The dream of launching Wonderwerk Kitchen - Where it all began? 



Every great journey begins with a simple spark. For us, that spark was food.

When we look back at the history of humanity, it’s fascinating to see how much of it revolves around food. Long before there were nations, borders, or languages, hungry people were searching for something to eat. Food brought us together, helped us survive, and even shaped the way we evolved as human beings. The simple act of eating changed us from solitary wanderers into social creatures who gathered, shared, and cared for one another.

But somewhere along the way, something shifted. As we spread out across the planet, we built different civilizations, adopted different ways of living, and celebrated unique traditions. Diversity bloomed beautifully, but it also came with challenges. The same differences that made us special sometimes turned into walls between us. Skin color, religion, or culture began to divide what was once one family.

This unwillingness to embrace diversity is, we believe, one of humanity’s greatest setbacks. Imagine how much richer, how much warmer the world could be if we all came together again—not despite our differences, but because of them.

Read more: https://wonderwerk.kitchen/blog/12/peace-begins-at-the-table-where-every-meal-is-a-bridge

That is the dream behind Wonderwerk Kitchen. We imagine a world where everyone embraces different colors, cultures, and traditions. And we think there’s no better way to begin than by eating together. After all, if food is what separated us in the beginning, maybe food can also be what reunites us.

At Wonderwerk Kitchen, we open our doors to people from every corner of the globe. We share the taste of Kerala with you; not just its recipes, but its stories, its spices, its soul. And in return, we are all ears to hear about the dishes and traditions that shaped you.

For us, it isn’t just about food. It’s about connection.

The inspiration behind the name Wonderwerk Kitchen

As we brainstormed for naming our dream, our minds traced back to where our human civilization began. Thousands of years ago, long before cities were built or languages took shape, there was fire. Fire changed everything. It gave warmth and light. It kept predators away. It helped us shape tools. But most importantly, it allowed us to cook.

Fire was the first kitchen, and one of the earliest known places where humans controlled fire is the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa. Archaeologists believe that it was here, almost a million years ago, that early humans first learned to use fire to cook food. Imagine them gathered around the flame, sharing warmth, sharing food, sharing life.

Wonderwerk Cave (P.C: https://museumsnc.co.za/satellites/wonderwerk-cave/)

That image stayed with us. It felt like the perfect symbol of what we were trying to do. So we named ourselves after that cave: Wonderwerk Kitchen.

This is the reason why we want to recreate that same wonder in our table. We hoped to relive that feeling of gathering around a fire, preparing a meal, and sharing it with brothers and sisters from all over the world. The flame of connection still burns, and we want everyone to feel it.

The Team: The dreamers behind the idea

Of course, a dream is only as strong as the people who believe in it. Wonderwerk Kitchen is not just a brand; it’s a family made up of dreamers, food lovers, and storytellers.

Mr. Ray Thomas, a passionate advocate of experiential tourism, has always believed that the best way to understand a place is not through guidebooks but through lived experiences. He has spent years creating journeys that let travelers feel, taste, and breathe a culture rather than just look at it from a distance. For him, Wonderwerk Kitchen is the perfect stage to bring those experiences alive.

Mr. Jesvanth Sudarshanan, whose journey is as flavorful as his cooking. Once an engineer and research scholar in Germany, Jesvanth felt the pull of his roots. He traded equations and experiments for spices and recipes, returning to his motherland with a heart full of passion. Today, he is the creative force in the kitchen, turning Kerala’s traditional dishes into soulful meals that tell stories.

And finally, Mr. Sanu EV, a local expert and guide, who carries with him the wisdom of generations. He knows the land, the people, the markets, and the hidden treasures that only locals can share. With his warm smile and deep knowledge, he makes every guest feel like part of the family.

Together, they form the heart of Wonderwerk Kitchen. But the team doesn’t stop there. The doors are always open for anyone who shares the same passion, the same belief in food as a universal connector. When you sit at our table, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of the family.

The Experience: What happens at the Wonderwerk Kitchen

So what happens when you join us at Wonderwerk Kitchen?

First, you step into our little dining space—not grand, not fancy, but warm, welcoming, and filled with the aroma of spices that have traveled across seas for centuries. You’ll find yourself surrounded by stories: the story of Kerala, the story of our team, and your own story waiting to unfold.

Then comes the food. We introduce you to authentic Kerala cuisine—not the watered-down versions you sometimes find abroad, but the real thing. Dishes cooked the way our grandmothers did, with recipes passed down through generations, and ingredients sourced from local farms and markets. From fluffy appams to fragrant fish curries, from vegetable thorans to the comforting embrace of a cup of Sulaimani tea, every plate is a piece of Kerala’s heart.

But here’s the magic—it isn’t one-sided. While we share our food with you, we also want to learn about yours. What dish defines your childhood? What flavors remind you of home? What stories sit hidden in your spice jars?

For us, every meal is a cultural exchange. A give and take. A chance to celebrate diversity not in theory, but in practice.

Why food matters more than ever? 

You might wonder, Why food? Why not books, music, or art, which also reflect culture? The reason is simple—food is universal. Everyone eats, and everyone holds a memory connected to a dish, a festival, or a family recipe. Food is more than just nourishment; it carries identity, memory, and love.

When we share food, something truly magical unfolds. Walls come down, strangers become friends, and cultures turn into conversations. That is why we believe a shared meal is the first step toward the world we dream of—a world where people of every race, ethnicity, and religion live in harmony and celebrate the rich diversity of our planet.

The invitation - A seat at our table

The story of Wonderwerk Kitchen is still being written, and we want you to be a part of it. Whether you are a traveler curious about Kerala’s flavors, a local who wants to rediscover the richness of your heritage, or someone who simply believes in the power of food to unite, you are welcome at our table.

Please do come and sit with us. You might want to share your stories while having food with us. You might want to laugh, learn, and discover the joy of being human together. After all, life is too short not to eat together.

Discover what we have stored for you

At Wonderwerk Kitchen, every meal is an experience, every dish is a story, and every guest is family.

If you share the same dreams, the same passion, the same longing to connect—join us. Our small dining room is waiting for you, with a big heart and a table set for friends from all over the world, because this is not just our story. It’s yours too.

You might want to book your next session with us here - https://wonderwerk.kitchen/culinary-packages

Frequently asked questions about Wonderwerk Kitchen

Q1: What is Wonderwerk Kitchen?

Wonderwerk Kitchen is a cultural dining space in Kerala that brings people together through food. We serve authentic Kerala cuisine and invite guests from around the world to share their own food traditions, creating a space where stories and cultures meet.

Q2: Why is it called Wonderwerk Kitchen?

The name comes from the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa, one of the earliest known sites where humans controlled fire. Since fire was humanity’s first kitchen, we chose this name to honor the origins of food, cooking, and culture.

Q3: What kind of food can I expect at Wonderwerk Kitchen?

We serve authentic Kerala dishes such as fluffy appams, fragrant fish curries, vegetable thorans, Malabar biryani, and traditional Sulaimani tea. Each dish is prepared with locally sourced ingredients and tells a story of Kerala’s heritage.

Q4: Is Wonderwerk Kitchen only about Kerala cuisine?

While we showcase Kerala’s flavors, we also love learning about cuisines from around the world. Guests are encouraged to share their own food stories and traditions—making each meal a cultural exchange.

Q5: How can I experience Wonderwerk Kitchen?

You can join us in our dining space in Kerala for a shared meal. To book or learn more, simply get in touch with our team—we’re always happy to welcome new friends to our table.