Take your culinary skills to the next level with SIMON JOHNSON Cooking School – with a mix of demonstration classes, educational evenings and a producer-dinners, for the discerning home cook.
The Art of Indian Cooking with Bhavna Shivalkar
Saturday 18 October
10.30 am – 12.30 pm
Simon Johnson, 24a Ralph Street, Alexandria
$140 per person
Join Simon Johnson for a flavour-packed cooking class where you’ll explore the art of Indian home cooking using fresh, seasonal vegetables. This class is perfect for food lovers keen to deepen their understanding of Indian cuisine, build confidence with spices, and take home tips for cooking vibrant, satisfying meals. Attendees will enjoy a demonstration-based class with interactive, hands-on elements, so you can get involved while still having time to sit back and absorb the process. What you’ll experience:
- A short history of the featured dishes
- “Spices 1,2,3” – an essential guide to Indian spices and where to source them
- How to confidently recreate these dishes at home
- Time-saving kitchen tips for midweek meals
On the Menu:
- Dal Fry
- Mushroom Korma
- Chicken Kadhai
- Lemon & Peanut fried rice
- Cucumber Raita
- Mangalore Buns (Deep fried banana breads)
Tasting plates of each dish will be served, carefully paired with fine wines from our SIMON JOHNSON Wine Store to enhance every flavour. The class is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those who are gluten-intolerant. Come along and discover how easy and enjoyable Indian cooking can be—packed with flavour, fun, and inspiration.
ABOUT
Bhavna Kalra Shivalkar is a Mumbai-born, Sydney-based entrepreneur with 12 years of experience in the food industry, focusing on Indian cuisine and cultural immersion. Bhavna is the founder and CEO of The Modern Desi Co, an Indian food venture in Australia that merges traditional culinary techniques with modern business strategies.
Bhavna is known for designing distinctive Indian cooking classes and food tours that provide cultural insights and challenge misconceptions about Indian food. Bhavna’s focus is to break stereotypes about Indian cooking, by conducting ‘Cooking Classes’, ‘Food Tours of Little India’ and is an Indian Cultural Collaborator for ’Powerhouse Museum’.
Shivalkar is on a mission to teach people that there is more to Indian food than Butter chicken and Rogan Josh. Her cooking classes showcase her love for food and are infused with storytelling and memories so you can understand and appreciate where the ingredients came from and how easy it is to whip up an Indian meal any day of the week.
Pasta Making Masterclass – Master Fresh Homemade Pasta
Saturday 27 September
10 am – 12 pm
Simon Johnson, 24a Ralph Street, Alexandria
$99 per person
Step into the world of authentic Italian cooking led by a professional chef with this hands-on, two-hour pasta-making masterclass. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to perfect your skills, this class will guide you through the process of making fresh, homemade pasta from scratch.
What You’ll Experience:
Tagliatelle and Ravioli served with a light tomato sugo and torn basil – a simple, fresh dish that highlights the beauty of homemade pasta.
Tortellini stuffed with pumpkin & blue cheese, served with burnt butter & sage – a bold, autumnal dish with rich, savoury warmth.
Expect expert guidance, hands-on practice, and plenty of tips to help you recreate these dishes at home.
All attendees will have the chance to taste their own culinary creations, paired with a selection of the finest wines from our wine store.
All ingredients and equipment provided – just bring your enthusiasm!
