Istanbul Cooking Course - Authentic Home Cooking with a Local

Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(48)
Photo of 01
Photo of 0f
Photo of 1a
Show all photos
Photo of 1f
Share
Photo of heartV2
Save
Photo of img box all
Show all photos
Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
Reviews
Photo of exp duration
Duration
4 hours
Photo of exp guest
Number of Guests
1 - 5 guests
Photo of exp language
Language
English
Photo of mobile ticket
Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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.

Photo of group 14
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

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

STARTER
Soup (Lentil Soup or Yogurt Soup)
STARTER
Salad or Meze
A fresh, cold appetizer bursting with Turkish flavors
MAIN
Pilaf or Börek
Fragrant rice, bulgur, or flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat
MAIN
Vegetable Dish
Seasonal vegetables cooked in a traditional Turkish way
DESSERT
Turkish Pumpkin Dessert with Tahini
A sweet and nutty traditional dessert

What You Get

Authentic Turkish Desert
Local Market Tour to experience local life
Authentic home cooking
Tips and Gratitudes
Things you buy for you from Market Tour
Private Transfer, arranged on request

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

Come spend a day in my kitchen, just like an old friend visiting for a home-cooked meal. We’ll begin in the colorful markets of Kurtuluş, a central, historic neighborhood filled with vibrant spice shops, fresh produce stalls, family-run charcuteries, and local bakeries. As we stroll through the lively streets, I’ll introduce you to the flavors and ingredients that make Turkish food so special. Back at my home, we’ll roll up our sleeves and start cooking together, just as we do with family. Whether we’re making kuru fasülye, dolma, börek, or mezes, I’ll show you the little tricks and stories behind each dish—things you won’t find in a cookbook. We’ll talk, chop, stir, and laugh as the kitchen fills with delicious aromas. Once the food is ready, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy everything we’ve made, sharing stories and conversation over a home-cooked feast. When it’s time to say goodbye, I hope you’ll leave not just with new recipes but with a full heart, wonderful memories, and maybe even the feeling that you’ve found a home away from home in Istanbul.

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting Point

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Istanbul City Center, Halaskargazi Caddesi, Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye, TR, 34373

Open in Google Maps
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
End Point

This 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.

Read more

What People Are Saying
Overall ratings and reviews
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(48)
Photo of avatar
Fun and a great experience!
June 08, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(TripAdvisor)

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

Photo of avatar
My best experience in Turkey
May 25, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(TripAdvisor)

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

Photo of avatar
Gülşah Was Great!
May 18, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(Viator)

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

Photo of avatar
A very fun and memorable experience
May 17, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(TripAdvisor)

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

Photo of avatar
This cooking class tour...
May 12, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(Viator)

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

Load more
from  $82.44 
Book Now
Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in Türkiye Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
Photo of arrow button down
Book This Experience
Adult(1)
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Guest
Number of Guests
Adult
(0 - 95)
1
Clear
Apply
Date
Select a Date
Photo of nav copy 3
Select a Date
Date
June
2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293012345
Package Options
Select a package option
Photo of nav copy 3
Select a package option
Select a package option
Time
Select Time
Photo of nav copy 3
Select Time
Time
Photo of instant
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
Photo of calendar mark
Available Tomorrow
from  $82.44  per guest
Book Now
Please note: The price varies based on group size. The time is in Türkiye Time.
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
Photo of arrow button down
Photo of group 14
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
You may also be interested in these experiences
Photo of 3d
Food Tours
ISTANBUL
Private Full Day Istanbul Food Tour

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!

from$215.43
Private Experience
Photo of heartV2
Photo of a4
Food Tours
ISTANBUL
Istanbul Taste of Two Worlds Food Tour - Spice Market and Ferry

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.

from$143.28
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star half v4
(2763)
Photo of heartV2
Photo of e5
Food Tours
ISTANBUL
Istanbul Travel Guide

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

from$1.09
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(17)
Photo of heartV2
Photo of 47
Food Tours
ISTANBUL
Private Gastronomic Walking Tour of Istanbul

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.

from$673.43
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
Photo of star fill v4
(1)
Private Experience
Photo of heartV2