Istanbul Cooking Course: Authentic Local Cuisine Experience

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
1- Our community has a driver. If you wish a private transfer to the experience location, we will be happy to check the driver's availability. 2- 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
(37 Ratings)
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B3636rvjimm
Jan 23, 2025
Feeling like family - We had a fabulous time with Baver and family! They made us feel totally at home such that we really enjoyed the cooking the eating (incredible) and most of all the conversations. We really felt it gave us a chance to learn more about life in Turkey and get to know some warm, kind people. Thank you so much!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
573audev
Jan 4, 2025
Magic moment of sharing and dream recipes - Magic moment with Baver's wonderful family We started cooking at 5pm, the dream! The dishes were quite simple but really delicious. Some recipes will be made with us The welcome was very warm in very good English! We were with family! We recommend with your eyes closed this activity which is more than that! Aude and Flavien
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Haworthroad
Jan 3, 2025
Fantastic foodie experience - A wonderful way to experience some Turkish culture. We loved exploring the local food shops. Our host was delightful and the food delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ahmed_j
Dec 25, 2024
A fun and tasty afternoon in Istanbul - I recommend this experience for anyone looking to dive into Turkish culture and cuisine in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Our host (Gulsah) was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot from going through the markets and cooking together. There was another couple with us which were also fun and nice to get to know, so it felt overall like a friendly gathering rather than a formal class.
Review provided by Viator
Bailey_e
Oct 30, 2024
Amazing experience - Gülsah was an incredible guide, cook, and person. I learned SO much. I am so glad that I booked this experience for my first full day in Istanbul. She shows you around all of the local markets - breakfast, spice, bread, dessert, lovely produce, etc. She also gave very helpful directions for how to get up to the meetup spot. I loved the neighborhood that she took us around. Her home is also beautiful, and so is her little dog. The other couple that I was grouped with were also great - and I just had the best time. The food was amazing and so was the conversation. Would 100% recommend this!
Review provided by Viator
Davebt3077vn
Oct 21, 2024
More than just a cooking class - Gülşah was wonderful, we talked about so many things, learned a lot about Turkish cuisine and cooked and shared a great meal together. The visit to the stores was excellent, everyone knows and likes Gülşah. They couldn’t stop giving us food!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sandra_p
Oct 16, 2024
Perfect evening for foodies :) - This cooking class is a must thing to do for everyone who loves food (so for everyone!😁) First Gülşah showed us all the local grocery shops & restraurant in her neighbourhood. She really takes her time to explain you all the products and dishes you should know & try when you visit turkey. Afterwards we went to her home and cooked such amazing dishes! From starter, to soup, salat, main course & dessert.. She explained everything so well, and showed us some recipes we can also cook at home too. All in all a perfect evening! Thanks for everything Gülşah you are such a lovely & kind person & we hope we will see you again! Adriana & Sandra 🫶🏻
Review provided by Viator
Cherie_a
Oct 6, 2024
Delicious and tailored personally - Connecting with a local in their home and being in a neighbourhood with local residents instead of a big tourist hub. Gulsah was a wonderful hostess and we cooked a delicious and simple meal that I will be able to replicate easily as home. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Debbie
Oct 4, 2024
Fantastic way to learn about Turkish culture. - A fantastic way to have an authentic experience in Istanbul. Gulsah was an excellent host and very welcoming. She shared her home and passion for food with us. I highly recommend putting this on your list of things to do in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amandaci8352yw
Sep 12, 2024
Great way to experience local cuisine and culture - Had a wonderful time with this experience. Gulsah is an absolute gem. She led our small group around her neighborhood markets, and we used the supplies to cook several traditional dishes in her lovely home. Gulsah is knowledgeable, patient, and very easy to connect with. I definitely recommend this course!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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