Tara Downs Cooking School
ProHighlights
- Hands-on Indian and Asian cooking classes kept deliberately small so every guest cooks at each step
- Recipes handed down through Sandra's family, with the story behind each dish and its spices
- Private events for team building and birthdays, with cooking challenges and friendly competition
About Tara Downs Cooking School
Tara Downs Cooking School is a small cooking school on a rural property in Murphys Creek, run by Sandra. Her classes focus on Indian and Asian food, built around recipes that came down to her from her mother and grandmother. Groups stay small on purpose, so each person gets individual help and does the cooking rather than watching it. There are three regular classes. The beginners class covers the basics of Indian and Asian cooking with recipes that are easy to repeat at home, and the vegetarian class shows how lentils and everyday vegetables become rich curries. A more advanced class works on layered flavours, careful technique and traditional dishes that rarely turn up on restaurant menus. Along the way Sandra explains where each dish comes from and why its ingredients matter, so the class is as much about food culture as method. For celebrations and workplace groups, Tara Downs runs private events. Sandra shapes each one around the group, adding cooking challenges and light competition for team building, birthdays and other occasions. Dates and numbers are worked out with her directly before the day is confirmed. The property has vegetable gardens, a chicken run and a beehive, and guests can gather fresh produce for the recipes they cook.
Inclusions & amenities
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much does a class at Tara Downs Cooking School cost?
The beginners class and the vegetarian class are both $190 a person, and the more advanced class is $210 a person. Private events are priced once the date and number of guests are agreed.
Do I need cooking experience to join?
No. Classes are planned for every level, from people who have never made a curry to capable home cooks, and there is a separate advanced class for those who want to go further.
Can we book a private cooking event for a birthday or team day?
Yes. Private events are offered for team building, birthdays and other special occasions, and can be shaped around the group with cooking challenges and friendly competitions.
What kind of food do the classes cover?
The focus is Indian and Asian cooking, including curries, lentil dishes and vegetable recipes, many of them family recipes passed down to Sandra by her mother and grandmother.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. The vegetarian class is built around lentils and vegetables, showing how to turn everyday produce into full-flavoured curries, and it costs the same as the beginners class.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Bec Cull
8 months ago
I had the most wonderful experience at Tara Downs Cooking School. Sandra was an outstanding teacher and host—patient, knowledgeable, and so passionate about Indian cuisine. She took us on a truly magical cooking journey.…
Kerrie Cull
8 months ago
I have completed numerous cooking classes around the world and Tara Downs is up there with the best. Sandra shares her expertise in preparation, cooking, hints and explanations to allow the crafting of skills in the ki…
Craig Dooley
8 months ago
Spent a very enjoyable day at Tara Downs. Sandra was excellent and very welcoming. We all got to cook various dishes and learn new techniques. I feel confident I can recreate all the amazing dishes we cooked and ate. The…
Amy Wapshott
8 months ago
Tara Downs Cooking School offers a warm, cozy, and welcoming environment where a small group of students can comfortably learn and experiment with Indian cuisine. Sandra is supportive and dedicated to helping everyone ma…
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