The smell of authentic curry floated through the office as a group of 6 people we support were given cooking lessons by a professional chef from the newly opened Takaa Tak restaurant in Teddington. 

We first met Sarb, a representative of Takaa Tak, at a community event held by Teddington Together. I floated the idea of his chefs coming to the Enterprise to host a cooking group for those we support and we parted ways.  

2 months later while attending the Village fair as part of a Pram Race, I was mesmerized by a strong aromatic smell coming from a food vender. As I approached, I realized it was my new friend Sarb. We spoke again about working with each other and he introduced me to the head chefs of the restaurant.  

Fast forward a few months, Sarb and I had exchanged several emails, and a date was set for 2nd September. The chefs would teach a group of 6 individuals how to make a chicken Korma. My colleague, Rosie Chalke, approached those who would benefit the most from attending and the session was planned.  

On the day, Sarb and the chef, Mr Keshav, with over 15 years of experience specialising in North Indian Cuisine arrived and helped set up. Those who attended were shocked/amazed when Mr Keshav pulled out a huge knife and begun to cut onions. He showed the group what to do and how to use the knife correctly. Even though tears began to stream, one of the group mentioned that “they would be better than Gordon Ramsay” after this session.

Step by step the herbs and spices started to enter the pots and pans. The group kept with the fast pace and were impressed with the amount of ingredients that go into a curry. By the end, the group were tired but ready to try their homemade Korma, and the faces of delight showed how good a job they had all done.

The event was a huge success, and attendees developed a number of skills. Sessions like these are fundamental in helping the people we support enhance skills that will increase their independence, as well as expanding their social circle. Thank you to Sarb, Mr Bhupinder, Krishna the Manager and Mr Keshav the Chef at Takaa Tak for supporting your local community and working with us at the Enterprise!