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Host: Freeda

Kochi (Cochin), India

USD
$40-$69 per person

Kerala Cooking Class & Home Dining Experience in Kochi

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Professional cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Freeda

Freeda is one of those people who makes you feel instantly at home when you meet her. A warm and hospitable host, Freeda is passionate about cooking and baking. She has been teaching cooking, baking, cake decoration and confectionery classes for over three decades. Freeda is especially wonderful with children so bring them along if you're traveling with kids.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-20 guests) Enjoy an authentic Kerala meal with your charming host Freeda in her contemporary apartment in Kochi. Begin with a drink and appetizer before sitting down at the dining table to indulge in a Syrian Christian Kerala meal. You might try dishes such as a Kerala-style chicken stew or fish curry, karimeen pollichathu (marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) or Syrian beef fry (strips of beef cooked in pepper and spices), appams (lacy pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut milk) or idiyappams (rice based noodles) and seasonal vegetables followed by a delicious Western-style dessert.

Cooking experience: (2-8 guests) Freeda offers a hands-on Kerala cooking class which kicks off with an appetizer and a drink to welcome you into her contemporary apartment overlooking the lush, green Cochin landscape. In your Cochin cooking class learn to prepare 2-3 traditional Kerala dishes from recipes passed down through generations in her family. After cooking, enjoy your meal over laughter and fun conversation with Freeda at her dining table. Leave with printed copies of Freeda's personal recipes and memories to last a lifetime. If there is a particular dish you are interested in learning to make, please let Freeda know when making your booking.

Notes: ,br>1. Your host can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions so please inform her if you have any dietary requests when making your booking. ,br>2. If you choose the optional alcohol add-on, Freeda offers a couple of glasses of beer.

Languages spoken: English, Malayalam

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vada (lentil fritters) and chutney
  • Seasonal vegetable dish
  • Appams or idiappams (rice based breads)
  • Fish curry or chicken stew
  • Karimeen pollichathu or Syrian beef fry
  • Tender coconut pudding or passionfruit panna cotta

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
Taking a cooking class with Freeda was one of the most special parts of our honeymoon and truly the highlight of our trip. From the moment we met her, we felt an immediate connection, she welcomed us so warmly that it felt like spending time with an auntie we had known for years. It was such a joy getting to cook, talk, and share the evening with her. Freeda is an incredible teacher and we learned so much during our time together. She not only taught us how to make some of our favorite dishes, but she also prepared many other foods for us to taste, which made the entire experience feel even more generous and memorable. More than just a cooking class, it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home and culture in the most genuine way. We left feeling full, happy, and deeply grateful for the time we spent with her. We truly hope to stay in touch and will always remember this experience as one of the most meaningful moments of our honeymoon.
- even March 12, 2026
This was an amazing introduction to Kerala cuisine. Freeda went to enormous lengths to ensure that the cookery session fitted with our tastes and food interests. All the arrangements were planned well with us in advance and were well instructed on the day. We had a really lovely time with Freeda in her beautiful apartment, sampling the dishes and sharing stories. Freeda is a wonderful lady and I recommend this cookery session wholeheartedly to other visitors to Cochin. You will have an amazing time cooking and dining with Freeda.
- tia February 17, 2026
Our class with Freeda was a delight! She did a wonderful job tailoring our experience to the interests and preferences of our family (including our kids), and our time with her felt like we were being welcomed by our very own aunt or grandmother. Thank you, Freeda!
- wade January 13, 2026
Lovely setting and Freeda is an excellent cook who shared some delicious food and recipes with us Would highly recommend
- Maddy November 06, 2025
Freeda was so welcoming, and enthusiastic. She led us through the preparations for a delicious lunch and shared her recipes, only hope we can do them justice.
- Kim November 03, 2025
Freeda is such a warm and kind host! We learned how to make her delicious food and then got to eat our feast in her lovely home. She invited one of her friend's who was also wonderful to join us for lunch. We had great conversation and realized we had much in common. This was a truly special experience! You will be lucky to have Freeda as your host!!! Also, she went above and beyond and invited us to an incredible women's dance party which was a once in a lifetime experience! Thank you so much
- Jill July 09, 2025
We had an amazing time with Freeda at her beautiful home in Kochi. I highly recommend this class where you get to learn about the incredible food and culture of Kerala. I grew up in the states and my family is from Kerala. We were able to swap stories and educate ourselves on the new world of Kerala. Freeda is a patient cook with years of experience. So no need to feel overwhelmed or scared about cooking with her. The food was amazing but the time spent together was even more beautiful. Being so far away from home it was fantastic to have a home cooked meal prepared with love during the holidays. My group LOVED this class and will always remember it. It was also close to Fort Kochi so very easy to get in and out. Definitely sign up for this class if it’s available! You won’t regret it :)
- Department December 23, 2024
Freeda's class was the highlight of our trip to Kerala. She made us feel like family from the moment we entered her home. We learned to make several authentic local dishes (and eat with our hands like the locals) and we feel confident to attempt Indian cooking at home. Wonderful experience!
- Anne B September 10, 2017
Had the most amazing experience with Traveling Spoon! Our host cooked a delicious Indian meal with an incredible spread of dishes that kept us coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths (I mean you gotta try everything right?). Even better than the meal though, was the opportunity to spend time with Freeda's family and hear their incredible life journey of how they grew up in India and what made the country so special to them. They answered all our questions from big picture concepts such as India's balance of religion to practical questions such as the secret to easily crossing the road in heavy traffic. The whole evening was fresh and exciting, and Traveling Spoon will always be one of my first stops to make any international travel destination a memorable experience.
- Dane Vahey January 04, 2016
Read More

Freeda

$40-$69 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $46 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $69 $59
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $46 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $69 $59
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm

Meet Freeda

Freeda is one of those people who makes you feel instantly at home when you meet her. A warm and hospitable host, Freeda is passionate about cooking and baking. She has been teaching cooking, baking, cake decoration and confectionery classes for over three decades. Freeda is especially wonderful with children so bring them along if you're traveling with kids.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-20 guests) Enjoy an authentic Kerala meal with your charming host Freeda in her contemporary apartment in Kochi. Begin with a drink and appetizer before sitting down at the dining table to indulge in a Syrian Christian Kerala meal. You might try dishes such as a Kerala-style chicken stew or fish curry, karimeen pollichathu (marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled) or Syrian beef fry (strips of beef cooked in pepper and spices), appams (lacy pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut milk) or idiyappams (rice based noodles) and seasonal vegetables followed by a delicious Western-style dessert.

Cooking experience: (2-8 guests) Freeda offers a hands-on Kerala cooking class which kicks off with an appetizer and a drink to welcome you into her contemporary apartment overlooking the lush, green Cochin landscape. In your Cochin cooking class learn to prepare 2-3 traditional Kerala dishes from recipes passed down through generations in her family. After cooking, enjoy your meal over laughter and fun conversation with Freeda at her dining table. Leave with printed copies of Freeda's personal recipes and memories to last a lifetime. If there is a particular dish you are interested in learning to make, please let Freeda know when making your booking.

Notes: ,br>1. Your host can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions so please inform her if you have any dietary requests when making your booking. ,br>2. If you choose the optional alcohol add-on, Freeda offers a couple of glasses of beer.

Languages spoken: English, Malayalam

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Vada (lentil fritters) and chutney
  • Seasonal vegetable dish
  • Appams or idiappams (rice based breads)
  • Fish curry or chicken stew
  • Karimeen pollichathu or Syrian beef fry
  • Tender coconut pudding or passionfruit panna cotta

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
Taking a cooking class with Freeda was one of the most special parts of our honeymoon and truly the highlight of our trip. From the moment we met her, we felt an immediate connection, she welcomed us so warmly that it felt like spending time with an auntie we had known for years. It was such a joy getting to cook, talk, and share the evening with her. Freeda is an incredible teacher and we learned so much during our time together. She not only taught us how to make some of our favorite dishes, but she also prepared many other foods for us to taste, which made the entire experience feel even more generous and memorable. More than just a cooking class, it felt like being welcomed into someone’s home and culture in the most genuine way. We left feeling full, happy, and deeply grateful for the time we spent with her. We truly hope to stay in touch and will always remember this experience as one of the most meaningful moments of our honeymoon.
- even March 12, 2026
This was an amazing introduction to Kerala cuisine. Freeda went to enormous lengths to ensure that the cookery session fitted with our tastes and food interests. All the arrangements were planned well with us in advance and were well instructed on the day. We had a really lovely time with Freeda in her beautiful apartment, sampling the dishes and sharing stories. Freeda is a wonderful lady and I recommend this cookery session wholeheartedly to other visitors to Cochin. You will have an amazing time cooking and dining with Freeda.
- tia February 17, 2026
Our class with Freeda was a delight! She did a wonderful job tailoring our experience to the interests and preferences of our family (including our kids), and our time with her felt like we were being welcomed by our very own aunt or grandmother. Thank you, Freeda!
- wade January 13, 2026
Lovely setting and Freeda is an excellent cook who shared some delicious food and recipes with us Would highly recommend
- Maddy November 06, 2025
Freeda was so welcoming, and enthusiastic. She led us through the preparations for a delicious lunch and shared her recipes, only hope we can do them justice.
- Kim November 03, 2025
Freeda is such a warm and kind host! We learned how to make her delicious food and then got to eat our feast in her lovely home. She invited one of her friend's who was also wonderful to join us for lunch. We had great conversation and realized we had much in common. This was a truly special experience! You will be lucky to have Freeda as your host!!! Also, she went above and beyond and invited us to an incredible women's dance party which was a once in a lifetime experience! Thank you so much
- Jill July 09, 2025
We had an amazing time with Freeda at her beautiful home in Kochi. I highly recommend this class where you get to learn about the incredible food and culture of Kerala. I grew up in the states and my family is from Kerala. We were able to swap stories and educate ourselves on the new world of Kerala. Freeda is a patient cook with years of experience. So no need to feel overwhelmed or scared about cooking with her. The food was amazing but the time spent together was even more beautiful. Being so far away from home it was fantastic to have a home cooked meal prepared with love during the holidays. My group LOVED this class and will always remember it. It was also close to Fort Kochi so very easy to get in and out. Definitely sign up for this class if it’s available! You won’t regret it :)
- Department December 23, 2024
Freeda's class was the highlight of our trip to Kerala. She made us feel like family from the moment we entered her home. We learned to make several authentic local dishes (and eat with our hands like the locals) and we feel confident to attempt Indian cooking at home. Wonderful experience!
- Anne B September 10, 2017
Had the most amazing experience with Traveling Spoon! Our host cooked a delicious Indian meal with an incredible spread of dishes that kept us coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths (I mean you gotta try everything right?). Even better than the meal though, was the opportunity to spend time with Freeda's family and hear their incredible life journey of how they grew up in India and what made the country so special to them. They answered all our questions from big picture concepts such as India's balance of religion to practical questions such as the secret to easily crossing the road in heavy traffic. The whole evening was fresh and exciting, and Traveling Spoon will always be one of my first stops to make any international travel destination a memorable experience.
- Dane Vahey January 04, 2016
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $46 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $69 $59
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $46 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $69 $59
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 6:00pm-9:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.