NDIS Cooking Programs at Otao Kitchen

About Otao Kitchen

Otao Kitchen was launched in Richmond, Melbourne, Australia, in 2014 to celebrate the diverse culinary traditions of Melbourne’s multicultural communities. We offer a variety of NDIS-friendly cooking classes designed to enhance independence, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen.

Are you an NDIS participant looking to learn how to cook healthy meals, improve life skills, or socialize through food? Otao Kitchen provides both private and group cooking experiences in a fun, engaging, and inclusive environment tailored to your needs.

• NDIS Plan & Self-Managed Participants Welcome

• Melbourne-Based In-Person Classes & Australia-Wide Online Classes

• Enhance Life Skills, Social & Community Participation

Why Choose Otao Kitchen for NDIS?

• Inclusive Cooking for Everyone – Our classes cater to different abilities and dietary needs, ensuring accessibility and engagement.

• Purpose-Built Cooking School – Our fully licensed, insured, and disability-friendly kitchen studios in Abbotsford, Melbourne feature accessible facilities.

• Private & Group Cooking Classes – Choose between one-on-one lessons with a chef or group classes for a social, community-building experience.

• Develop Independence & Essential Skills – Learn fundamental cooking techniques, from knife skills to meal preparation and nutrition.

• NDIS-Friendly Booking Process – Whether you're self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed, our NDIS-approved classes are easy to book and claim.

NDIS Cooking Program Options

🏡 Private Cooking Classes – $1,450pp (1-on-1 with a Chef)

• Ideal for participants wanting personalized meal planning, cooking experience, and one-on-one instruction. ✔ Tailored learning at your own pace

• Essential cooking skills (knife skills, meal prep, texture balancing)

• Your support worker can assist with shopping & preparation

• Flexible scheduling – Weekly, bi-weekly, or occasional sessions available

• Location: Your home (Melbourne) OR Otao Kitchen Studio (Abbotsford, VIC)

👩‍🍳 Group Cooking Classes – $354pp

• Join our weekly scheduled cooking classes or private group sessions designed for NDIS participants. ✔ Hands-on cooking experience (2-3 hours)

• Social & Community Engagement – Cook with peers & enjoy the meal together

• All ingredients, equipment & aprons provided

• Support workers welcome (ticket not required)

• Learn multicultural cuisines!

• Book here: Otao Kitchen Calendar

Available Menus & Cooking Themes

🥟 Asian Cuisine: Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese
🔗 Browse class options & book here: Otao Kitchen Cooking Classes

How to Book & Pay with NDIS

✅ Self-Managed Participants:

• Book your class online and choose "Pay by Invoice".

• An invoice will be sent automatically, which you can submit to NDIS for reimbursement and then pay us.

✅ Plan-Managed Participants:

• Email hello@otaokitchen.com.au with:

  • NDIS Participant Name & Number

  • Contact details (yourself & plan manager)

  • Class details & support worker info (if applicable)

• We will invoice your plan manager directly.

✅ NDIS-Funded Support Worker Ticket:

• Support workers must book a ticket under their NDIS category.

• Use Category 4 (Assistance with Social & Community Participation) for funding.

NDIS Support Categories We Cover

• Category 4 - Assistance with Social & Community Participation Covers support needed to participate in activities (but not the activity cost itself).

• Category 9 - Increased Social & Community Participation. Covers costs related to skill-building activities, like cooking lessons.

• Category 15 - Improved Daily Living Helps develop basic cooking skills for day-to-day independence. Learn more about NDIS support categories: NDIS Website

What to Bring & Wear

• No need to bring anything! We provide cooking stations, utensils, aprons, and all ingredients.
  Wear comfortable clothing that won’t interfere with cooking (no loose sleeves).
  Long hair should be tied back, and minimal jewelry is recommended.
  Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required for safety.

🚗 Travel To Otao Kitchen

📍 Otao Kitchen Studio: 393 Victoria Street, Abbotsford, VIC 3067
🚆 Public Transport: Train (North Richmond Station) or Tram (#109, #48, #78).
🚗 Parking: Limited free street parking; Paid parking at Hive Shopping Centre (313 Victoria St, Abbotsford).
🔗 Full travel details here: Otao Kitchen Location & Directions

Safety & Facilities

Our Kitchen Venue – Our Abbotsford kitchen studios were built in 2021 and 2024 with enhanced safety features:

• Commercial-grade air conditioning

• Advanced air filtration & exhaust system

• Touch-free handwashing stations

• 3.6m high ceilings for ventilation

Accessibility:

• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and facilities.

• Automatic public toilet on Victoria Street nearby.
  Storage for Personal Items: Limited storage is available for bags, coats, etc.

Children’s Policy:

• Children (12+ years) must be accompanied by an adult and participating in the class (no child-minding services available).

• Kids’ Cooking Classes (10+ years): Children must be taller than 900mm (standard kitchen bench height) to participate.
  🚫 Video recording is not allowed during the class, but photos are welcome! Tag #otaokitchen on social media.

Important Information & Policies

✅ What’s Included?

• All food, ingredients, aprons, cooking equipment, and expert chef instruction.

• Complimentary drinks for dinner sessions (wine/beer).

• Support workers need a ticket unless their role is only assistance.

🚫 Cancellations & Rescheduling

• 14+ days before event: Free rescheduling, 50% refund of retainer.

• 7-14 days before event: No refund of deposit, rescheduling allowed.

• Within 7 days: No refund; full charge applies.
  📩 Final Numbers & Dietary Requirements – Confirm 7 days before the event.

🔗 Ready to Cook? Book Now!

✅ Visit: Otao Kitchen Cooking Classes
📩 Email: hello@otaokitchen.com.au
📞 Call: 0405 720 470

We look forward to welcoming you for a fun, interactive, and enriching cooking experience!
The Otao Kitchen Team