This paper is the result of field research undertaken across five states in India over a period of two months. The first part of the study aims to develop an understanding of traditional cooking practices with regard to fuel and cooking technology. It also aims to capture the social and cultural activities that take place before, during, and after cooking across India. The second part of the study looks at some of the improved cookstoves currently in the market and assesses the user experience surrounding the use of these improved cookstoves. The findings of the study will be helpful in understanding the household level dynamics of cooking which can lead to designing stoves with more acceptability.