Istanbul Cooking: A Taste of Turkish Culture

Experience authentic Turkish home cooking in Istanbul. Join a local for a cooking course, visit local stores, cook together, and learn about Turkish culture.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dericiler Sokak - Experience a day in the kitchen, just like visiting an old friend for a homemade meal.
    Begin the journey in the vibrant markets of Kurtuluş, a central, historic neighborhood brimming with colorful spice shops, fresh produce stalls, family-run charcuteries, and local bakeries. As you wander through the bustling streets, be…
What's Included
  • Authentic Turkish Dessert
  • Local Market Tour to experience local life
  • Authentic home cooking
  • Dinner
  • Cooking Materials and Ingredients
  • Tea and coffee
What's Not Included
  • Tips and Gratitudes
  • Things you buy for you from Market Tour
  • Private Transfer, arranged on request
  • Alcoholic beverages
Meal Options
  • Soup (Lentil Soup or Yogurt Soup)
  • Salad or Meze - A fresh, cold appetizer bursting with Turkish flavors
  • Pilaf or Börek - Fragrant rice, bulgur, or flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat
  • Vegetable Dish - Seasonal vegetables cooked in a traditional Turkish way
  • Turkish Pumpkin Dessert with Tahini - A sweet and nutty traditional dessert
Additional Information

This is more than a cooking class—it’s an exploration of the flavors, history, and everyday life in Istanbul.
The adventure starts in the vibrant markets of Kurtuluş, a bustling area with century-old specialty shops. Participants will explore a spice store, charcuterie, and bakery, tasting and discovering the ingredients that contribute to the rich and…

Location
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center
Halaskargazi Caddesi
Istanbul has traffic issue. I suggest you use metro, ferry as much as you can. Instructions to the address via public transportation is written on tickets
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(91 Ratings)
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John_h
Mar 8, 2026
A fantastic evening! - Just book. Why wouldn't you? This is an informative experience. You not only learn about food in istanbul but you learn about the culture and history as well. Gulsah is a wonderful and warm host.
Review provided by Viator
Alansoloway
Mar 6, 2026
Really enjoyed being... - Really enjoyed being introduced to her neighborhood and being welcomed into her home as friends. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Saraf8532ub
Feb 27, 2026
Great cooking class - Gulsah is a great host. We enjoyed walking through the markets and getting an insight into local shopping. We made a number of dishes and everything was delicious. It was one of our highlights in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V1730fdbriang
Feb 18, 2026
A beautiful evening - Gülsah was a GEM! Her knowledge of history, her humor, her kindness and her expertise in the kitchen! *Chef kiss* 10 out of 10 I would recommend anyone coming to town to treat yourself to a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregaf7786lo
Feb 18, 2026
Highlight of my trip - This was an amazing experience, one of our highlights of our entire trip. Our Host was amazing and so hospitable which made the experience even more special. I would recommend doing this over and over again. I know if I’m ever in Istanbul again this will definitely be an event of mine again. The food delicious the lessons in culture and how to cook the dishes were fun. Going from local shops to learning the neighborhood chefs kiss. If you have an opportunity to do this don’t hesitate this is an amazing opportunity and experience. I will be making these dishes back home hopefully it will be as delicious as Gulsah’s.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_g
Feb 17, 2026
Amazing - WONDERFUL experience! We had such an amazing time walking around the neighborhood visiting the shops, then cooking a delicious meal! 10 out of 10!
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_w
Feb 14, 2026
Way more than a cooking class - This was more than a Cooking class, it was a cultural experience. She walked us around the little shops in the neighborhood, introduced us to her friends, tough us about spices, and traditional Turkish meals. Then we went to her house, and started cooking dinner. Everything was simple and delicious, I can replicate any of the recipes when I’m back home without any trouble. It was a delightful night, I highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Natali_i
Feb 8, 2026
Unforgettable memories 🫶🏻 - super nice cooking class with beautiful Gulsah and her cute dog, Microb.🥰 The atmosphere was so cozy and warm. She met us and took us to her home. It was raining non-stop all day, and we were completely wet and freezing. Gulsah was so kind — she gave me warm, cozy socks and clothes to change into. Such a thoughtful gesture.😇🤍 After hot tea and a delicious, aromatic pie, we finally warmed up and started cooking. 👩‍🍳It felt exactly like a warm dinner with friends at her home. 🥹☺️The food was so tasty, and the recipe was simple enough to easily cook at home. We’ll definitely make it again.❤️‍🔥 Thank you for the unforgettable experience and the warm memories of Istanbul.🇹🇷😎🥰
Review provided by Viator
Pajtimk2026
Feb 4, 2026
Cooking Burek the Local Way - As someone who loves cooking, has a Turkish girlfriend, and eats börek quite often, this workshop was a wonderful introduction to Turkish cuisine, ingredients, and food culture. Gylsah’s warmth instantly created a welcoming, home-like atmosphere, and tasting the food we cooked together was the highlight of the experience. I made burek for the first time, and I’m sure I’ll be making it again very soon. Beyond cooking, it’s also a great way to meet new people and share a meaningful cultural experience. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luzies2026
Jan 26, 2026
A highlight of my Istanbul trip - I can definitely recommend the cooking class at Gülşah! Before Gülşah invites you to her beautiful home, she tells you more about various Turkish dishes and foods on a tour of the neighborhood. This is super interesting and you learn a lot. Gülşah’s warm and funny nature makes you feel right at home. It also offers space for exchange and you learn a lot about their cultures from the other guests. If I come to Istanbul again I will be part of this cooking class again. Thank you Gülşah
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $80
up to 5 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).