The 15 Cooking Classes in Istanbul That Earn Their Price

1.Private Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class with Local Moms

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 114 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $90Our pick

Cook Turkish dishes in a local mom’s Istanbul home, then share breakfast or dinner with family. A warm, personal taste of Beşiktaş life.

“Hostess is charming and involved us in all aspects of the food preparation. It’s an at home experienced, which involved us somewhat in the family story , not part of a cooking school as has been our experience in the past. 4 separate dishes were prepared, cooked and consumed - all very efficiently; and all delicious. We provided the hostess with a new word “yummy” which was the instantaneous response to each dish! Only minor criticism is that the class occurs inside an apartment in a building whose address you have, but you do not have the apartment number to buzz.”

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2.Traditional Home Cooking with a Local in İstanbul City Center

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $80

Cook Turkish family recipes with Gülşah, shop Kurtuluş markets, and share a four-course meal in a local Istanbul home.

“What a great experience! Gülsah was easy to work with, great at communicating and answering questions, and a lovely host. She was knowledgeable, took us to great shops for fresh, local ingredients. The meal we cooked together was fun, delicious, and perfect for a summer evening. She was a gracious hostess; we couldn't have asked for more.”

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3.Istanbul Home Cooking Course – Cook and Eat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 52 reviews · from $102

Cook Turkish home dishes with Gülşah, shop local Kurtuluş stores, and share a four-hour homemade meal in an Istanbul apartment.

“Exploring the Turkish cuisine with the guidance of Gülseh was an unforgettable experience. At first we were looking at shops in her neighborhood and she explained about the traditions and which food ingredients are most common when cooking Turkish food. Later we arrived at her beautiful flat and with the help of all participants we prepared a three course meal. The dishes were new to us, but they were not hard to make and definitely something I will try at home. Gülseh was delightful to be around and the conversations within the group went smoothly. A true cultural experience in Instanbul.Read more”

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4.Cooking Class in Turkey From Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $300

Cook Ottoman-inspired Turkish dishes with a professional chef in Sultanahmet, then enjoy your meal with wine at Deraliye Restaurant.

“I would highly recommend this cooking class at this Michelin star restaurant. The owner of the restaurant taught the class with precision, humor and a personal touch. We learned new cooking techniques, and the food was amazing. We were able to eat our dinner that we cooked and it truly was a highlight of our trip. Thank you for offering us a rare opportunity for which we will always be grateful!”

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5.Çiğ Köfte Cooking Class/Night with Traditional Music At Home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Learn to knead çiğ köfte in an Istanbul home with traditional music, local hosts, and a relaxed two-and-a-half-hour evening in Kadıköy.

“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.”

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6.Turkish Tapas – Meze Cooking for Beginners in Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 2 hours · from $65

Cook four classic Turkish mezes in Ezgi’s Istanbul home, then share a generous vegetarian feast, tea, stories, and local culture.

“We loved the class and the local knowledge she shared! This class is the perfect experience for those looking to learn more about Turkey and its food while visiting.”

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7.Cook with a Local: Private Home Cooking Class In Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $179

Cook Turkish classics in Nuray’s Istanbul home, share wine and conversation, and learn family recipes in a private three-and-a-half-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.”

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8.Turkish Meze Cooking for Beginners in Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Cook four Turkish mezes in Irem’s Kadıköy home kitchen, then share dinner, Turkish bread, coffee, and local conversation for $55.

“Iram was absolutely lovely! The meze were delicious and it felt like we were having dinner with a new friend, absolutely recommend!”

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9.Istanbul Vegan/Vegeterian Cooking Class with Locals at Home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $93

Cook Turkish vegan classics in a local Istanbul home, share tea and dinner, and learn dishes such as kokoreç, dolma, kısır, and mantı.

“We booked a cooking class with Rojda and it was probably the highlight of our trip. She was incredibly friendly, welcoming and prepared a lot of food to cook with us. We made seven different meals and all of them tasted incredible. She also gave the leftovers to us so we didnt have to buy food for the next day. Thank you for inviting us into your home Rojda and letting us stay for the whole evening. We had the best time and enjoyed talking to you and learning about your food and culture.”

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10.Turkish Cooking Course – Home Cooking Class in Istanbul

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10 reviews · from $62

Cook sarma and Turkish favorites in Aysu’s Istanbul home, share tea and stories, and enjoy a three-hour meal with a local host.

“It was awesome! Asyu was a great host and very welcoming. We cooked Sarma together in her home while having great talks about local life. Her sweet cat helpled out:) For us it wasn't just a cooking class, it was more like old friends getting together for a nice and relaxed afternoon. Looking forward to coming again we for sure made a friend that day.”

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11.Vegan/Vegetarian Cooking Class with Locals at Home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $106

Cook vegan Turkish dishes with Rojda in her Istanbul home near Taksim, then share tea, stories, and a small-group meal.

“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.”

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12.Turkish Coffee and Traditional Turkish Dessert Cooking

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 8 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $59

Cook künefe and other Turkish desserts in a local Istanbul home, then learn Turkish coffee traditions in a small, friendly class.

“What a special opportunity to be invited into another’s home and share time together. Away from the hotels and tourist areas, a glimpse of how another culture lives. This is a hands on course. After a brief discussion we chose to make flour halva and semolina cookies. By hands on, the mixer was our fingers. Both turned out amazing. When they were finished we had Turkish tea or coffee and enjoyed more conversation. Take this class, it was a fantastic experience.”

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13.Turkish Anatolian Cooking Class and Food Styling Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Cook Anatolian dishes in Istanbul with a professional chef, learn knife skills and food styling, then enjoy a five-course meal at the chef’s table.

“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!”

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14.Authentic Turkish Breakfast Cooking at Home with Locals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $59

Cook menemen with Aysu and local sisters, share a Turkish breakfast at home, and get a warm look at everyday Istanbul life.

“Aysu is a great host. She is a very talented cook and a great instructor. I was so happy to join her and witness the local life at her home with a closer look. The community Aysu is in, LokalBond offers authentic home-hosted experiences. I suggest anyone who travels to Istanbul to join Aysu or try other LokalBond experiences to be a part of real, local life of Istanbul, to be a traveler instead of a tourist 🫶”

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15.Istanbul Turkish Coffee Cooking and Tasting with Locals at Home

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $33Best value

Learn Turkish coffee at a local Istanbul home, cook several styles on a stove, and share coffee, Turkish delight, and conversation.

“Wow, the conversations you can have over great coffee and great people! Probably one of my favorite experience while traveling though Istanbul. I recommend this experience to anyone who wants great coffee and to meet new friends. Cem is amazing!! What a fun experience!!”

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