Who teaches the cooking classes?

All classes are taught live by two instructors — Natalie and Darrell — both PhD-qualified educators with over 20 years of teaching experience across Asia and Europe.

Where are the instructors based?

Natalie and Darrell are based in Tampere, Finland, and have lived, taught, and cooked across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Can I arrange an in-person class in Tampere?

Yes — small group face-to-face classes can be arranged by request in Tampere city centre. Contact us through the website to discuss availability.

What is the teaching philosophy behind the classes?

Classes focus on practical skills, cultural history, sustainable cooking, and whole ingredients — not just recipes. Every dish is taught with the stories and traditions behind it.

About Us

The Story Behind The Intercultural Kitchen Cooking School

We believe cooking is more than following recipes - it's a gateway to understanding cultures, traditions and the stories that connect us all.

Natalie

Natalie grew up across Africa and Singapore before moving to the UK. She holds Bachelor's, Master's and PhD degrees in Cultural Anthropology. Natalie also holds practical teaching qualifications and has more than 20 years' teaching experience in company, college and university settings. She has taught English (EFL), intercultural communication, anthropology, arts and crafts, and cooking across Asia and Europe. Natalie is also the creative mind behind most of the recipes used in our classes.

Darrell

Darrell grew up in Canada before moving to the UK at the age of eight. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Catering Management and is an experienced chef and restaurant manager. He also holds a Master's in TESOL, a PhD in Education, and several practical teaching and examiner qualifications. Like Natalie, Darrell has more than 20 years' teaching experience in companies, colleges, and universities, teaching English (EFL), applied linguistics, presentation skills, and cooking across Asia and Europe.

Bertie

Bertie is also a food and travel lover. Born in France, raised in Finland, he goes everywhere we go. He hates pasta, but loves Steak Frites! You may hear his barks of encouragement during the classes!

If you also have a furry friend and are looking for some European dog-friendly restaurant and travel reviews, visit our sister website at www.bertiesbites.com

Our Focus

We focus on practical skills that build confidence in the kitchen while teaching time and money saving tips. Every class explores the cultural history behind dishes, sustainable cooking practices and provides techniques you'll use long after class ends.

Our Mission

To make home cooking and world cuisines accessible and enjoyable for home cooks everywhere. Not only do we strive to make cooking more fun and interesting, we demonstrate how cooking can range from quick recipes for weeknights (Twenty Minute Tuesday, Working Wednesdays) to mindful cooking that promotes wellbeing (Slowcook Sundays).

Sustainability First

We emphasise whole foods over processed and support the 3R principle (Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle). As such, our courses teach you how to avoid ultra-processed and packaged foods through homemade cooking techniques that honour traditional methods. In addition, we demonstrate how freezing and other techniques can reduce food waste, saving both time and money.

Immersive Learning

We create welcoming spaces where people can learn, connect and discover the joy of cooking together. Our unrushed and unique "two teachers per class" approach makes sure everyone get the attention they need. Beyond online classes, we offer city and market tours in Tampere, Finland, culminating in hands-on cooking sessions featuring traditional local dishes.