Istanbul · COOKING CLASSES
16 reviewed
Below are the 15 best cooking classes in Istanbul right now. Each entry lays out what it costs, how long it takes, and the kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one; it is there for a reason.
Cook with a local mom in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. Small group lessons, hands-on dolma, börek, meze, plus tea and family conversation.
“Our kids loved this! (We did as well) So amazing to be welcomed into a home and learn about life in Istanbul and greater Turkey.”
Small-group Istanbul home-cooked dinner experience. Shop Kurtuluş markets with your host, cook classic dishes, and finish with Turkish coffee and dessert.
“This is a great beginner friendly cooking class for those who are not only interested about cooking Turkish food, but also an insight into the ingredients and Turkish culture. The cooking class is very organized and informative and we made more than enough food to share for a group of 7. Would definitely recommend and would come back again in the future!”
Shop Kurtuluş markets with a local, cook Turkish classics in a cozy home, then eat together with tea, Turkish coffee, and dessert.
“This class was one of the highlights of my time in Istanbul. Gülşah was a joy to learn from. We cooked delicious food, shopped how the locals shop and learnt all about the local culture and cuisine. It was such a fun wholesome evening and I couldn't recommend it more.”
A 3-hour Turkish cooking class in an Istanbul home with tea or coffee, hands-on dolma, tarator, sigara böreği, then a shared meal.
“We had such a great time with Ozge! She made us feel welcome right away. We made an incredible dish with eggplants and meat, and guided us step-by-step through every dish. Everything was so delicious. What I loved most was how she explained the use of spices in Turkish cuisine. We learned how different flavors come together to make the food so rich and delicious. The best part of the experience was connecting with a local and learning about Turkish culture firsthand. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something authentic and personal in Istanbul!”
Istanbul Turkish cooking class lets you customize your menu, learn knife skills, cook with a pro chef, eat together, and take recipes home.
“Really good fun making food that we have never even thought of making before. It was all so tasty and great to meet new people.”
Cook Ottoman-style meze in Sultanahmet at Deraliye with hotel pickup, a small-group class, and a 3-course lunch plus wine tasting.
“Very exciting and simple to learn dishes that pack a lot of flavour. The cook easily explained what we needed to do and guided us to complete our dishes”
A small-group Çiğ Köfte night at a Kadıköy home with English instruction, kneading practice, and traditional music for about 2.5 hours.
“One of the best, if not the best, experiences I’ve ever had. Bushra, Burak and Bawer were the sweetest people I’ve ever met before. There was never a dull moment, so many conversations you’d feel you’re sitting with friends you’ve known for a long time. Cooking class with traditional music is definitely something to have on your bucket list when you come to Istanbul. Highly recommended. ÇigKofte was so good.”
Small-group Istanbul home cooking with Özge: sigara böreği, karnıyarık, Turkish coffee, recipes sent after, palace stops.
“Wow!! What an incredible experience. Had so much fun making some traditional Turkish Food. Ozge is such a friendly and lovely host and made me feel so welcome. The food was delicious and got learn so much about the food, people and culture. Highly recommend this experience.”
Cook four classic Turkish mezes in a warm Istanbul home. Beginner-friendly, tea included, small group, and lots of stories.
“It was an outstanding experience, very authentic, with delicious recepies, and cooking within a very sympathetic family. Very recommendable.”
Cook Turkish specialties in Nuray’s home in Istanbul, chop and fry together, then eat a full meal with wine in a private 3.5-hour class.
“My mother and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon cooking and chatting with Nuray. She is an excellent cook and a very gracious hostess. We feel fortunate we had the chance to meet her, sample her delicious Turkish cuisine, learn from her and relax in her home. It was a wonderful and valuable experience as part of our time exploring Turkey. We would definitely recommend the Traveling Spoon Cooking Class with Nuray.”
Cook four classic Turkish mezes in a Kadıköy home kitchen. Small group, English guide, Istanbul dinner feel for $55.
“Guidance from a very experienced and practical young woman. She was able to connect very well and involve us in the experience fully.”
Cook vegan versions of Istanbul classics in a local home, small group, tea included, then enjoy your meal together in English.
“This was our first cooking class and it was an amazing experience. Rojda (our host) is a total super woman! We cooked 5+ dishes together - suitable for both beginners and advanced cooks - and felt so welcome and comfortable in Rojda’s home. Thank you for an unforgettable evening.”
Home-hosted vegan and vegetarian Turkish cooking near Taksim. Learn vegan kokoreç, dolma, and mantı in a small group.
“Rojda was a kind-hearted guide. She not only showed us the best vegan/vegetarian recipes, but also told us about the city of Istanbul. Everything was delicious. We would recommend the cooking class to anyone interested.”
Learn crispy künefe and old-school Turkish coffee in a small-group Istanbul home, with tea or coffee and warm conversation.
“Nuran was very welcoming! We enjoyed a nice Turkish tea and dessert and then got to cooking. We made 2 traditional desserts, that were both delicious but also something I will make again with ingredients I can get in the US. Nuran is a delight, and a wonderful cook and teacher! We had such a good time plus it was great to experience the culture of being in her welcoming home and even a chance meeting of her cousin and nephew who dropped by a few minutes just in time to enjoy dessert with us. I liked it so much, I did another class with Nuran while I was in…”
Hands-on Anatolian cooking and food styling in Istanbul: chef-led knife skills, guided menu, chef’s table tasting, and take-home recipes.
“An excellent cooking workshop with many menu items, cooking tips and great recipes. The chef was a wonderful teacher and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn to prepare new dishes. Highly recommend this experience!”
