Do yourselves a favor and experience Ayesha's kitchen for a lovely afternoon. It's perfect for anyone who is new and does not cook Indian (or cook at all, for that matter) and exciting and invigorating for those who already enjoy Indian food and want to understand the cuisine better. You learn a lot, eat delicious food, maybe make a friend, and just have a really good time. I surprised my mom with this class, eager to make a good impression, and both of us were absolutely blown away. I have zero cooking experience while she is a big Indian food fan, and we were both welcomed and made to feel as comfortable as the veterans of the class. Now I try to cook Indian with her once a week and am cleaning up my diet (I had promised myself that if I could learn to make vegetables more interesting, I would eat more of them, and my exposure to Indian cuisine has definitely done that). Each class begins with an introduction to spices that enriches the whole experience. You learn to tell good quality from commercial stuff, and learn about the really cool health benefits from everything we're cooking- I never get tired of smelling, comparing, and taking notes to learn and re-learn this. She cooks in front of us as we observe comfortably from our seats. There is a camera over the stove so we see everything cooking clearly. Somehow I found that not ONCE did my attention waver during the two hours of instruction. It is a low-pressure environment, where her teaching style is simple and her kitchen, low-key. We get some hands-on experience where it's important, and the class just feels perfectly balanced and well-paced. After the cooking is done, we feast! And as if that's not enough, Ayesha prepares the spices needed to replicate the menu at home, and sells all the tools necessary, so you're never frustrated by an inability to replicate something. She takes the time to source everything from India so you know you're getting good quality and don't mind making the investment. She is dynamic, energized, encouraging, and warm and I have texted her questions and pictures, and she supports us all along our cooking journey. We get an email with everything from parking instructions to follow-up pictures of our meal...In other words, she has thought of everything! This is as smooth as learning can get. My mother and I, since that class, have returned five more times, and plan on continuing our tradition of cooking what we learn for our family once a week. Whether you know a lot or very little, whether you plan on getting serious about cooking or not, you will never regret a lovely afternoon with Ayesha, and will make a good impression on whomever you invite with you! Give it a shot! read more

Dearest Ayesha: There are many times in life when one plans something subconsciously predicting how the event will turn out - or at least how it should turn out. At least for curious me, I had done a little research about you in your role at Ayesha's Kitchen thus was confident that we would have a wonderful time learning new recipes while sharing precious time with precious women - (let me not forget Rey - for he too is very precious)that make up part our Bible Class fellowship. Yet, my predictions came short to what truly awaited us - really short. Wonderfully so! Wow, a festival of exotic fragrances not only captivated my senses; but an explosion of seasonings; each unique though delightfully complementing each other would later permeate my taste buds. Little by little I realized we were amidst a Pro - a true Chef - as you thoroughly described each herb and season with the seriousness a Professor may manifest while describing a theory. I mean who would have ever told me that I would leave knowing that Hing, a resin that serves to pull all the spices together provides balance in the insulin in our body and that turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and that stops bleeding.....and can be also used as a facial masque! You were incredibly informative yet synchronized as a Swiss Watch; precise, detailed, exact! And then the moment of truth presented itself....you invited us to sit "Al Fresco" welcomed by your lovely table which appeared as anxious to greet us as we were to join her. Joan led Grace, when a light breeze presented itself as if heralding the approval from above of what we were about to experience; perhaps coining the phrase of "A Family that Prays together - cooks together".... and so we began. I was completely in awe....I am completely in awe! The meal can only be described as perfectly scrumptious. It would not be fair for me to focus on the Murg Makhani for that may diminish the impact I felt with the Bombay Aloo, Kachambar, Basmati and Seviyan Kheer. Each of them individually merit recognition...together they deserve a Standing Ovation! And you, the chef as well. I salute you and thank you for inviting us into your home and sharing a piece of India with us. Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift of yours with us - may your enthusiasm and passion for food light the hearts of many for years to come! With kindest regards, Ana Maria Goicoechea read more

For Mother's Day, I gave my wife Ayesha's "Dinner on the Spice Route" online cooking class. To add to the fun, we included our two adult children (who live in different cities, in different time zones) and their significant others to join us for a simultaneous virtual cooking and eating experience. We all queued up the video, socially-distanced in our own homes, watching Ayesha's online class, with all of us simultaneously being connected on another device via FaceTime. It was the closest thing we could ask for to being in one of our kitchens together to all cook and enjoy a celebratory meal for Mom's special day. Ayesha was great to work with at every step of the way. She was quick to answer questions electronically and we had several delightful conversations as she helped us figure out logistically how to accomplish our experience the way we envisioned. At her recommendation, we also purchased her own curated spices, sourced from India (she even included some fresh curry leaves from her garden!). She sent the spice packs to our different locations so we would be operating with the same ingredients. The colors, smells, and FLAVORS of the spices were intense and rich, like nothing we had ever experienced in Indian food before. We strongly recommend adding the purchase of her special spices for your class. After about an hour of ingredient preparation in each of our 3 kitchens, we launched into cooking all 6 dishes concurrently, following Ayesha's online video, which took just over another hour. We cooked lamb (substituted for chicken) Vindaloo, seasoned rice, salad, a butternut squash dish, dessert and tea. We paused at numerous points to allow one or another of us to catch up as we cooked. As the dinner came together, again the unique aromas and flavors complimented each other beautifully, sparking many "wow!" comments from all of us. Every dish was differently spiced and exciting in its own way - the whole meal and the experience was exquisite and delicious. Ayesha followed up after Mother's Day to ensure we had enjoyed the meal, which we did immensely. My family would highly recommend Ayesha's kitchen classes and look forward to trying another one in the future. read more

Class: Gujarati Thali - Vegetarian Specialties (02/18/17) If you want to learn about and appreciate Indian culture, eat the food. Ayesha's Indian cuisine does exactly that, and also brings food and people together. Ayesha's cooking will stimulate all of your senses as she lovingly prepares a personally crafted home cooked meal in her kitchen. From the moment you enter her home and are warmly greeted at the door, you feel welcomed and are treated like family. You are provided with a menu and recipes entailing all of the ingredients, seasonings and spices. As you are seated in the kitchen, Ayesha sets up her culinary stage while sharing a delightful history about her background and Indian traditional cooking. Your senses will experience an epicurean journey; taking in new and exciting colors, textures, sounds, tastes, and aromas as she skillfully prepares and cooks the entrée, side dishes, and dessert. Interaction between Ayesha and her audience is spontaneous, light-hearted, and lots of fun. Plating and presentation of food is an art, and quite something to behold as Ayesha beautifully sets up her outdoor dining table, under her pool-side chickee hut. The group is promptly seated before a sumptuous feast, truly fit for a king. We gather at the table, eating with great enthusiasm and pleasure. Here, the guests compliment the food, enjoy conversation and become better acquainted. During this sacred moment in time, Ayesha makes us feel like family and friends - thank you. Ayesha's food is good for the belly, heart and soul. Amen. read more

This is a positive review regarding my experience at Ayesha's Kitchen A couple of months ago I was looking for a unique way to celebrate my 35th birthday with close friends and family, because my group is of various ages finding something we would all enjoy can be quite difficult in Miami. I was tired of the same ole restaurant dinner celebration we typically do so I went on the search of something different. I ran across a few reviews on Ayesha's Kitchen and within hours I was on the phone with Ayesha making plans for my special day. We were a group of 10 so we reserved a private event, Ayesha was very attentive she asked questions about the group regarding what menu would work best. We went with the butter chicken menu and it was delicious. Ayesha goes into detail about the ingredients and spices, we loved learning the origin and health benefits of everything. Ayesha does the cooking but the class is still very interactive after about an hour or so of prep and cooking the smells that fill the kitchen have your mouth watering. When everything is ready you head out to her patio which makes you feel like you are entering an oasis. We bought our own wine and we ate every single piece of food, just the right amount of servings was made. We could have stayed there eating, drinking all night long. It was an absolutely great dining experience. After the class, Ayesha has some of the spices and ingredients for purchase. We all bought something, my mom loves her curry plant. I will definitely be back! read more

"Best Place in town to learn to cook authentic Indian food" If you ever wanted to learn to cook authentic Indian food, this is the place to go. It was by far the best Indian food I have ever had!!!! I recently attended the "Crossing the Border - Indo-Chinese cuisine" class and it was excellent. The szechuan chicken, friend rice and hot and sour soup were delicious. Ayesha is an excellent cook and an even better instructor. She is very welcoming and makes you feel right at home. You feel like you've known her forever. While cooking, she explains everything step-by-step so you can take notes on the easy to follow recipes she hands out along with a pen and clipboard. Once all the dishes are prepared, she puts the food into serving dishes and the entire class goes outside to a beautifully decorated table under a tiki hut in her backyard to enjoy the wonderful meal together. The following day I went to the Asian market (she will recommend one in your area) to purchase everything so I could make the recipes. I was a little confused with some of the items so I sent her a text and she replied right away and helped me buy the correct items. I followed each recipe precisely, and everything turned out exactly like hers. It really is fool-proof. I highly recommend this fun experience; you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be signing up for another class soon! Thanks Ayesha for a great class. read more

My husband and I attended Ayesha's Passage to South Indian class in September of 2013. This was the third class we have taken from Ayesha and were extremely satisfied with our experience. Since moving to South Florida, we have not been very happy with the quality of food served at local Indian restaurants and have found Ayesha's classes to be a great way to get our Indian food fix. The recipes you get to take home are clear and Ayesha's instruction is so detailed that she makes it easy for you to make authentic Indian recipes at home. I was particularly excited about this course, because the menu included dosas, which I knew were very difficult to make. The class involved some instruction on Indian spices, followed by a mixture of hands-on and hands-off instruction on Indian cuisine. For this specific class, we learned to make potato stuffed dosas, lentil soup, coconut chutney, and Indian pancakes. Afterwards you get to eat everything made during the class, which is great! The food is hearty and absolutely delicious! Ayesha teaches you all of the little tricks that you cannot learn from following an Indian cookbook so that your food comes out authentic and not an Americanized version of Indian food. As an instructor, I have found Ayesha to be extremely knowledgeable, polite, and pleasant. Take a class with her! This is good for couples, singles, or a group of friends. read more

My wife gave me a gift of Ayesha's cooking class for our wedding anniversary. Neither of us have taken this class before, so we didn't really know what to expect. We LOVED every second of Ayesha's class and highly recommend it to others. Ayesha's menu of Indian vegetarian meals got us excited about Indian cooking right away. It is very inspiring to see somebody so passionate about cooking as Ayesha. Her instructions are very easy to follow and she takes time to explain what she does. During class, Ayesha shares some of her personal stories that make the whole experience much more enjoyable. The whole atmosphere is very cozy and makes you feel as at home. Our cooked meals ended up being fantastic, much better than what you get at a typical Indian restaurant. We much appreciated Ayesha's commitment to fresh and organic ingredients. She teaches you how to cook not only a delicious, but also a healthy meal. At the end of the class, my wife and I signed up for more classes and now look forward to continue learning from Ayesha. We have already tried to cook a few Indian meals following Ayesha's recipes. Our cooked at home meals turned out great! Ayesha designs her recipes to be simple, easy to follow, and delicious. There is something very satisfactory in being able to achieve authentic Indian flavors by yourself. Can't wait to return to Ayesha's kitchen again! read more

My husband and I took Ayesha's "Murg Makhani (Butter Chicken) and the Works" class last year, and since then, we've been telling everyone we know to TAKE THIS CLASS! Ayesha is incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Indian cuisine and has a warm personality that makes you feel immediately comfortable. Everyone in the class had a great time laughing and eating and learning together. Classes are small and intimate (there were just 6 of us in the class we took). The classes are geared to people of all skill levels. Even though some of the recipes are quite sophisticated, Ayesha demonstrates the recipe processes in an organized, step-by-step way that even novice cooks like myself can understand. Since taking the class, my husband has made the meal several times for dinner guests, and they are always so impressed! Everyone says the butter chicken is better than any they've had in an Indian restaurant, and we have to agree. If you enjoy cooking or are just looking for something fun and different to do, I would HIGHLY recommend taking one of Ayeha's Indian cooking classes. They also make wonderful, unique gifts. I bought the class as a birthday gift for my husband, and Ayesha emailed me a custom-made gift certificate. To this day, I think it's probably the best birthday gift I've given him. read more

Have you ever met anyone that instantaneously lights up the room with energy and spreads real passion for cooking? Let me introduce you to Ayesha D'Mello. Ayesha is one of those individuals who possesses energy force as a light bulb that easily reflects how much she enjoys what she does, how fulfilled she feels for doing that, how much she cares for teaching you easy-to-follow Indian cooking recipes, and how happy she is when you master a recipe as a result of her teachings. This is exactly what Ayesha brings to the table, a whole new level of Indian cuisine and a very unique gastronomical experience. The art of great cooking I must say, the food in perfect harmony with the soul. The result: a whole new experience that combines high gourmet cuisine and a nurturing atmosphere. I guarantee you that not only you will learn easy recipes that you can prepare at home filled with significant health benefits, but you will also meet a wonderful lady that will teach you a different way of appreciating the flavors, the fragrances, and savoring every single bite of your meal. Believe me when I say that Ayesha's Kitchen is simply authentic and distinctive. It is definitely food for the soul. read more

I had a great experience this afternoon. I signed myself up for an authentic Indian cooking class with Ayesha  D'Mello of Ayesha's Kitchen. The class is taught by Ayesha, a gracious Indian professional in her beautiful home. There were 5 of us from all walks of life, plus Ayesha. The menu included: Kachumbar with Garbanzo Bean Salad, Shrimp coconut curry, Goan okra, Masala Fish Fry, Basmati Rice, and Sheera. The exotic smells, the vibrant colors, the delectable taste, the atmospheric bhajan music and the gathering of 6 perfect strangers was pretty awesome. I love organization and well thought out plans, and Ayesha delivered, from printed recipes, ingredients and spices already cut up and measured, the right pots and pans ready for use, the correct size measuring cups and spoons, the beautiful serving platters, and the inviting long decorated eating table amidst her tranquil backyard. I learned about a lot of Indian spices: chaat masala, cumin seeds, ghee, asafoetida, amchur, fenugreek seeds, tamarind paste, garam masala powder, and paneer. This authentic cooking class is a great gift idea for any occasion which I unequivocally highly recommend. read more

My family and friends gathered at Ayesha's house to celebrate my cousin's birthday, and I truly had no idea we were about to enjoy such an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, Ayesha greeted us with a warm, friendly smile. She welcomed us into her kitchen with delicious ginger and lemon drinks and introduced us to the foods we would be enjoying at dinner. I was amazed to learn that she blends many of her own spices and seasonings, which explains the incredible, unique flavors. We even helped prepare the salad and bread, which made the experience even more special. Later, we ate outside by the pool in a beautiful setting with perfect weather. We laughed, talked, and enjoyed one of the best nights of my life. Thank you, Ayesha, for creating such a memorable evening. I am telling everyone I know about this amazing experience. If I could give her 100 stars, I would. 1000% recommend. read more

Ayesha, Thank you for a wonderful class...and of course a fantastic meal afterward. You are simply a delight to get to know. You are a wealth of information about how to cook an incredible Indian meal (feast actually). My experience right from the start was not only pleasurable but a real joy: From your personality, to the others in the class, to the mouthwatering aromas as you cooked. You gave great step-by-step instruction, provided the little tips to make the meal extra easy to prepare and flavorful to the pallet. A wonderful experience that I look forward repeating during many more classes. I highly recommend your course to all who enjoy cooking and feasting on some of the best food anyone will ever savor. Always wishing you the greatest of health, happiness and success. Sincerely, Daniel Rutley, Psy.D. Best selling Author Psychotherapist www.DanielRutley.com read more

My husband enrolled us in Ayesha's cooking class for my 30th birthday and it was such an enjoyable experience that I've since gone back for three more classes. The classes feature a demonstration of a multiple-course meal -- salad, vegetable side dish, rice pilaf/bread, entree, dessert -- with step-by-step, detailed instructions so you can follow along. The experience is topped off with a lovely meal in Ayesha's backyard cabana, sampling the delectable dishes you've just seen being made. Ayesha is a true pro -- she radiates with energy and has such a wealth of knowledge. Of course, the proof is in the pudding -- whether or not you can replicate the dishes at home. Time and time again, I've been amazed that with Ayesha's guidance -- the first-hand demonstration and perfectly written directions -- I can enjoy with family and friends incredible, homemade Indian food. read more

I have gone to cooking classes here in Miami, but I have to say, going to Ayesha's Kitchen to learn to cook the most amazing Indian food was hands down the best cooking class of all time. First of all you are literally in Ayesha's kitchen with Ayesha, who is the most delightful effervescent individual you could meet. She was warm, inviting and enthusiastically engaged her students into her world of Indian food. The menu was all about lamb, one of my favorites - Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb kebabs a potato and chickpea salad, Okra (Indian style not southern) basmati rice, chutneys and mango lassi and of course dessert. The only thing missing were my sons who would have enjoyed this experience immensely. My plan is to have her come to my home to give a private class (yes she offers this option) to my family and friends. Thank you Ayesha for a rewarding experience. read more

Do you love cooking? Do you want to broaden your culinary repertoire? Then try Ayesha's cooking class. I actually had two friends recommend her. And I was not disappointed. Ayesha's warm personality instantly assured me that I was in for unique and fun afternoon. I attended the Holiday Entertainment Appetizers/Chutneys/Desserts class in the fall. She hosted the class in her kitchen. It was small and cozy. Ayesha provided the recipes and a demonstration for every dish. It was the most fun I have had in a long while. The food was delicious. We sat outside to eat in Ayesha's naturally lush backyard. The table was elegantly set. There was no detail overlooked. It gets better. You can buy all the spices and specialty equipment at the end of the class. And the recipes taste just as good when you make them at home. I am looking forward to my next class. read more

completely exhilarating. there are so many words to describe this saturday afternoon.....one is: the best in a long while! i cannot wait to indulge in futuure classes....the company was perfect...ayesha is an inspiration and so intoxicating...i simply cannot get enough of spending a day wrapped in all my senses....taste (delicious, complex, fresh), smell (of far of,unknown and desperately seeking....), sight (home feeling like my own), sounds (snap, crackle and popping), touch (heat, cool marble cool dough, perfectly round perfectly pressed perfectly flipped perfect breads slathered with chutney's and swallowed with refreshing mango delight.....) just perfect and i mean perfect. cannot wait to share in the experience with my husband and to impress him with my new found knowledge. thank you for opening my eyes............. i drove home on such a high. read more

I started with Classic Indian Cuisine - Classic Traditional Chicken Curryand I will in all probability be taking every class Ayesha offers. I am already signed up for two other classes and I am scheduling three more. Ayesha makes it so easy to understand and recreate the dishes, even I get it! I would have but one complaint.....I cannot keep cilantro chutney in the house. My husband is addicted to cilantro chutney. I am making a double batch two or three times per week. I think he is even putting it on his corn flakes. He has thoroughly enjoyed everything I have prepared and his heritage pretty much makes him an expert on good Indian cusine. If you want to learn how to prepare Indian food the right way.....take Ayesha's classes. You will not be disappointed......and niether will anyone you cook for! read more

I just finished The 'Passage to South India (Rice-Lentil Crepes...)' cooking class, Ayesha's kitchen cooking class experience was, as before, awesome, super laid back, friendly and will not allow you to even clear the dishes. Not only was Ayesha all those things, but, as before, the students were as well; not an easy thing to find in this world. The 'Passage to South India (Rice-Lentil Crepes...)' cooking class recipes were awesome as well, I could see myself making the Rice-Lentil Crepes and pancakes topped with vegetables, instead of the traditional Vegan pancakes or waffles, for a little while. Funny thing about it is I have heard many times, I will not eat Waffles with vegetables and fruits in the batter, and here now I have crepes and pancakes that I think the same people will eat. read more