Private Tour

Private Indonesian & Cape Malay Cultural Cooking Class

Overview

Available languages

Malay

English

Javanese

3 hours

Mobile ticket

A welcome drink and a snack will be served at the dining table when you arrive in our home, along with an introduction to what's on the menu. You will be given an apron, a pen and a note and a slipper to put on.

The hands-on cooking class will be held in the home kitchen. Your host will explain all the ingredients involved, the story behind the dish, and, of course, provide clear step-by-step instructions.

You can choose between the Indonesian, Cape Malay or Thai menus as stated. Please make sure to indicate which menu you prefer beforehand.

Your hands-on cooking class will last about two hours, and then you will sit down in the dining room to enjoy the meals you and your host have prepared together.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Spend 3 hours in a private cooking class and lunch at the private home of your host, Echi Ismail in Newlands. Echi's home is nestled in a leafy, historical suburb of Cape Town, close to tourist attractions such as Kirstenbosch Garden and en route to the Cape of Peninsula attractions. To local Capetonians, your host is a well-known Indonesian and Asian cooking instructor. She is married to a Capetonian, hence she is proficient in Cape Malay cuisine, as Cape Town has been her second home for two decades. Experience an unforgettable hands-on cooking class as well as the combined hospitalities and cultures of Indonesian (Asia) and Cape Malay (Africa) during your visit. Keen to try dressing up in an Indonesian traditional outfit for a pic or two? Your host is more than happy to lend her traditional costume collection! The cooking and lunch experience is only available during weekdays morning-afternoon (Monday-Friday).

Sample Menu

main

Indonesian Menu: Sundanese Nasi Liwet

Nasi Liwet (aromatic rice), Gepuk (beef), Karedok (raw veggies salad & peanut dressing), Sambal, Klepon (Gluten Free)/other desserts.

main

Cape Malay: Bobotie

Bobotie (minced beef custard), yellow rice, veggies. Chili bite as appetiser and Potato Pudding as dessert.

What‘s Included

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Coffee and/or Tea

Options

Private Indonesian & Cape Malay Cultural Cooking Class

Reviews

5.00

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Super fun, informative & interactive Indonesian cooking class
Compass52487553640,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was my 1st ever cooking class and it did not disappoint. Echi is an excellent cook & hostess. The atmosphere & setting at Echi’s home & garden was amazing. Very well organised and such a fun class that’s totally interactive & informative of every step along the cooking process. The cherry on top is the absolute delicious meal you cook that you enjoy for lunch.
An amazing Indonesian cooking experience
mohammedo978,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The entire experience from beginning to end was amazing and a massive thank you to Mrs Eechi Ismail for providing such a warm, wholesome and delicious cooking experience. The food was authentic Indonesian cuisine and I would highly recommend this culinary adventure.
“Authentic, Cooking with Heart, and Unforgettable”
Nira C,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Always Fun, Professional, and Truly Indonesian Cooking Experience 🌿 I have joined this cooking class twice already, and honestly, I never get bored—it’s always so much fun! Echi, the chef, pays great attention to every detail: from the way of teaching, the beautiful presentation, the printed menu sheets, to the cozy setup of the place. Everything feels very professional and well-prepared. What I admire the most is how Echi represents Indonesia with such warmth and pride through food and culture. Truly a wonderful experience that makes me want to come back again and again. Thank you, Echi! 🌸
Learning cooking with fun, easy, and homey experience in Cape Town
Excursion07955753732,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was my first experience join cooking class di Capetown. The class feels very homey and friendly . The vibe very Indonesian feels since I always miss my country. The food is excellently yummy. Cooking instructions very simple and easy to follow .Thank you Echi Ismail for the warm and nice experience .
Highly recommend this.
Go03109853131,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. I loved it all. Echi is a great teacher. She is so knowledgeable and shares her passion effortlessly and with great humour. This is such a lovely way to connect with new people, cook and eat together even a dish to take home. Echi tells you where to buy everything you use and also sells some of the more specialist ingredients which makes it super easy to cook the dishes straight away. I would definitely recommend it as a group or on your own. It is wonderful. Thank you, Echi.
Spices, Flavors, and Easy Steps: A Cooking Class to Remember
K607BEanae,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I truly enjoyed joining this cooking class. The instructor guided us step by step through Southeast Asian recipes that are rich in spices and flavors, yet made them surprisingly easy to follow and recreate. The atmosphere was fun and engaging, and I left the class not only with delicious dishes but also with confidence to cook them again at home.
Cultural cooking experience
nurarnold,,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a wonderfully fun interactive cooking experience with delicious results. Even though I had gone on my own I was grouped with people who made the learning part of the experience even more fun.
A real treat
Passport42647256612,,Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Definitely a worthwhile opportunity to enjoy. Echi is so warm and friendly, the setting is lovely and the dishes are a real treat!
Cooking with family
Anna Majiedt,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a pleasant experience in this cooking class... not only the knowledge of cooking but also hospitality, friendship and fun... I will definitely come again
Highly recommend!
Lauren W,,Aug 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Echi was a wonderful hostess! I enjoyed taking her cooking class. She's very engaging and I learned a lot about the cuisine and culture. I highly recommend!