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
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
(43 Ratings)
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Debradmck
Apr 18, 2025
Wonderful Introduction to Turkish Food and Culture - My sister and I (both 65+ seniors) had an awesome time with our host Gulsah (and fellow guests Sheri and Michael). It was a wonderful introduction to Turkish food and culture, as we did this on our very first day in Istanbul. In addition to prepping, cooking and eating the delicious meal, we also explored the neighbourhood shops and learned about life in the area. Gulsah was so generous with her warmth, knowledge and charm. The five of us spent nearly as much time laughing and enjoying each other's company as we did cooking. I can'think of a single thing that could improve upon the experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wien7172
Apr 14, 2025
Cooking Class Extraordinaire! - This was such an amazing experience! We walked the local area with our hostess, visiting interesting shops before ending up in her apartment for the actual cooking class. Our hostess was atuned to our dietary needs. The food was incredible! And the conversation was fun!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
88lindas88
Apr 12, 2025
Wonderful host who shows you how to cook delicious Turkish dishes. - This was a wonderful experience. After meeting the group Gulsah walked the neighborhood stopping at various shops to explain about Turkish fruits, vegetables, meats, dried fruits, grains, and breads. We cooked some wonderful dishes and had lovely conversations over dinner. Gulsah was a wonderful host and her English was impeccable. I would highly recommend this experience and be sure to go hungry.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debra_m
Apr 4, 2025
A wonderful way to spend an evening in Istanbul - Gulsah's shopping tour and cooking class was awesome, very informative and so much fun! We learned so much about daily life in her neighbourhood, where she likes to buy basics and specialty dishes, and met some of her favourite shopkeepers. Then up to her apartment to prep and cook a delicious meal. Lots of talk and laughter. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Alexthatmediagurl
Mar 19, 2025
Great concept - They were great! They over a plethora of different classes and I love that it all happens in the local houses. You really get to know the people of the city and see how they live. Dope experience and concept!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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
From $80
up to 5 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).