Istanbul Cooking Course - Authentic Home Cooking with a Local




Discover Istanbul through its flavors! Join a local in Kurtuluş market, learn Turkish cooking at home, and enjoy a meal with stories and traditions. Leave with recipes, memories, and more.
Experience Details
This is not just a cooking class—it’s a journey into the flavors, history, and daily life of Istanbul.
Our experience begins in the colorful markets of Kurtuluş, a lively district with century-old specialty shops. We’ll visit spice store, charcuterie, and bakery, tasting and learning about the ingredients that give Turkish cuisine its rich and diverse flavors.
Then at home, we’ll cook together just like family, using the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered. But this is more than following a recipe—it’s about sharing stories, learning traditions, and experiencing true Turkish home hospitality. We’ll talk about the origins of each dish, how cooking changes across different regions of Turkey, and the special meaning food holds in our culture.
By the time we sit at the table, it won’t feel like a class at all—it will feel like a meal shared with old friends. And when you leave, you won’t just take recipes with you—you’ll take memories, friendships, and a piece of Istanbul in your heart.
Sample Menu
What You Get
Good To Know
- We’re happy that you’re considering joining us for a LokalBond experience! Our goal is to create unforgettable memories by connecting you with the real locals of the city to introduce the culture and vibrant local life of Istanbul. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask that all guests review our participation waiver. By completing your booking, you acknowledge that you’ve read and accepted the terms of the waiver below. We’ve kept it straightforward and easy to understand, so you can focus on what really matters—getting ready for a special time with us! LokalBond Experiences Waiver and Release of Liability 1. Acknowledgment of Risks: I, acknowledge that participating in this experience offered by LokalBond involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to physical activity, travel, potential hazards, and interaction with individuals and environments that may carry unknown risks. I understand that these risks may result in personal injury, illness, or damage to personal property. 2. Voluntary Participation: I affirm that my participation in this experience is entirely voluntary and that I have been informed about the nature of the experience. I understand that I am under no obligation to participate and that I may withdraw from the experience at any time without penalty. 3. Health and Fitness: I certify that I am in good health and physical condition to participate in this experience. I do not have any medical conditions, disabilities, or other concerns that would limit my ability to safely participate. I agree to inform LokalBond of any changes in my health status prior to the experience. 4. Assumption of Risk: I hereby assume all risks associated with my participation in the experience, including but not limited to those mentioned above. I acknowledge that LokalBond and its representatives have made no warranties regarding the safety of the experience or the environments involved. 5. Release of Liability: In consideration of being allowed to participate in the experience, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless LokalBond, its owners, employees, agents, hosts, and other participants from any and all claims, actions, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, including, but not limited to, any claims of negligence on the part of LokalBond or its representatives. 6. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless LokalBond from any and all claims, actions, or damages, including attorney fees, arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, whether caused by the negligence of LokalBond or otherwise. 7. Governing Law: This waiver and release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Turkish law, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. 8. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver and release of liability, fully understand its terms, and approve it freely and voluntarily without any inducement. I understand that by confirming this document, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue LokalBond or its representatives.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Service animals allowed
What You’ll Experience
Meeting & Pickup
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center, Halaskargazi Caddesi, Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye, TR, 34373
Open in Google MapsThis experience ends at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
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 d...read more
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 s...read more
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 o...read more
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 ...read more
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 ins...read more
Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |

Savor Istanbul on a private full-day food tour. Delight in Turkish breakfast, enjoy Bosphorus views, taste famous baklava, and explore local cuisine with insider insights. Perfect for all ages!

Delight in Istanbul's culinary blend with our Taste of Two Worlds Tour. Explore historic and vibrant areas, sampling delicacies on both continents for a cultural and flavorful journey.

Navigate Istanbul with expertise using our comprehensive guidebook filled with local tips, top attractions, dining suggestions, and insider advice. Ideal for an unforgettable experience!

Savor Istanbul's culinary delights on a private walking tour. Discover rich flavors with a local guide, exploring vibrant markets and hidden gems that unveil the city's unique food culture.