Masala Chai and Spice Blend Class (host Shubham, Surat)

The Masala Chai and Spice Blend Class is a beginner-level cooking class in Surat, Gujarat, hosted by Shubham through Airbnb Experiences. It is aimed at visitors with no prior cooking experience who want a practical introduction to India's most familiar drink. The class is open to guests aged 18 and over, accommodates up to 10 guests at a time, and is conducted in English, Hindi and Marathi, so most international and domestic visitors can follow along comfortably. Private groups can be arranged by contacting the host through the Airbnb listing. The session meets at Kudale's Mansion in the Udhna area of Surat (Gujarat 394210) and takes about one hour, with all activity happening at the one location, so there is no walking route or series of stops. It is a class in a family home, not a street-food tour. The programme opens with the history of chai, then moves on to building a custom spice blend, where guests learn how whole spices are combined and balanced to give a tea its character. Participants then brew masala chai themselves and finish by drinking it with snacks, so the focus is on one spiced, lightly sweet beverage accompanied by savoury home-style bites rather than a broad range of dishes. The price of INR 2,000 (about USD 21) per guest includes the visit to a local family home, the history of chai, the custom spice blend, the brewing of masala chai and the tea with snacks. Getting to the meeting point is not included, and visitors should plan their own transport to Udhna. The pace is relaxed and conversational, and with a cap of ten guests there is room for questions and individual attention. Because the class revolves around tea, milk and spices, visitors with allergies or dietary requirements should raise them with the host before booking, as substitutions are not described in the listing and should be confirmed directly. The class suits solo travellers, couples and small friend groups looking for an unhurried cultural activity in Surat, a city better known for its textile and diamond industries than for organised tourism. It also works well as a short, low-effort addition to a day of exploring the city, with a tangible takeaway in the form of a spice blend and the know-how to repeat the recipe at home.