Traditional Home Cooking with a Local in İstanbul City Center

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
(116)
Photo of heartV2
Add to Wishlist
Share
Photo of img box all
Show all photos
Photo of df
Photo of 8f
Photo of 0f
Show all photos
Photo of 0b
+9
Photo of heartV2

Traditional Home Cooking with a Local in İstanbul City Center

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
(116)
Photo of heartV2
Add to Wishlist
Share
Photo of img box all
Show all photos
 US$126.30  per guest
Photo of user add
Adult x1
Photo of calendar
Select a Date
Check Availability
Photo of instant
Instant Confirmation
Photo of calendar mark
Available Tomorrow
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
Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
Reviews
Photo of exp duration
Duration
3 hours
Photo of exp guest
Number of Guests
1 - 5 guests
Photo of exp language
Language
English
Photo of exp other
Other
Vegetarian, Pet-friendly
Photo of mobile ticket
Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Join a unique culinary journey in Istanbul's heart! Cook, laugh, and share meals with locals, learning authentic Turkish recipes and traditions. Leave with memories and friendships.

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.


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
Authentic home cooking
Dinner
Tips and Gratitudes
Private Transfer, arranged on request
Alcoholic beverages

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

Join me for a full-hearted day of cooking, tasting, and discovering the everyday flavors of Istanbul. We’ll cook together in my cozy kitchen; maybe börek, maybe dolma, maybe a full table of colorful mezes. It depends on the season and what inspires us most. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cook. I’ll guide you through every step, and we’ll take it slow and enjoy the process. Once everything is ready, we’ll sit down and eat together, just like friends do. We’ll share the dishes we’ve made, sip tea, and hopefully have one of those conversations that stays with you even after you’ve left. Come as a guest, leave as a friend. If you have any dietary restrictions, just let me know ahead of time; I’m happy to adapt. And if you need help finding me at the start, I’m always just a message away. Also please note: I have a very friendly dog who will be with us throughout the experience. He is gentle and used to being around guests. If you have any concerns or allergies, feel free to reach out in advance — I’m happy to accommodate however I can.

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting Point

Dericiler Sokak, Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye, TR

Open in Google Maps
Istanbul has traffic issue. I suggest you use metro, ferry as much as you can.
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.

Read more

Reviews
5.0
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
based on 116 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
(Viator)
Photo of avatar
Great class!
September 04, 2026

The class was amazing, we absolutely loved it! Our host, Gülşah, is great! She told us about every dish and shared interesting stories about Turkey, Istanbul and local cuisine. Thank you very much,...read more

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)
Photo of avatar
Wonderful
August 31, 2026

Wonderful experience and delicious food. I am much more confident to try these amazing recipes when I go back, simply a lovely evening and experience

Photo of captionPhoto of captionPhoto of captionPhoto of caption
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)
Photo of avatar
Amazing host, delicious food, incredible experience!
July 30, 2026

Gülşah was an amazing host! We could not have had a better experience. She made us feel at home, having tea together and discussing our menu. I love her passion for Turkish food and all the history...read more

Photo of caption
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)
Photo of avatar
Enjoyable cultural food experience
July 08, 2026

Gulsah was great. She patiently guided us through cooking her multi-course meal. Food was delicious. My favorite was the yoghurt meatbal soup, really yummy. We are grateful that she invited us into...read more

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)
Photo of avatar
このツアーでは、料理教室の前に、Osmanbey...
June 14, 2026

このツアーでは、料理教室の前に、Osmanbey MetroからErgenekon Street、Kurtuluş Streetを歩くシティツアーを楽しみました。トルコの朝食文化をはじめ、街歩きをしなければわからない市民の暮らしや日常について知ることができ、とても興味深かったです。 その後はホストのご自宅で、トルコの家庭料理を作りました。トルコの食卓に欠かせないレンズ豆のスープは優しい味わい...read more

Photo of captionPhoto of caption
Load more
You may also be interested in these experiences
Photo of 6c
Photo of star fill v4
5.0 (4)
“Taste Istanbul: Street Food Tour You Can’t Miss”
Istanbul
5 hours
Private Experience
US$441.32
Photo of empty heartV2
Photo of e9
7-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour in Turkey
Istanbul
168 hours
Private Experience
US$4,003.82
Photo of empty heartV2
Photo of 1a
US$271.86
Photo of empty heartV2