Istanbul Vegan/Vegeterian Cooking Class with Locals
19 reviews
Experience hosted at home by
Rojda
3 Hours
English, Turkish
Itās no secret that traditional Turkish cuisine is full of rich flavors and diverse dishes, but what many people donāt know is that with a little creativity, many of these dishes can be made vegan without losing any of their authentic taste! If youāre looking for things to do in Istanbul that go beyond sightseeing, weād love to invite you into our home for a vegan Turkish cooking experience.
As a longtime home cook, Iāve spent years experimenting with plant-based versions of classic Turkish dishes, from Vegan KokoreƧ (a twist on Istanbulās famous street food) to Vegan Mantı (Turkish dumplings). In this experience, Iāll share my favorite vegan adaptations while also introducing you to the unique spices and ingredients of Turkish cuisine. š„
When you arrive, weāll start with tea and conversation, just as friends and family do in Turkey. Then, weāll cook together in a relaxed, homey atmosphere, preparing dishes like Kısır (bulgur salad), Vegan Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and Vegan Dürüm (Turkish wraps filled with fresh veggies and spices). Once everything is ready, weāll sit down for a family-style meal, enjoying the food weāve made and sharing stories over tea. š«
This isnāt just a cooking classāitās a warm and personal experience that gives you a true taste of Turkish home life. By the time you leave, youāll not only know how to make amazing vegan Turkish dishes, but youāll also take home memories, friendships, and a deeper connection to Istanbulās food culture. š½ļø
If you're looking for a unique experience in Istanbul, this is your chance to eat, cook, and connect like a local.Come as a guest, leave as a friend! š§”
What makes it unique?
Turkish cuisine naturally includes many plant-based dishes, and this experience highlights those traditions in a local home kitchen. Guests cook seasonal recipes inspired by everyday Turkish cooking rather than modern restaurant interpretations. The focus on traditional flavors, local knowledge, and a welcoming home setting makes the experience both educational and personal.
What do our guests say?
Those who think that Turkish cuisine consists only of kebab are very wrong. As anyone who comes to this experience can see, many vegan options cooked at home are also possible.It is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants to have fun and learn new things by cooking as if they were at home.
08.05.24
Trip19235615691

We really enjoyed our vegan Turkish cooking experience with Rojda! She was super accommodating and made us feel very welcome in her home. Chatting while making (and eating) the food was the perfect way to learn more about the culture and history of Türkiye too. By the end of the class we left inspired and full of delicious food!
04.11.24
Ellalala

This was one of my favorite experiences in Istanbul! The class itself was so informative not only of how to make the recipes but about Turkish culture in general. We loved the opportunity to come into our hostās home and feel like family, as well as connect with other travelers. I cannot recommend this experience enough!
29.11.24
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