Common Questions

Depending on the menu of the evening, during the class you will dice, slice, chop, mince, wash, toss, stir, marinade and knead as you’re taken step-by-step through the basics. We specialize in Indian and Thai food – the world’s most vibrant and flavorful cuisines. Classes are BYOB and include instruction, recipes, ingredients and of course enjoying all the delicious food that you learn to prepare and cook.

I don’t cook a lot – can I attend a class?

Our classes are geared for anyone who is interested in learning to cook, independent of their cooking experience and background. If you’re willing to learn, sign up.

What will I have to do during class?

Classes are hands on, and participation during cooking is encouraged. You’ll chop, mince, toss, knead, marinate, stir and serve, depending on what we’re cooking. If you’re the type who likes to sit and watch, you’re more than welcome to do so.

What are the class sizes?

Class sizes vary depending on the night of the week and the menu for the class. Weeknight classes tend to be six to ten people, while weekend classes tend to be ten to twelve people. Private classes can be organized if you’d like with as few as two and as many as 30+ people. Please contact us to plan a private event. Private events can be organized any day of the week for lunch or dinner time classes.

What style of food do you teach people to cook?

I specialize in northern Indian cooking. You can expect the food we cook during class to taste like food at an Indian family’s home.

What should I bring with me when I come to attend a class?

Bring a healthy appetite for a great meal, a curiosity to learn about Indian food and Indian culture, a beverage of your choice to drink during class (including wine, beer or spirits, if you’d like), and a willingness to have a fun-filled evening. Please remember, you need to be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol, and we reserve the right to check your ID.

I don’t like spicy food - can the food be made less spicy?

Indian food is very flavorful and uses a wide variety of spices. It is made hot using cayenne and other spicy peppers. For our classes, the spice level is customized to the tolerance level of people attending the classes. The food will be flavorful, not spicy.

Can we bring our own alcohol to class?

Classes are BYOB and you’re welcome to bring wine, beer, or spirits to classes. You need to be of legal drinking age (21), and we reserve the right to verify your age. Please drink responsibly, especially if you are going to drive after class. If you’re planning a private event and want to drop off drinks before the event, you can do so, and we will chill it for you prior to the event.

What type of wine is suggested for Indian food?

People think of Indian food as spicy, and customers at wine stores are generally guided towards sweeter wines like riesling, muscadet, pinot gris, etc. Indian food is actually very flavorful, and you can pair any wine with it. Because taste is very personal, our philosophy is simply to bring wine(s) that you like to drink. Personally, we like to drink chilled whites on summer days and heavy reds on cold Chicago winter windy days.

Can you teach us to make naan?

The right way to make a naan is to cook it in a tandoor (indian clay oven). Since we do not have a tandoor in our kitchen, we don’t have the ability to cook naan. There are many other types on indian breads like roti, paratha, puri, or bhatura that are cooked using different techniques on a stove top, and we can teach you to cook these breads. Certain breads go with only certain types of entrée’s, so food pairing is important.

How do I register for a class?

To register for a class, please complete the contact us form and we will get back to you regarding your registration and payment details. Or you can send an email to “Naveen@naveenscuisine.com” and we will get back to you. Please feel free to call or email if you have any questions. 

When do I pay for a class? How do I pay for a class?

Payment for the class is due at the time of registration. We will send you details on how to remit payment after you registration is confirmed. Payment can be sent via Zelle, Venmo or credit card over the phone. 

Do you cancel classes?

In the unlikely event of low enrollment, there is a possibility a class may be canceled. You will have the option to register for another class, or the class dues refunded to you.

What happens if an event is cancelled?

If there are not enough people registered for an event, the event may be canceled. If the event is canceled each person registered will receive a full refund.

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