (must have color, heat, etc.) and while I was outspiced sometimes (I can do up to medium), I couldn't stop eating because it was delicious. We had a great time and Ranjana really loves to get to know people. I highly recommend for a gift, for fun, for a date, whatever! My sister is 16 and we came away with ton of recipes and food. :) read more

When my best friend decided to come to Chicago for spring break, I immediately suggested we take an Indian cooking class. I had noticed Ranjana's Indian Cooking Class a few months ago when I was reading through Yelp reviews and kept the idea in the back of my mind. As I write, all but two of the reviews for Ranjana's classes are five-star reviews--and now that I've taken a class, I will definitely keep the streak alive! I've made Indian dishes before, recipes in hand, but I've never understood the method behind the madness. (That's true for most of the cooking I do, actually.) Ranjana shared the building blocks of Indian cooking. Each dish should contain something salty, something tart, and some kind of chili; for the most part, cooks can mix and match one ingredient from each of the three categories depending on what's on hand. The spice mixture can set one dish apart from another. Furthermore, Ranjana's class was plain fun. Ranjana was full of stories about her childhood and the early years of her marriage, and she also shared anecdotes about the origins of popular Indian dishes. By the end of the class, we'd learned to make ten Indian dishes, including a fried eggplant dish I can't stop thinking about... and an easy okra side I can't stop thinking about... and a homemade paneer masala mixture I can't stop thinking about. I'll be cooking some of these again soon on my own! read more

See those five stars I gave? Multiply each of them by two. This is a 10-star cooking class. How do you review an experience that indulges all of your senses and leaves you with a sense of peace and joy, a new set of skills, and a full, happy tummy with just five stars?? Ranjana holds small classes in her sparkling professional kitchen at her home near Hyde Park (take the Metra Electric Line down and enjoy a 4- or 5-block walk through one of the most beautiful parts of Chicago to get there). Not only do you learn to make the 9 or so dishes included on the menu, but Ranjana explains the general patterns of flavor and spice mixing involved in Indian cooking which will take you much further if you plan to branch out beyond the dishes taught in class. In addition to the dishes, she'll also show you how to make your own chai, your own yogurt, and roast and grind your own spices to be used as is or in garam masala - all easily achieved in your own kitchen as well. And surely nothing has taken me back to those childhood moments of delight and wonder as seeing my own chapati inflate like a balloon over an open flame. Everything we made was delicious, and there was plenty of hands-on practice. Dishes we made in the basic North Indian class: Samosas, eggplant with tomato, okra, chapati (bread), daal, green chutney, mango chutney, tamarind chutney, halwa. Also: chai tea, yogurt, toasted spices But even better than getting to eat your own crispy, spicy samosas right out of the pan is the chance to learn from the remarkable Ranjana. Patient, clear, and expert at her craft, Ranjana radiates warmth, peacefulness, and hospitality and is simply spellbinding when she speaks. Interspersed with cooking instructions are history lessons, stories of her own fascinating life, a prompt to smell the black cardamom and green cardamom to experience the difference, and gentle questions to get to know you as well. From the flavors, scents, textures, and colors of the food to the warm hug you get as you leave Ranjana's house to the wonderful helpful followup emails she'll send you, this is a magical experience from start to finish. Do not miss this! read more

My husband and I were given a gift certificate as a wedding gift, and I am so grateful that we have such thoughtful friends! We ended up being the only ones at this Monday evening basics class, and we had an awesome time. I wasn't sure how the class was going to work out because even though both my husband and I love Indian food and I love to cook, my husband's idea of cooking is microwaving frozen White Castle sliders (OK that's a little bit of an exaggeration - but you get the idea). I thought Ms. Ranjana did a wonderful job in engaging both of us throughout the class. Everything we made was fresh, delicious, and actually realistic to make at home. Tonight we learned to make chai (both on the stovetop and a quickie microwave version), samosas, two kinds of chutney, raita, palak paneer, a yummy fried eggplant dish, aloo gobi, roti, and halwa for dessert. I was very impressed with Ms. Ranjana's cleanliness, technique, and the quality of her ingredients, so I'm not sure what that reviewer below (Brooke M.) experienced. To the contrary, I thought Ms. Ranjana's kitchen was spotless, we made everything from scratch (even the fresh cheese for the palak paneer - magical!), and she even threw in a few peppers that she had just picked from her garden. Doesn't get more locally sourced than that. Over the course of the evening, we enjoyed a totally amazing vegetarian feast and I learned a lot of useful basic techniques and spice combinations that I know I will use in the future. We even decided to buy a custom-made spice kit from her so that I could hit the ground running with my newfound Indian cooking skills. Her class would make for a really fun evening with friends. We are definitely hoping to come back! UPDATE on 9/30/12: I just wanted to say that I have made some of the dishes that Ms. Ranjana taught me, and they turned out amazing! All thanks to her great instruction and her spice kit. read more

Ranjana is lovely! This is a wonderful place to learn about the incredible variety of Indian cooking. We went on a Saturday morning and had such a wonderful time. Ranjana is patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I have been eating Indian food my entire life since I grew up with Indian friends--but I had no understanding of the taste elements of Indian cooking present in every dish...It was really helpful to learn how ingredients interact with each other--and also--for considering how you might pair dishes together for a larger dinner party to showcase your new Indian cooking knowledge. This class is the kind of gem you feel really lucky to find in a city that has become increasingly corporate in its food business. We have fewer independent coffee shops, bakeries and delis every year. This place should be celebrated--along with the communal kitchens that are popping up--enabling smaller food purveyors to showcase their craft. And regarding the review below--I didn't see anything in Ranjana's kitchen that looked less than spotless. The place was immaculate and beautiful! read more

I actually found out about Ranjana's class while searching Yelp for a cooking course to gift my fiance for the holidays. (You can order a gift certificate--that she'll email you and you can print--by contacting her via her website.) We ended up taking the North Indian class on a Thursday night and it was a blast. Why? We learned a lot, had a ridiculous meal and got to enjoy the company of Ranjana who is the most patient, hospitable, interesting and talented cooking instructor I've come across. The classes are in her home which is very cozy and comfortable and a quick drive from the Loop. I highly recommend giving Ranjana's class as a gift. My fiance loved it and has been trying the recipes we learned in class (bonus for me). I think you can bring wine to drink during class, which we didn't, and in hindsight would've been nice to enjoy while sampling all the different foods. read more

My boyfriend signed us up for this class as a surprise for my birthday and it was wonderful. We went this past Saturday and we ended up being the only people there as the other people canceled. So we got a private lesson! This made me a little nervous as neither of us tends to cook anything too complicated at home. But, Ranjana made us feel at home and was not at all condescending while giving us hands on training. Her home is beautiful and Hyde Park is full of gorgeous homes and a beautiful lakefront path. I would recommend making a day of it - maybe bring your bike there and explore afterwards to burn off some calories! We took the Basic class and learned how to make some wonderful vegetarian dishes, which we look forward to trying on our own very soon. Thanks Ranjana! read more

Fantastic experience. This was my first time here, and we had a crowd - nine or ten people. Ranjana was warm and welcoming, and very engaging - she involved everyone, and made sure that the experience was informative as well as enjoyable, delicious, and completely satisfying. And yep, as someone else here mentioned, her sense of humor is great. She is completely unafraid to take the occasional jab in good spirits. :) Loved everything about this. Her home is beautiful, and she made us feel like it was ours. We'll be back! read more

My boyfriend bought me Ranjana's class for Valentine's Day. It was wonderful! I have some experience cooking Indian food, so I was familiar with some of the basics, but still learned several new things as well. We made 9 dishes with Ranjana, including bread, somosas, curry, stuffed vegetables and two desserts. A great value. I also enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of being in her home. She took her time, answered all our questions and made sure we all had ample opportunity to roll up our sleeves and cook. Ranjana is a gentle hostess and a very interesting person. My boyfriend's gift was truly selfless, as he doesn't even like Indian food. However, he enjoyed every single dish we made with Ranjana. Thanks, Ranjana, or opening my boyfriend's eyes to the delight of Indian cuisine. read more

What a fun class! I contacted Ranjana about signing up for the Northern Indian cooking class one Saturday. She was already booked but emailed me the next day saying that she could accommodate us later that same Saturday as there were other people that wanted the same class. Perfect! Our class consisted of my husband and I plus one other couple. Ranjana started the class by demonstrating how to make Masala Chai and went over some of the different Indian spices, how to use them, and which ones to add before cooking or after cooking. It was very informative and a topic that I didn't know much about. In all, we made several chutneys, samosas, daal, roti, paneer, an okra dish, an eggplant dish, plus dessert. Each person contributed to the cooking and some dishes (roti and samosas) were demonstrated by Ranjana and then each person was able to make their own. What I liked best about the class was Ranjana's flexibility. She asked what our favorite Indian dishes were and gave us general instructions on how they are prepared. She also gave us many suggestions on ways to modify different dishes either for dietary reasons or lack of time. I felt the class was really more about understanding Indian cooking techniques and ingredients rather than just sticking to a recipe. Ranjana had us taste as we were cooking to see if the food had enough salt, spice, etc... which is invaluable if you are going to be cooking on your own and want everything to be balanced. After completing the class, I was confident that I could cook Indian food at home. In fact, the next week after the class my husband and I made Masala Chai, chutney, and roti at home. I can't wait until we attempt samosas! If you have any interest in Indian cooking at all, Ranjana's classes are an excellent way to learn this cuisine. I'm really looking forward to taking another class with her. read more

I'll see how much I actually learned when I give some cooking a shot. The recipes were nice, and overall a well designed nine course meal. I would have preferred a bit more of the 'science' behind what works and what doesn't but that is probably a bit too much to ask for a introductory class. A bit disorganized at times, but that's also a reflection of her attitude that cooking is a constant experiment. read more

I received a gift of four classes for Christmas and took them with a close friend. We had a wonderful time. Ranjana is welcoming, a natural teacher, and a brilliant conversationalist. We learned about Indian ingredients, dishes, culture and laughed and talked as we cooked and ate. After each class we left full of wonderful food and new knowledge. We were treated like family and truly felt like part of the family as we parted. read more

I just visited Ranjana for a second time with a group of 8 friends. We got to pick our own menu. It was such an awesome experience with the entire class of people you know. Increased participation and group dynamic. Ranjana is so knowledgeable and ready to share everything! She has a wicked sense of humor too! Got cabin fever? Book this class right away and have some fun this winter with your friends! You'll have a hearty meal and a lot of fun!!! read more

My wife and I took Ranjana's North Indian class and had a delightful time. Ranjana is a treasure chest of cooking knowledge! Kind, friendly, patient and very funny... You can just feel the passion she has for Indian cooking and Asian culture. We learned so much, took home some amazing recipes and insider tips, had alot of fun and left very content after the DELICIOUS (in all caps for a reason!) meal. It was everything and more than what we expected. We hope to take another class in the near future, and have been recommending the experience to all of our friends. Thank you again Ranjana! read more

I had a wonderful time at Ranjana's cooking class with my husband. She was very kind, warm and welcoming, as was her husband, and the whole experience beat my expectations. I felt right at home and I relish in the fact she put my husband to work! From what I recall, we made chai tea, two chutneys, the crispy fritters (I forget the name) and vast array of other delicious entrees. We hope to return in the future to take another class and bring friends with us! My husband and I didn't get a chance to, and as other reviewers had mentioned, making a day out of it down in Hyde Park!.We had a brief chance to walk around the neighborhood and the nearby park. If not for other afternoon plans, we wanted to go to the Museum of S&I. Last point I would like to make is I think it's obnoxious for someone to post comments (that appear to be completely concocted from another universe) about the plates or the quality of ingredients especially judging by other reviewers wonderful experiences.This is a cooking class, not your own private chef. Ranjana is not there to make sure she ad hears to YOUR taste and diet or that fact that you are unfortunately from California. . I'm disappointed by the lack of intelligence and incompetence. Maybe that's why I live in Chicago - to avoid it. read more

Groupon, you are my hero. I spent one of the best Saturday mornings I have had in a while at Ranjana's house. I had no idea what to expect but was glad to have changed my mind and chosen to accompany my friend who had found the $35 class deal on the aforementioned Super Site. Yay!! In a little more than three hours we learned the basic of Northern Indian vegetarian cooking and a grand total of 9 dishes. Me likey! The atmosphere is totally relax and casual and we, the students are all around the "master" cook (not intimidating at all) who carefully explains every little thing she does while chatting about her background, childhood and Indian traditions. The smell of spices is intoxicating and it is pretty hard to wait 'til the end to dig in (or to retrain oneself from just stealing the piping hot samosas from the dish in the rudest of ways). I was lucky enough to be part of a very curious group who kept asking questions as well as sharing their various experiences and that made for a wonderful culinary adventure in the land of rajahs. We shared our delicious meal in the dining room and promised ourselves to make the next paneer (home-made cheese - ridiculously easy to make) that would pass our lips. With a trip to Devon, the next best thing to do if you want to immerse yourself in the magic fragrances of the East but are to broke to fly to Mumbai.... read more

I've taken a cooking class previously, so my expectations weren't high: go to class, cook a few things, eat those few things, and leave. Ranjana's class was much more than this! Cooking with Ranjana wasn't like attending a class, but more like spending time with a good friend. Ranjana and her husband were welcoming and funny. We learned a lot about Indian cooking and the origins of the food, which made the class incredibly interesting. I was intimidated about cooking, what I thought was complex food, but Ranjana's patience and excellent instruction eased my fear and left me wanting to attend more classes. Everything was delicious, I highly recommend! read more

We just took a private cooking class with Ranjana. She was very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. She thoroughly explained the numerous recipes we were cooking that day - not only the techniques involved but the overall principles of Indian cooking that were applicable to that dish! Additionally, Ranjana was extremely efficient - cooking, managing the kitchen, teaching all at the same time. This class is an INCREDIBLE value and I highly recommend it to anyone - both beginners and experts in cooking would find value in learning from Ranjana. P.S. I am of South Asian descent, so I am familiar with Indian cuisine. The recipes she taught us were some of the best I have ever had. read more

Ranjana won me over again! I signed up for a second class with her after I received a discount offer for taking a previous class. This time I went with the regional cooking class, which meant South Indian. I was pretty excited to learn how to make some South Indian dishes because I had never tried my hand at it at home. It ended up being just my friend and I in the class because the other students canceled. What luck?! It was like having my own private cooking class! We made a TON of food again, even though it was only the three of us (Ranjana included). The best part of all? I LEARNED HOW TO AND WAS SUCCESSFUL AT MAKING MY OWN DOSA!! Amazing, if you ask me. We also made some fresh coconut chutney (we're talking take-the-coconut-outside-and-bust-it-open fresh), sambhar, rasam, idli, vada, lemon rice, upma (a side recipe that wasn't even part of the plan), a couple of different masalas, and payasam. Seriously, a ton of food! Don't even ask me how we managed to eat a good portion of it. Ranjana was as friendly as ever, sharing plenty of life stories, and teaching us a lot of shortcuts and new methods for cooking. If you're looking for a good way to learn some real, authentic cooking, take a class with Ranjana, she's the best! You learn to make a lot of different things, and feel comfortable enough to take your recipe book home and dive in in your own kitchen. Take a class with a group of friends to make it even more fun. Have a birthday party or a holiday party here if you're looking for a good group activity! read more

I've lived in Chicago since 2002 and this is probably the coolest thing I've done in this city. I loved learning from Ranjana in her own home and learning alongside other people. This is a priceless and rich opportunity to learn about Indian cooking. You won't regret it! read more

I got the Basic North Indian cooking class for my husband for his birthday. It was a really awesome class that took place in her home. There were only 6 of us there, so we got a lot of hands on time. We also made some amazing food. We learned so much about how to balance Indian flavors correctly and how to apply what we learned to many recipes including samosas with a phenomenal cilantro chutney, an okra dish, and eggplant dish, chai, and roti. She even tossed together a rogan josh paneer dish just because one of the attendees said it was his favorite dish. Ranjana is also an incredibly warm and inviting person, we felt very welcome in her home. Just listening to her talk about her impressive career and life path as well as her successful kids was a lot of fun on its own. Eating the food she helped us prepare was even better. We ate around 12:30 and I don't think I needed to eat for the rest of the day because I had so much delicious food and because I didn't want to get the wonderful taste out of my mouth. If you've ever considered taking a class to learn how to make Indian food, this is the one to take. I'm so excited to recreate the recipes at home. read more

Just like all the other reviews, I can't say enough great things about Ranjana and her class. She has so much knowledge and command of the kitchen, it's impressive to watch and learn. The food is absolutely amazing, and her patience and attention to detail is only matched by her excitement for sharing her gift. The neighborhood is on the south side, but the street they live on is very beautiful. Her husband is very kind and welcomed us into the home and gave us some background before the class, and then he took pictures throughout as well. Overall a very fun night and I would recommend this to ANYONE and EVERYONE who's interested in a great experience. read more

Authentic, genuine, delicious. That was my experience with Ranjana's cooking class. I bought this class for my girlfriend and I as a Valentine's Day date...life happens and we ended up having to reschedule to the next weekend. It ended up being just the two of us on a Saturday morning. We started off making Chai while learning the different parts of India and how their cuisines differ. We made Samosas, a dish that we both love, followed by a plethora of other authentic dishes which the names escape me now. Ranjana was patient, attentive and let us get our hands dirty making our dishes. We left full of delicious food and a a desire to explore more cuisines. I would recommend Ranjana's class to anyone looking to explore the cuisine and learn how to make it! read more

Our wonderful cooking class was a cultural and culinary tour of India! We enjoyed our class very much and like the other reviewers we walked away well fed, recipes and notes in hand and with an interest to pursue Indian cooking in our own kitchens. Ranjana demonstrated and gave us a tasks in preparing several chutneys, chai, samosas, rotis, raita, an eggplant dish to die for, an okra dish and a dessert! In one evening! Because we participated in making these dishes, we all gained confidence and experience. Ranjana is very helpful and sweet. Highly recommended! read more

Once in a lifetime experience with Ranjana in her home kitchen. Although nine recipes were promised in the basic North Indian cuisine class, we managed to review 17. Ranjana is such a ball of energy. Answers questions patiently. Blending spices seemed complex at first, but she breaks it into manageable steps. I loved learning how to make samosas, rotis, mango lassi, fresh cheese, okra. Ranjana has great advice on even small details. I took extensive notes but her handouts are a great reference tool. Can't wait to take another class with her. read more

Last week, my fiance and I took Ranjana's Basics of North Indian cooking class. We had an amazing time! I have taken cooking classes before at the Chopping Block and other "schools" around Chicago, but had never been invited into someone's home and taught to cook the food that they grew up eating. What an incredible experience. All of the food that we made was delicious, and much easier than I thought it would be. Before coming to Ranjana's class, I thought that making Indian food at home was quite difficult, but with the right spices and a little instruction, it isn't! I highly recommend taking a class with Ranjana! Being in her kitchen, enjoying her company, is a wonderful way to spend an evening. I can't wait to put all of the skills I learned to work! read more

Ranjana is not only an excellent cook and teacher, but a wonderful person to spend an evening with. She started off by showing us how to make masala chai, then moved on to samosas, which we snacked on as we continued through the other 14 dishes. All four of us were complete beginners, and Ranjana walked us through every step of the process. She was genuinely invested in making sure that we understood the recipes and ingredients, as well as being a welcoming and generous hostess. I'd highly recommend this to anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind night out, or who wants to learn Indian cooking from an expert. Can't wait to try these recipes with our family and friends! read more

Wow! Ranjana's cooking class was about the best thing to happen to my culinary world since the magnetic spice rack. I took a private class with Ranjana last winter (sorry for the delay in reviewing) and was so impressed with every aspect of her class. The menu was downright mind-blowing, as she not only tailored it to include a few of my favorite Indian foods, but also included a sumptous range of appetizers, beverages, vegetables, entrees, dessert, and even paneer making! I did not think it would be possible to make so much deliciousness in one class, but somehow we did. Every single thing we created was delicious and we worked very hands-on to be involved in the cooking process. She gave us a great book of recipes, but more importantly, she taught us many of the fundementals of Indian food, which we could apply to other foods and other recipes. I don't just know how to make samosas (although, goodness, those samosas alone make the class worthwhile), I know how to apply what I've learned to a range of other dishes. I definitely felt like a guest in Ranjana's home and not just a client. She introduced us to her family and shared many interesting stories about herself and her life. Her husband took some photos for us, and I look almost foolishly like a proud parent, as I hold up a lovely puffed roti. I can't recommend this class enough! Go cook with Ranjana! read more

She does both private lessons and group classes - did a private lesson for two and it was great. She accommodated some non-standard customized requests for menu selections, and is a good teacher. With this type of thing I think the best judge of how good the experience was is when I try to do it myself after the class is over. We were obviously taught well, as the items/meals we try afterward taste great (even when Ranjana is no longer there to help). Highly recommended as a date for 2, as a group outing for a group, and as anything in between you can come up with. Useful and well worth the price - read more

Ranjana's cooking class is a fantastic Chicago experience. We were invited into her home for a 10 course + Indian cooking bonanza. She demystified spices that I remember seeing used at home since I was a kid and taught us how to make nutritious, inexpensive and delicious Indian food. Seeing the simplicity with which she is able to prepare dishes gives you the confidence to cook regularly. An amazing part of the sessions are the stories of her life in Chicago and India she is able to weave into her different recipes. It makes for a fun experience to enjoy with a group of friends. One of the best underground food activities you can imagine finding in Chicago.. read more

Wow, I've now completed all of my four classes and I am cooking delicious and flavorsome Indian dishes at home. It's fabulous. Ranjana has not only taught me how to cook using traditional Indian techniques, she also dispersed so much knowledge about Indian spices and the tradition of the food that I have already started to create my own spice mixes and dishes based on the food I have in the fridge and pantry at the time of cooking. Thank you Ranjana. I'll be coming back for more cooking classes. read more