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
(49 Ratings)
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O7731thlouisec
Jun 24, 2025
Fantastic Istanbul experience - We had such a great experience with Gulsah. She managed our multi-generational group so well. We loved the shops she took us too and she was such a brilliant host in her stylish apartment. I would highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
761vanitap
Jun 8, 2025
Fun and a great experience! - It was an amazing experience! Gulsah was very nice and a good teacher. We all cooked together and ate together. She explained things well and the food was delicious! We would definitely recommend doing this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dobsonwilsonfamily
May 25, 2025
My best experience in Turkey - Our host Gulsah was phenomenal. She took us shopping and we learned all about Turkey food and spices. Walking the neighborhood was wonderful and one of our best experiences. Gulsah has a great sense of humor and we made the most wonderful meal together. I usually do cooking classes when I travel but at cooking schools and now I will do the class within a locals home. So much better. We felt welcomed and the meal was amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tim_h
May 18, 2025
Gülşah Was Great! - Our host Gülşah was lovely and was so happy to answer our questions and teach us about Turkish food and cooking. Really felt like we were at a dinner party hosted by a friend vs a class we booked online. Would recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Markwoods999
May 17, 2025
A very fun and memorable experience - We had an incredibly fun and memorable experience cooking and learning about Turkish food and culture. Started with a stroll through the neighborhood visiting shops and exploring the various foods displayed in and out of shops. A quick stop at the bakkal, then to her home where we prepared a delicious Turkish dinner. In addition to the amazing food, we shared thoughts and experiences. It was our most memorable time while in Istanbul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elena_v
May 12, 2025
This cooking class tour... - This cooking class tour with Gülșah was an absolute delight! Before we even started cooking, Gülșah warmly welcomed us and took us on a fascinating tour of local shops. This provided invaluable insight and made the subsequent cooking class even more enriching. Back in her home, Gülșah's genuine hospitality truly shone through as she guided us through the preparation of a wonderful Turkish feast. We learned to make a flavorful soup, fresh and vibrant salads, a perfectly cooked pilaf, and the most delectable halva. This experience wasn't just about learning to cook; it was about experiencing authentic Turkish culture and hospitality firsthand, starting with the local shopping experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a genuine and heartwarming culinary adventure!
Review provided by Viator
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
From $80
up to 5 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).