Do I need prior cooking experience to join?

No prior experience is required; the class is designed for cooks of all skill levels.

Are all ingredients provided?

Yes, all ingredients, supplies, and recipes are included in the class fee.

Can I choose my own class date?

Yes, classes are offered on specific dates focusing on different dishes—be sure to select the correct date when booking.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

Some classes feature vegetarian dishes; notify the organizers of any allergies or dietary restrictions ahead of time.

Is alcohol included with the dinner?

Your ticket includes one drink of choice—Maine beer, wine, cider, mead, or soda.

Where is the class held?

Classes are hosted at the Maine Tasting Center in Wiscasset, Maine.

Hands-On Indian Cooking at Maine Tasting Center | Events | Food Tour

In the heart of Maine's coastal region, the Maine Tasting Center in Wiscasset offers an uncommon adventure: an immersive, hands-on Indian cooking experience that taps into the region’s fresh, local ingredients. This is no ordinary cooking class. Led by San Rudra of the Banyan Tree food truck, each three-hour session invites food lovers to step behind the scenes of homestyle Indian cuisine, blending the vibrant tradition of Indian spices with Maine’s seasonal bounty from farms and fisheries.

Wiscasset sits amid rolling hills and tidal rivers, where the land meets the sea and the local culinary scene thrives on its seafood and harvest. Against this backdrop, San invites participants to learn core techniques—from tempering spices and mastering dals to balancing complex flavor profiles—while crafting dishes like palak paneer, fish malai curry, and homestyle chicken curry. The appeal lies in the thoughtful fusion of cultures: you’re not just cooking Indian food, you’re working with fresh Maine ingredients to create something uniquely regional yet authentic.

The experience culminates in a communal dinner where stories and recipes are shared, fostering genuine cultural exchange. Whether you’re a Maine resident or visiting traveler, this class offers a rare gateway into the region’s culinary landscape beyond the trails and tides.

What makes Maine Tasting Center stand out is its commitment to community and sustainable local sourcing, anchoring this culinary journey firmly in place. San’s personal story—rooted in Indian heritage and shaped by life in Maine—adds depth and warmth to each session, making it a standout offering in Maine’s growing scene of experiential food tourism.

For anyone seeking a taste of authenticity coupled with practical kitchen skills, this is an inviting and enriching adventure worth booking. It’s a flavorful bridge between cultures set amidst one of Maine’s most inviting small towns, promising memorable meals and meaningful connections.

About Maine Tasting Center

Maine Tasting Center is a tasting room and culinary classroom located in Wiscasset, Maine. The center showcases Maine products through guided tastings, hands-on workshops, and specialty classes led by recognized local experts. Offerings include short guided sessions like Flavors of Maine 101; focused tasting classes such as Ciders of Maine and Meads of Maine led by WSET Level 3 certified instructor Lynda Gaines; and immersive cultural classes with cookbook author and instructor Jeff Mao, including Chinese hot pot, dumplings, and mooncakes.

Hands-on workshops explore local ingredients and preservation techniques, including a garlic jelly and preservation class, and seasonal sessions like Eat the Invasive: A Green Crab Supper that pairs education on ecology with culinary practice led by John Painter. Collaborations with local producers such as Waldoberry Farm bring regional specialties like aronia berry tastings into the program.

Sessions vary in length and format, from 45–60 minute guided tastings to multi-hour classes and communal feasts. Participants taste Maine-made products—wild blueberries, artisanal cheese, craft ciders, meads, and more—while learning preparation methods, tasting techniques, and the stories behind local producers. After many tasting classes, attendees can enjoy complimentary pours or full pours as described in specific experiences.

Maine Tasting Center focuses on education, local sourcing, and expert-led experiences to introduce visitors to the flavors of Maine. The center operates in Wiscasset and offers public classes and special events that highlight regional foodways and craft beverages. Reservations are available for individuals and small groups; advance booking is recommended for specific seasonal classes and dates.