When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Bhagavat Life
Why Bhagavat Life is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bhagavat Life is a nonprofit organization based in New York City dedicated to the education and promotion of Ayurvedic cooking principles. It serves as a unique gathering place for friends and wellness enthusiasts interested in holistic nutrition and traditional Indian culinary techniques. The organization offers a variety of cooking classes that emphasize the nurturing and healing aspects of food according to Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing from India. Participants not only learn recipes but also gain an understanding of how different foods affect mind and body balance, making each visit informative and rejuvenating. Bhagavat Life also provides a certification program for those wanting to deepen their expertise and perhaps teach Ayurvedic cooking themselves, which adds a professional development angle to its community atmosphere. The setting in New York City creates an accessible hub for diverse groups looking to explore healthy lifestyles through food, making it an ideal place for meet-ups centered around wellness, culture, and culinary education. It highlights a holistic approach where the preparation and enjoyment of food are tied to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, enriching any gathering with meaningful insights and tasty creations.
Here's what people think of Bhagavat Life
As of recent, Bhagavat Life holds a 4.8-star rating based on 5 reviews.
Reviews from users consistently praise Bhagavat Life for its authentic and deeply informative approach to Ayurvedic cooking education. Many reviewers highlight the quality of instruction, noting that the classes are engaging, well-organized, and taught by knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about Ayurveda and its benefits. Positive feedback frequently mentions the welcoming and supportive environment, which makes it easy for beginners as well as advanced learners to feel comfortable and inspired. Users appreciate the hands-on nature of the courses and the opportunity to learn both the philosophy and practical techniques of Ayurvedic cuisine. On the other hand, some less positive reviews, although rare, mention that scheduling classes can sometimes be challenging or that class sizes could be improved to allow for more individual attention. Despite these minor critiques, the overwhelming consensus is that Bhagavat Life offers a rich, enlightening experience that is worth attending. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong reputation for quality, community, and a genuine passion for helping people embrace a healthier lifestyle through the art and science of Ayurvedic cooking.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ena Jain
Where to start. Bhagavat is my favorite thing about New York City...and that's saying a lot! In a city where connections to people, to food, and to the environment are not always optimal, Bhagavat Life offers a warm safe haven. They offer cooking classes, private dinners, catering, etc. My favorite are the cooking classes. My most memorable experience was making almond milk from my own two hands by squeezing the almond milk from a cheese cloth. Divya and her team gently encourage you to go back and re-connect with your food. Eating is one of the most intimate acts we can do to ourselves. What we eat...we become. So Bhagavat helps you learn about the most optimal combinations of foods that are right for you.....and the food is the most delicious I have ever eaten. I do not think that any food better than this exists on our planet earth....I truly feel that every single time I taste the delicious meals that we cook together as a team. The people that come have beautiful souls! I am grateful, blessed, and lucky to have found this place and I hope more can discover it and start their own journeys.
Karen Hsu
The intro vegetarian cooking class is a great gateway into Ayurvedic living. The class starts with a brief lecture on the different elements of Ayurveda and how to determine what type of system you have so that you know how to treat it in the foods you eat. Afterwards, the instructor does the cooking demonstration in front of the class, while we watch and follow along the recipe handout. Several dishes are made, but it was confusing as the instructor switched amongst several burners running simultaneously. Recipe handout didn't match what the instructor said all the time, but the food came out great. After class, we got to sit down and eat what was cooked that night.
S GA
There is no other culinary school out there that can combine Ayurvedic principles with seasonal ingredients to make the best foods for our health like Bhagavad Life and their ANACT program. It is truly life changing!
M Buhler
I received my first meal from Bhagavat Life today, delivered to me in Midtown five minutes early—still warm. The many preps were labled individually, noting my dietary restrictions and resulting adjustments—all correct. I also received an email prior to delivery with the menu, detailed descriptions, medicinal values, and every ingredient, including highlighted ingredients that were omitted by request. I had heard that every ingredient was chosen and prepared consciously—for example the ghee is made and cultured using raw milk to maximize freshness, digestibility and flavor—but wasn’t prepared for how beautiful each item and packaging was. It was delivered in stainless steel tiffins (stacked containers) and glass jars—no plastic and no paper. Each item was garnished beautifully and the array of colors was stunning. All this would have been impressive enough, but the meal was both sumptuous and invigorating. I have never been a fan of beets, but Divya’s red lentil and beet pate was out of the world, containing cilantro, lime juice and an array of medicinal spices in perfect harmony. Preparations included zucchini with almonds (paneer cheese omitted to accommodate my request), pecans and orange wild rice pilaf, kale and collards with sweet potatoes, spinach and taro soup, chai (gently sweetened with maple syrup), asparagus and parsnips (made with a delectable blend of nourishing spices). My only regret is missing out on the cilantro cashew chutney and on the chocolate mousse, omitted because of Bhagavat Life’s cautious adherence to client requests like mine, to leave out anything with sugar. I can’t say enough about the quality of this experience.
Mary Lou Cipolla
Absolutely the best ! Simple, doable recipes that I use over and over again. I also received quite an education on this alternative approach to healthy cooking. My husband and I took two classes and will be back for more.
How to reach Bhagavat Life
None
Website: None
Why Bhagavat Life may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bhagavat Life with your friends?
Bhagavat Life offers a unique and enriching space perfect for gathering your friends or family to share meaningful, educational, and sensory experiences. Rated an outstanding 4.8 out of 5 from enthusiastic reviewers, this culinary school specializing in Ayurvedic cooking has earned a reputation not just for its expertise but for creating a warm, welcoming environment that encourages connection and discovery. When you bring a group to Bhagavat Life, you’re not just signing up for a cooking class — you’re inviting your group to engage in a hands-on journey that combines culture, health, and creativity. It’s an opportunity to learn together about ancient food wisdom that enhances wellbeing, focusing on herbs, spices, and balanced nutrition tailored to individual body types. The intimate class sizes foster interaction and easy communication, making it easy for friends and family to bond, laugh, and challenge each other in a supportive setting. Whether your group is a mix of culinary novices or food enthusiasts, the delightful and flavorful dishes you create end the day on a delicious high note everyone will take pride in. This experience turns casual meetups into meaningful memories, which is exactly why rallying here guarantees a rewarding shared adventure.
What activities can you enjoy at Bhagavat Life?
At Bhagavat Life, the primary activity revolves around immersive Ayurvedic cooking classes, offering hands-on participation rather than passive observation. These classes focus on teaching not just recipes, but in-depth principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, helping participants understand how food affects digestion, energy, and overall health according to ancient holistic practices. You’ll prepare multiple dishes using spices and ingredients carefully chosen for their medicinal benefits and flavor complexity. Besides cooking, the classes include informative discussions led by knowledgeable instructors who explain how each herb or spice contributes uniquely to maintaining balance in the body’s three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Within the friendly group environment, everyone can experiment with blending spices, preparing doughs, or mastering cooking techniques at their own pace, with expert guidance available throughout. After the cooking portion, everyone enjoys the collective reward: sitting down to savor the thoughtfully prepared meal together, which encourages socializing and sharing impressions about the flavors and health impacts. For those wanting to deepen their practice, there’s also space to explore Ayurvedic lifestyle tips and Q&A sessions adding further richness to the experience.
Why is Bhagavat Life perfect for a group meetup?
The atmosphere at Bhagavat Life is intentionally cultivated to be intimate and interactive, making it ideal for groups wanting more than just a routine dinner or casual outing. Team members or friends collaborate at cooking stations, creating natural opportunities to talk, laugh, and learn from each other while engaging in a stimulating shared project. The limited class sizes ensure everyone receives personal attention from instructors, yet the group remains dynamic enough to foster vibrant discussions and exchange of ideas. A group meetup here transforms into a holistic experience that balances education with entertainment and wellness, leaving every participant enriched physically and mentally. The location in New York City’s vibrant culinary scene adds an exciting backdrop with easy access for city dwellers and visitors alike. Additionally, Bhagavat Life offers special group rates and date options, which means organizing a meetup can be convenient and affordable. With its focus on healthful eating and personalized nutrition, Bhagavat Life also appeals to diverse dietary preferences, making it inclusive for family members or friends with different tastes or restrictions.
How does Bhagavat Life make the cooking experience educational and fun?
Bhagavat Life combines fun and education by carefully balancing hands-on cooking practice with engaging lessons about Ayurveda’s philosophy and its application in everyday eating. Their instructors are praised for being both knowledgeable and approachable, making complex concepts accessible to beginners while keeping the content rich for food lovers wanting to deepen their understanding. Learning at Bhagavat Life is interactive — participants don't just hear instructions but actively mix spices, prepare dishes, and cultivate a sensory connection to their food through touch, smell, and taste. This experiential learning model heightens enjoyment and retention, as each student can immediately apply Ayurvedic principles to their cooking. The structure of the classes encourages questions, curiosity, and lively conversations about food’s effects on digestion and health, making learning naturally social and collaborative. The sense of achievement after cooking and sharing a delicious, nutritious meal enhances the fun factor exponentially, leaving groups with both lasting knowledge and joyous memories.
What makes the instructors at Bhagavat Life stand out?
One of the standout features of Bhagavat Life is its team of instructors who bring a rare combination of deep Ayurveda expertise and culinary skill paired with genuine warmth and teaching talent. Students frequently commend the instructors for their ability to clearly explain the science of Ayurveda in a welcoming manner that invites curiosity rather than intimidation. Instructors personalize guidance according to each participant’s pace, keeping the energy positive and inclusive. Their passion for Ayurvedic cooking shines through in every class, inspiring participants to explore and appreciate the transformative power of cooking with intention and balance. This personal connection between teacher and student elevates the experience from a typical cooking lesson to a personal wellness journey. The instructors’ ability to tailor information based on the group’s questions and dynamics ensures the content stays relevant and engaging, which is a significant reason groups enjoy returning or recommending Bhagavat Life.
How does Bhagavat Life accommodate different group sizes and special requests?
Bhagavat Life is flexible and accommodating for various group sizes and preferences, making it an excellent choice for casual gatherings, celebrations, or team-building events. While the classes are designed to keep groups small enough for effective learning and interaction, Bhagavat Life offers special date and rate options for larger groups seeking private or semi-private sessions. This ensures groups can enjoy a customized experience without overcrowding or rushing. The business also provides options to apply rewards and discounts, enhancing affordability for groups planning multiple visits or classes. Special dietary needs can be communicated ahead of time, allowing instructors to tailor ingredient choices and recipes accordingly, ensuring everyone in your group feels included and satisfied. The scheduling flexibility and willingness to collaborate on group logistics reflect Bhagavat Life’s commitment to creating a smooth and enjoyable experience tailored to the unique make-up and goals of each gathering.
What do reviews say about the overall experience at Bhagavat Life?
Reviews of Bhagavat Life consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the classes, the knowledge and friendliness of the instructors, and the delicious and nourishing meals prepared. Participants often describe the experience as both educational and enjoyable, praising how the classes blend ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern culinary techniques in a practical, hands-on way. Many reviewers mention feeling more connected to their food and enjoying a new appreciation for how diet impacts wellbeing. The intimate setting and engaging teaching style receive special praise for making even novices feel comfortable and inspired. The overall rating of 4.8 from multiple reviewers reflects unanimous satisfaction not only with the content but also with the warmth of the environment and the opportunity to socialize around a shared interest in healthful eating. For groups, this kind of positive feedback confirms that a meetup at Bhagavat Life will be memorable for both the fun learning and the delicious flavors you’ll explore together.
How does hosting a meetup at Bhagavat Life benefit your group beyond just cooking?
Hosting a meetup at Bhagavat Life offers benefits that extend well beyond culinary skills and meal preparation. The shared experience of cooking according to Ayurvedic principles fosters deeper connections within your group, promoting teamwork, communication, and mutual support in a relaxed setting. The knowledge gained about body types and dietary balance can encourage healthier lifestyle choices collectively, making it a wellness-enhancing social activity. Participants walk away not only with recipes but with insights into mindful eating and holistic health, which can spark ongoing conversations and shared health goals. The sensory and creative nature of the classes stimulates mental engagement and relaxation, reducing stress and boosting group morale. This combination of education, wellness, and camaraderie makes Bhagavat Life an excellent venue to strengthen bonds, celebrate friendship or family ties, and create positive, lasting memories centered around healthful living.
By choosing Bhagavat Life as your meetup destination, your group taps into a rich, culturally meaningful, and health-focused experience that will leave everyone inspired, connected, and craving more.