Joe Thottungal, Executive Chef at Ottawa’s popular Coconut Lagoon restaurant and silver medal winner at the 2017 Canadian Culinary Championships, on an intimate small group tour through the culinary secrets of India.
The 6th edition of this regularly sold-out tour introduces a tantalizing combination of both South and North India. Spend 19 days first exploring the cultural and culinary practices of Chef Joe’s home state, Kerala, before diving into the age-old cooking traditions and world-famous monuments of North India’s Rajasthan. For the first time ever, this edition of the tour also includes an intimate visit to Mumbai and the Leela Hotel, where Chef Joe began his cooking career.
Throughout the journey, Chef Joe will personally escort his guests in sampling and cooking up local specialties, touring fragrant spice plantations, demonstrating bargaining at local markets and introducing us to some of the country’s top chefs. Joe will be accompanied by a English speaking tour guide who will help us explore India’s most stunning and cultural gems. This unique tour is interactive and intimate every step of the way, with hands-on cooking demonstrations from award-winning instructors, lessons in bargaining with fish mongers to buy the catch of the day, and a once-in-a-lifetime family experience as Joe’s in-laws invite us into their home and welcome us in traditional Indian style.
Other highlights include cruising through the scenic backwaters of Kerala, tiger spotting in Periyar National Park, taking in the majestic Taj Mahal monument and an elephant walk-along and opulent farewell dinner at Dera Amer.
