Learn To Cook From a Local: Private Cooking Class In an Istanbul Home

Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Turkey through a private cooking class in an Istanbul home. Led by a mother-daughter duo, this 3.5-hour experience invites you to learn how to prepare beloved dishes like içli köfte, karnıyarık, and homemade baklava. Situated conveniently near Atatürk International Airport, this class offers a unique cultural encounter, with dietary accommodations available upon request. Guests rave about the exceptional hospitality and the opportunity to savor the warmth of a welcoming family atmosphere. Discover the secrets behind these mouthwatering Turkish delights and uncover a new level of culinary appreciation.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Workshops And Classes In Istanbul.

Key Points

• Hands-on preparation of traditional Turkish dishes led by a mother-daughter team in a private home near Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport.
• Opportunity to learn iconic Turkish recipes like içli köfte, karnıyarık, and homemade baklava during the 3.5-hour cooking class.
• Shared meal of the prepared dishes, accompanied by Turkish coffee, immersing participants in the warmth of Turkish hospitality.
• Accessible location with public transportation options, suitable for strollers, and accommodating for dietary requirements and service animals.
• Highly rated by past travelers for exceptional hospitality and authentic cultural experience, with a 5-star overall review score.

Overview of the Cooking Class

This private 3.5-hour cooking class in Istanbul is led by the mother-daughter team of Nuray and Ipek.

It provides a unique insight into Turkish culture through cooking. The class is highly recommended, with 100% positive reviews from 15 travelers.

Participants will learn to prepare traditional Turkish dishes, including stuffed bulgur meatballs, eggplant stuffed with mincemeat and tomatoes, and beans stewed in tomato and lemon sauce.

They’ll also make a seasonal soup, cheese börek, and homemade baklava.

During the hands-on session, guests will assist with food preparation tasks like chopping vegetables and wrapping börek before enjoying a home-cooked Turkish meal with coffee.

Traditional Turkish Dishes Learned

The cooking class teaches participants to prepare a variety of traditional Turkish dishes.

Students learn to make içli köfte, or stuffed bulgur meatballs, which feature a savory filling wrapped in a cracked wheat shell. They also prepare karniyarik, eggplant stuffed with minced meat and tomatoes, as well as barbunya pilaki, beans stewed in a tangy tomato and lemon sauce.

A seasonal soup and cheese börek, a flaky pastry, round out the meal. For dessert, the group enjoys homemade baklava, the iconic flaky phyllo pastry layered with nuts and sweetened with honey.

Throughout the cooking process, participants actively assist with tasks like chopping vegetables and assembling the dishes.

Cooking Participation and Meal

Participant hands-on involvement permeates the cooking class, as students take an active role in meal preparation. Throughout the session, they chop vegetables, wrap börek, and fry eggplant, gaining valuable insights into traditional Turkish culinary techniques. To further enhance the experience, the class culminates in a shared meal of the homemade dishes, accompanied by the soothing aroma of Turkish coffee. The meal provides an opportunity to savor the fruits of their labor and enjoy the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

Cooking Participation	Meal
Chopping vegetables	Shared meal of homemade dishes
Wrapping börek	Turkish coffee
Frying eggplant	Warm family atmosphere

Cooking Class Location and Meeting Point

Located near Ataturk International Airport, the cooking class takes place in the home of Nuray, the mother-half of the mother-daughter teaching duo.

The exact address is provided upon booking confirmation, ensuring participants can easily find their way to the class. The meeting point is in the Atakoy neighborhood of Istanbul, where Nuray’s home is located.

The class is:

• Easily accessible via public transportation
• Stroller-friendly
• Welcoming to service animals

This convenient location makes it simple for travelers to join the cooking experience and enjoy Turkish culture.

Booking Confirmation and Dietary Accommodations

Confirmation for the cooking class is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking. The class offers a vegetarian option upon request.

The class is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The location is near public transportation.

Accessibility	Wheelchair	Stroller	Service Animals
Status	Not Accessible	Accessible	Allowed

Accessibility and Transportation

The cooking class takes place near Ataturk International Airport, in the Ataköy neighborhood of Istanbul.

The location is easily accessible via public transportation. While the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, strollers are allowed. Service animals are welcome as well.

The exact address of the meeting point will be provided upon booking confirmation. Attendees can rely on clear directions to reach Nuray’s home, where the class is held.

• The class is located near public transportation options.
• Strollers are permitted, but the venue isn’t wheelchair accessible.
• Service animals are welcome.
• The precise address is shared after the booking is confirmed.

Pricing Information

The cooking class starts at $140 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

Group Size	Price per Person
2-3	$140
4-6	$110
7-10	$90

Travelers can enjoy a full refund if they cancel their booking at least 2 days in advance. The class has an overall 5-star rating from 15 reviews, with guests praising the exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and warm family atmosphere. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, this private cooking experience offers a unique insight into Turkish culture through the art of home-cooked cuisine.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers rave about the exceptional hospitality, delicious food, and warm family atmosphere that make this private cooking class in Istanbul a standout experience.

With an impressive 5-star rating from 15 reviews, this class is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic culture.

Highlights of the class include:

• The mother-daughter team’s passion for sharing their culinary traditions
• Learning to prepare beloved Turkish dishes like stuffed bulgar meatballs and eggplant in tomato sauce
• Enjoying a homemade feast and Turkish coffee with the hosts
• Gaining unique insights into Turkish culture and everyday life

The class’s convenient location near the airport and accommodations for dietary needs further add to its appeal, making it a top choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable cooking experience in Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Chefs Will Be Teaching the Class?

The cooking class will be taught by a mother-daughter team, Nuray and Ipek, who will provide a unique insight into Turkish culture through their shared expertise in traditional Turkish dishes.

Can the Class Be Held in the Evening or on Weekends?

The private cooking class in Istanbul is offered both in the evenings and on weekends. The class is led by a mother-daughter team and can accommodate dietary restrictions if requested at the time of booking.

Is There a Discount for Booking as a Group?

Yes, there is a group discount for the private cooking class. The price starts at $140 per person, but it varies depending on the group size. Larger groups can enjoy a more affordable rate per person.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Class?

The maximum group size for this private cooking class is not specified, but the price starts at $140 and varies based on the group size. Larger groups may be able to negotiate a discounted rate.

Can the Class Be Customized to Focus on Specific Dishes?

The class can be customized to focus on specific dishes. The mother-daughter hosts are happy to adapt the menu to suit the interests and preferences of the participants, within the 3.5-hour timeframe.

Sum Up

This private cooking class in an Istanbul home offers a unique cultural experience, teaching guests to prepare beloved Turkish dishes like içli köfte and baklava. Led by a welcoming mother-daughter duo, the class provides hands-on participation and a taste of traditional hospitality. Located conveniently near the airport, the class accommodates dietary needs and has received excellent reviews from past travelers.