Yogic Living Cooking Workshops
Seasonal plant-based cooking
Ayurveda & the philosophy of food
Sundays • 2pm–6pm
Beautiful, nourishing food has always been at the heart of Kookaburra. Our Yogic Living Cooking Workshops bring together practical plant-based cooking with Ayurveda, yogic philosophy, seasonal eating and a deeper understanding of food as something that nourishes body, mind, community and our relationship with the natural world.
Across six immersive four-hour workshops, Mandy shares recipes, techniques and knowledge gathered through decades of cooking, yoga practice, study of Ayurveda and many journeys through India, including time spent learning from ashram kitchens, household cooks and traditional food culture.
Each workshop includes cooking demonstrations and hands-on preparation, generous tastings throughout the afternoon, a beautiful shared meal, recipes and notes to take home. Come to one workshop, complete a two-part seasonal series, or join us for all six.
love our retreat food?
learn how to cook beautiful life-giving food, and the underlying principles and philosophies.
Click date to book and pay easily online to confirm your place.
Scroll down for more details about each workshop...
2026–27 DatesSPRING
Life-force Foods • Prana, Plants & Healing.
FESTIVE Annadanam • Beautiful Food to Offer & Share
SUMMER Seasonal Ayurveda • Superfoods, Cooling & Cleansing
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Cost • $180 – Single workshop Includes 4 hour workshop, food throughout the afternoon, shared meal, recipes and workshop notes. • $340 – 2 workshop seasonal series Choose Spring, Festive or Summer & attend both workshops in that season. • $900 – Complete 6 workshop series Join us for the complete journey through Spring, the festive season and Summer. A complete education in yogic cooking, food philosophy and living. • Advance booking essential. Places are very limited. • Click on date to book individual workshops • Click here to book all 6 workshops together |
workshops include
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Book all 6 workshops for a comprehensive education in yogic living and cooking, or scroll down to book individual sessions.
cook beautiful food
with greater confidence
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Many of us want to eat more fresh, nourishing plant-based food, yet everyday cooking can easily become repetitive. We return to the same meals, collect recipes we rarely use, or find that preparing food for different dietary needs makes sharing a meal more complicated than it needs to be.
Yogic Living is designed to expand both your repertoire and your confidence in the kitchen. These workshops are about learning how to create beautiful food, rather than following a collection of recipes once. We explore flavour, texture, colour, seasonal ingredients, herbs and spices, the balance of a meal, and practical techniques that give you the confidence to adapt what you learn to your own kitchen. You’ll build a substantial repertoire of dishes for everyday meals, entertaining, celebrations and times when you want food to be especially nourishing. Everything is vegan and gluten-free, so the recipes are wonderfully inclusive – food you can confidently place in the centre of the table for family and friends with a wide range of dietary preferences and needs. Yoga and Ayurveda bring another dimension to the way we approach food. Alongside cooking, we explore yogic food philosophy and the relationship between food, prāṇa, mind, emotion and wellbeing. Mindfulness practices and mantra help cultivate presence, intuition and emotional balance – qualities that influence how we choose ingredients, prepare food and work creatively with plants. Cooking becomes more than producing a meal. It can become a practice of attention, relationship and care – connecting us more closely with the plants that nourish us, the seasons, our own needs and the people for whom we cook. Most of all, these workshops are an opportunity to become inspired by food again. To spend an afternoon surrounded by fresh ingredients, plants, aromas and colour; to taste widely, learn new techniques, ask questions and share an abundance of beautiful food around the Kookaburra table |
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What You'll Take Home
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• A much broader repertoire of vegan and gluten-free meals, accompaniments, desserts and drinks
• Greater confidence creating satisfying plant-based food for yourself, family and friends • Practical techniques and adaptable recipes you can use well beyond the workshops • A better understanding of flavour, texture, colour, herbs and spices and how to bring a complete meal together • Ideas for making everyday food more varied, nourishing and enjoyable • Confidence catering for gatherings where people have different dietary preferences and needs • An understanding of yogic food philosophy, including prāṇa, sattva, ojas and the relationship between food, mind and wellbeing • An understanding of Ayurvedic principles that can guide the way you choose, prepare and combine food through the seasons • Mindfulness practices and mantras to support presence, intuition and emotional balance in the kitchen • A deeper understanding of cooking and preparing food as a way of co-creating with plants and the natural world • Comprehensive recipes and notes to build your own Yogic Living collection across the series • Renewed inspiration and pleasure in preparing food to nourish yourself and the people you care about. |
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spring
Life-force Foods • Prana, Plants & Healing
- Sunday 27 Sept Spring I – Prana, Plants & Living Foods
- Sunday 4 Oct Spring II – Rainbow Foods, Healing & Vitality
- Click date to book individual workshop $180, or click here to book both $340
Healing, Life-force Food
Prana • Plants • Colour • Vitality
Spring brings an abundance of fresh growth, herbs, greens, flowers and colourful plant foods. These two workshops celebrate food in its freshest and most vital forms, exploring ways of preparing and eating that support vitality, digestion and our connection with the natural rhythms of the season. In yoga, prana is the vital life-force that flows through all living things. Freshly grown and prepared foods, vibrant plants, herbs, sprouts and seasonal produce bring this quality into the way we nourish ourselves. Alongside an abundance of cooking and recipes, we explore the yogic and Ayurvedic understanding of food, the six tastes, seasonal eating, colour and the subtle relationship between food, energy and wellbeing. Spring Highlights • Prana and the life-force qualities of fresh food • Sprouting, activating seeds and growing microgreens • Colourful seasonal vegetables, herbs, flowers and plant foods • Freshly made vegan cheeses, breads, dressings and condiments • The six tastes and Ayurvedic principles of Spring eating • Chakras, colour and the subtle qualities of food • Foods traditionally associated with vitality, nourishment and ojas • An abundance of vegan and gluten-free recipes, tastings and shared food |
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Spring I – Prana, Plants & Living Foods
Sunday 27 September • 2pm–6pm An afternoon devoted to fresh, vital plant foods and the techniques that bring them to life. We explore prāṇic foods and practical ways of increasing freshness, vitality and nutritional diversity through activating, sprouting, growing and preparing seeds, nuts, grains, herbs and vegetables. During the afternoon we make and taste a beautiful selection of foods including: • seed activation and sprouting • growing microgreens at home • sprouted and grain-free breads • almond feta and macadamia ricotta • vibrant seasonal salads • fresh herbs and digestive dressings • nourishing plant-based mains • floral and herbal drinks • a beautiful seasonal dessert You will leave with recipes, practical techniques and seeds to begin growing your own sprouts and microgreens at home. |
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Spring II – Rainbow Foods, Healing & Vitality
Sunday 4 October • 2pm–6pm
Sunday 4 October • 2pm–6pm
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Colour, flavour and variety are central to a nourishing plant-based diet. This workshop explores the relationship between food, the senses, Ayurveda and the yogic understanding of the subtle body, including the chakras.
We look at colourful plant foods, the six tastes, seasonal balance and ways of creating meals that are deeply nourishing as well as visually beautiful. During the afternoon we prepare: • rainbow vegetables and seasonal produce • grounding and restorative mains • colourful warm and fresh salads • herbs, spices and digestive condiments • foods traditionally associated with strength and ojas • nourishing desserts • botanical teas and elixirs We also explore dinacharya and ṛtucharya – the Ayurvedic understanding of daily and seasonal rhythms – and practical ways food and routine can support energy, digestion and wellbeing through Spring. |
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festive
Annadanam • Beautiful Food to Offer & Sha
Sunday 8 Nov Festive I – The Plant-Based Festive Table
Sunday 15 Nov Festive II – Desserts, Gifts & Celebration
Click date to book individual workshop $180, or click here to book both $340
Sunday 15 Nov Festive II – Desserts, Gifts & Celebration
Click date to book individual workshop $180, or click here to book both $340
Annadanam
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Festive I – The Plant-Based Festive Table
Sunday 8 November • 2pm–6pm Learn how to create a spectacular plant-based table that feels abundant, celebratory and satisfying for everyone.
We focus on savoury dishes, proteins, vegetables and the elements that bring an entire festive meal together. Our menu includes dishes such as: • beautiful hors d'oeuvres and starters • handmade vegan cheeses • vegetable, nut and legume-based mains • festive loaves and plant-based centrepieces • seasonal vegetable dishes • generous summer salads • dressings, sauces and chutneys • herbs, garnishes and finishing touches • refreshing botanical drinks and summer chai Along the way we look at planning a plant-based celebration meal, balancing flavour and texture, preparing components ahead of time and creating food that appeals to all the senses. We finish with a shared festive feast. |
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Festive II – Desserts, Gifts & Celebration
Sunday 15 November • 2pm–6pm The second festive workshop turns towards sweetness, generosity and the pleasure of making beautiful things to share.
We make a collection of plant-based desserts and edible gifts that can become part of your Christmas table or be packaged and given to family and friends. Recipes may include: • vegan Christmas cake • Christmas pudding • plant-based cheesecake • nut-based ice cream • chocolate • mince pies • fudge and small sweet treats • edible gifts • festive fruit and nut creations • herbal drinks and summer refreshments We also explore the philosophy of annadanam and food as an expression of generosity, care and connection. The afternoon concludes with dessert, shared food and a beautiful festive table. |
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summer
Seasonal Ayurveda • Superfoods, Cooling & Cleansing
Sunday 10 January Summer I – Summer Superfoods & Ayurvedic Eating
Sunday 17 January Summer II – Cleansing, Elixirs & the 7-Day Summer Reset
Click date to book individual workshop $180, or click here to book both $340
Sunday 17 January Summer II – Cleansing, Elixirs & the 7-Day Summer Reset
Click date to book individual workshop $180, or click here to book both $340
Summer
Superfoods, Ayurveda & Seasonal Renewal
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Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and cooling foods. It is a natural time to lighten the way we cook and eat, making the most of seasonal produce while continuing to nourish the body well through the heat.
Across these two workshops we explore the Ayurvedic approach to Summer eating, fresh and raw foods, nourishing cooked dishes, herbs and spices, juices and elixirs, and practical ways to support digestion, energy and wellbeing through the hottest months of the year. We also look at the relationship between food and daily rhythm, and how a short period of seasonal simplicity can create space for renewed energy and healthier habits at the beginning of the year. Summer Highlights • Ayurvedic principles for eating well through Summer • Cooling, hydrating and nourishing seasonal foods • Fresh, raw and lightly cooked plant-based dishes • Summer kitchari and simple restorative meals • Herbs, spices and foods that support healthy digestion • Fresh juices, botanical drinks and Ayurvedic elixirs • Seasonal food preparation, preserving and making the most of abundance • A practical 7-Day Summer Reset to continue at home |
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Summer I – Seasonal Superfoods & Ayurveda
Sunday 10 January • 2pm–6pm
Sunday 10 January • 2pm–6pm
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An afternoon devoted to fresh, colourful Summer food and the Ayurvedic principles that help us understand what, when and how to eat through the warmer months.
We explore the qualities of seasonal foods, the six tastes, digestive strength and doṣa, with practical ways to adapt meals to the season and individual needs. During the afternoon we prepare and enjoy a generous selection including: • fresh seasonal plant-based mains • light Summer kitchari • colourful raw and lightly cooked dishes • abundant Summer salads • cooling herbs, dressings and condiments • nourishing breakfasts and lighter meals • fresh juices and botanical drinks • tamarind, ginger, turmeric and spice-based elixirs • cooling and nourishing desserts We look at how to create Summer meals that feel fresh and light while remaining satisfying and nutritionally complete, with recipes designed to become useful staples in your own kitchen. |
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Summer II – Cleansing, Elixirs & the 7-Day Summer Reset
Sunday 17 January • 2pm–6pm
Sunday 17 January • 2pm–6pm
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The beginning of the year offers a natural point to refresh our relationship with food and daily routine.
This workshop explores a nourishing approach to seasonal renewal through fresh plant foods, restorative meals, juices and elixirs, regular eating rhythms and simple Ayurvedic practices. Rather than deprivation, our focus is on abundance, nourishment and giving the digestive system greater ease. During the afternoon we explore and prepare: • simple kitchari and restorative meals • fresh vegetable and fruit juices • herbal drinks and Ayurvedic elixirs • fresh and lightly prepared plant foods • nourishing snacks and simple meals • herbs for teas, drinks and cooking • harvesting and using seasonal garden produce • drying, dehydrating and preserving Summer abundance • practical meal preparation for the week ahead We also explore dinacharya and seasonal routine, bringing together food, yoga, meditation and mindfulness as complementary aspects of wellbeing. Your 7-Day Summer Reset You will leave with a practical 7-Day Summer Reset guide designed to make continuing at home easy and enjoyable. The guide includes recipes from the workshop, suggested meals, a shopping list, preparation guidance and simple daily practices to support a week of nourishing seasonal food and renewed rhythm. It is a way of beginning the year with care for the body and a fresh relationship with the way you cook, eat and live. |
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Vegan, gluten-free cooking and recipes
All food prepared during the workshops is plant-based, vegan and gluten-free.
Please provide details of allergies and significant food intolerances when booking.
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Each Yogic Living workshop includes:
• four hours of immersive learning and cooking • demonstration and preparation of numerous dishes • generous tastings throughout the afternoon • a beautiful shared meal • recipes and workshop notes • practical cooking techniques you can use at home • seasonal nutrition and Ayurvedic principles • yogic philosophy and mindful approaches to food • time outdoors in the kitchen garden with plants • yogic mindfulness practices to connect more deeply with plants and food • time together around the table at Kookaburra |
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Food as Part of Yoga
Yoga extends far beyond what happens on a yoga mat. How we eat, prepare food, care for the body, relate to the natural world and share food with others are all part of a wider approach to living consciously.
Traditional yogic approaches to food emphasise sattva – qualities of balance, clarity and peacefulness – together with freshness, nourishment, moderation and respect for life.
Ayurveda adds another dimension, asking us to consider season, digestion, constitution, daily rhythm and the qualities of individual foods.
These workshops bring those traditions into an ordinary contemporary kitchen: practical, generous, delicious food that can become part of everyday life.
Your Facilitator
Mandy is the owner and director of Kookaburra Yoga and has been teaching yoga, meditation and yogic philosophy for more than 25 years. Her interest in food has developed alongside her yoga practice and many years of travel and study in India. She has studied Ayurveda and spent considerable time learning within Indian kitchens – from ashram cooks and householders to the extraordinary everyday food traditions encountered through travel.
For many years Mandy has also created the plant-based food served at Kookaburra retreats, where the meals have become one of the most loved parts of the retreat experience. Yogic Living brings together these strands of her life: yoga, Ayurveda, plants, cooking, hospitality and the pleasure of preparing beautiful food for others.
The Kookaburra Kitchen
The workshops are held at Kookaburra Yoga in Bedfordale, surrounded by bushland, gardens and seasonal produce. Our spacious teaching kitchen looks across the productive garden and provides a relaxed environment for demonstration, learning, cooking and sharing food together. Where possible we use fresh herbs, flowers and seasonal produce grown at Kookaburra alongside high-quality plant-based ingredients.
Booking
Single workshop • $180
Two-workshop seasonal series • $340
Complete six-workshop series • $900
Sundays 2pm–6pm at Kookaburra Yoga, Bedfordale, Perth Hills. Places are limited to 25 participants. Advance booking and payment are required to secure your place.
Yoga extends far beyond what happens on a yoga mat. How we eat, prepare food, care for the body, relate to the natural world and share food with others are all part of a wider approach to living consciously.
Traditional yogic approaches to food emphasise sattva – qualities of balance, clarity and peacefulness – together with freshness, nourishment, moderation and respect for life.
Ayurveda adds another dimension, asking us to consider season, digestion, constitution, daily rhythm and the qualities of individual foods.
These workshops bring those traditions into an ordinary contemporary kitchen: practical, generous, delicious food that can become part of everyday life.
Your Facilitator
Mandy is the owner and director of Kookaburra Yoga and has been teaching yoga, meditation and yogic philosophy for more than 25 years. Her interest in food has developed alongside her yoga practice and many years of travel and study in India. She has studied Ayurveda and spent considerable time learning within Indian kitchens – from ashram cooks and householders to the extraordinary everyday food traditions encountered through travel.
For many years Mandy has also created the plant-based food served at Kookaburra retreats, where the meals have become one of the most loved parts of the retreat experience. Yogic Living brings together these strands of her life: yoga, Ayurveda, plants, cooking, hospitality and the pleasure of preparing beautiful food for others.
The Kookaburra Kitchen
The workshops are held at Kookaburra Yoga in Bedfordale, surrounded by bushland, gardens and seasonal produce. Our spacious teaching kitchen looks across the productive garden and provides a relaxed environment for demonstration, learning, cooking and sharing food together. Where possible we use fresh herbs, flowers and seasonal produce grown at Kookaburra alongside high-quality plant-based ingredients.
Booking
Single workshop • $180
Two-workshop seasonal series • $340
Complete six-workshop series • $900
Sundays 2pm–6pm at Kookaburra Yoga, Bedfordale, Perth Hills. Places are limited to 25 participants. Advance booking and payment are required to secure your place.
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Kookaburra Yoga. Phone 08 9399 1000.
210 Carradine Road, Bedfordale WA 6112 |
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