Private Turkish Cuisine Cooking Class with Local Moms
50 reviews
Experience hosted at home by
Nuran
3.5 Hours
English, Turkish
If you're searching for things to do in Istanbul that truly connect you with local culture, nothing compares to a cooking class in Istanbul inside a real home. Step into a warm and welcoming Turkish household, where a local mom will invite you into her kitchen to share the secrets of authentic home-cooked recipes passed down through generations. Whether it's rolling dolma, kneading dough for börek, or preparing a table full of mezes, every dish has a story—one that speaks of tradition, family, and the little details that make Turkish cuisine so special.
Before your visit, we’ll chat about your dietary preferences so we can tailor the menu just for you. When you arrive, you won’t just be learning how to cook—you’ll be immersed in Turkish home hospitality, where cooking is an experience shared with laughter, storytelling, and warmth. You'll discover how food differs across regions, the meaning behind traditional dishes, and the love that goes into every meal.
More than just a class, this is a chance to experience Turkish home life firsthand. As you cook together, you’ll feel like part of the family—learning, chatting, and soaking in the warmth of a real home. And when everything is ready, we’ll gather around the table to enjoy the homemade feast, sharing stories, flavors, and unforgettable moments.
You may arrive as a guest, but by the time we share a meal, you’ll be part of the family. In our home, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to connect, build friendships, and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave. 🧡
What do our guests say?
A must!!. A delightful introduction to the food culture of Türkiye starting with the neighbourhood specialty shops to the preparation of some dishes through to the customs and traditions that relate to family and food. Do not miss this experience when in Istanbul! Our hostess Gulsah was generous with her knowledge and patient with us novices! Just superb! Note that you must walk for a kilometre or so, and climb 5 flights of stairs. Well worth it! Highly recommend!!
20.11.25
Denise B
Nothing like a mom's touch. I had great time with Nuran and her family. It was feeling like my own mom's house.
I learned new recepies and ways of using the ingredients I already now.
I higly recommende this experience.
18.11.25
Gülşah
Nuran and I made a full meal with a beef, eggplant, pepper and tomato dish that I absolutely will make again. We made a special rice, a lentil soup, a carrot salad and more. It was so much fun cooking together and visiting, finding out about her culture, her family and tasting new flavors and ingredients. Nuran sent me home with all the recipes and I can’t wait to make an authentic Turkish dinner for my friends. Her home is very warm and inviting and Nuran is a real gem. I feel like I made a friend. She did everything she could to make sure I had a good experience, even helping me retrieve an item I lost in the city. Super nice lady and great cooking experience. Would do it again if I go back to Istanbul!
29.10.25
Patricia
Nuran was very welcoming! We enjoyed a nice Turkish tea and dessert and then got to cooking. We made 2 traditional desserts, that were both delicious but also something I will make again with ingredients I can get in the US. Nuran is a delight, and a wonderful cook and teacher! We had such a good time plus it was great to experience the culture of being in her welcoming home and even a chance meeting of her cousin and nephew who dropped by a few minutes just in time to enjoy dessert with us. I liked it so much, I did another class with Nuran while I was in Istanbul. Really a good experience!
28.10.25
Patricia