Walk into Meena Khanna’s kitchen on any day and you will enter a domain where knowledge, artistry and a sophisticated palate come together in a spectacular blend. Meena has always loved cooking and feeding people. Those fortunate enough to have eaten at her table are known to cadge repeat invites shamelessly!

Meena was a champion athlete in college, captain of the Delhi Women’s Cricket Team and later, Lady Captain at the Delhi Golf Club. But cooking has been her first love and abiding passion.

Meena has travelled all over India, as the wife of a peripatetic Colonel of the Indian Army. Wherever she has lived, she has explored the local cuisine, experimented with new ingredients, chased recipes, learnt from experts and added delicious new dishes to her repertoire. She has evolved a philosophy of cooking that stresses on simplicity, yet gloriously brings alive the tastes, flavours, textures and aromas that define India.

Till some years ago, she used to conduct regular cooking classes, which were acclaimed for turning nervous novices into confident cooks!

Meena and her team of talented home chefs now bring their culinary skills to Colonel’s Retreat, with cooking demonstrations creatively designed for tourists eager to explore India’s fascinating heritage of gastronomy.

Participants will learn authentic Indian recipes that are simple to prepare, with ingredients easily available in Europe and the USA. Having travelled all over the western world, Meena is well aware of the challenges of following genuine Indian recipes in countries there.

In cooking sessions spread over 3 to 4 hours, Meena or a member of her team will demonstrate how to cook two non-vegetarian and two vegetarian dishes, along with one lentil dish and one chutney or relish. They will explain the significance of the spices, how they interact in the cooking pot and their health benefits. They will pass on tips and techniques perfected over the years. They will share anecdotes and folklore that surround Indian food.

Participants will first watch the demonstration, then enjoy the dishes. We are sure that everybody will come back for second helpings and more!