Turkey · COOKING CLASSES
The 11 best cooking classes you can book right now, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Cook Turkish dishes in a local Istanbul home, share a family meal, and learn authentic recipes in a small English-language class.
“Such a unique experience. We felt so welcome into the home. Wonderful conversation and amazing food! Would definitely recommend!”
Cook Turkish family recipes with Gülşah, shop Kurtuluş markets, and share a homemade meal in an Istanbul apartment.
“Very personable and kind hostess. Very hospitable and enjoyable. We felt like part of the family and part of the neighborhood. Food was traditional and wonderful!”
Shop a Turkish farmers market, learn Aegean recipes, and enjoy a generous lunch in a scenic Bodrum setting with a small group.
“A fantastic experience working with Chef Asli. She was informative and explained everything in a way that it was easy to understand. The trip to the local farmers market was an added bonus. After 30 days of cruising the eastern Mediterranean, this class was the number one memory for us. Do not hesitate to sign up for this class.”
Cook Turkish dishes with village women, shop at an organic farm, and enjoy lunch in Cappadocia’s scenic Kelebek Valley.
“Enjoyed the hands on experience and the quiet nature of this unvisited valley. Our guide/translator was great as well as the chef with whom we cooked. We’d recommend the experience to anyone looking for an authentic Turkish cooking experience.”
Cook Turkish home dishes, shop Istanbul neighborhood stores, and share a three-course meal with a local host in a small group.
“We had an excellent time meeting Gulsah, her adorable dog and exploring her neighbourhood. We learnt recipes that were so tasty yet will be simple to recreate! It was so great to experience a true Turkish evening in a locals house. It was also great getting to meet some lovely fellow travellers. We left very full and very happy. A highlight of this trip!”
Shop Bodrum’s farmers’ market, cook five Turkish dishes with a local chef, and enjoy lunch with wine and Aegean views.
“I recently had the pleasure of taking a cooking course on Turkish cuisine with the host , and I have to say it was an incredible experience. The class was informative and engaging, and I learned so much about the rich flavors and techniques of Turkish cooking. The highlight of the course was definitely getting to taste and enjoy the delicious dishes we prepared together. Overall, I would recommend . You can found a nice video of the experience on my Instagram @vincent_run”
Cook traditional Cappadocian dishes in a local home, shop in Urgup, meet friendly hosts, and enjoy a small-group meal with hotel pickup.
“Kadir, our wonderful guide, and Nihat, chef extraordinaire, were awesome - the best part of this experience was being invited into someone's home and getting to know two young, local professionals, who spoke impeccable English and could share their views of Turkish culture, economy, and history. It was nice for us to see how our contemporaries live in another country. We were picked up from our hotel in Goreme and taken to Nihat's neat, modern apartment in Urgup, where he had arranged his kitchen so the 6 of us could help make with three mezze, a main dish, and a dessert. We were a group of vegetarians and one celiac/…”
Cook village dishes, tour Etrim, meet local families, and share a fresh Aegean lunch near Bodrum in this warm six-hour experience.
“Pick up was easy. We were driven to Etrim in a comfortable van and given a tour of the village, invited into the mosque (very different than the ones in the city!), visited some houses to see how people in the village previously and currently live. After our tour, we went to a restaurant of sorts and started rolling grape leaves. The lady who taught us didn't speak English and our guide who was also the interpreter flitted in and out and we could only communicate with her when he was around. We then also cut some pumpkin which we are told is used for a dessert. Afterwards we went…”
Learn Ottoman recipes with a professional chef in Istanbul, then enjoy a three-course lunch, wine tasting, and hotel pickup in Sultanahmet.
“The dishes on the menu are based on the Ottoman cuisine and delicious, but quite unexpected. They are simple to prepare such that beginners can easily make them. Very chill atmosphere and a welcoming staff as well.”
Learn to knead Urfa-style çiğ köfte in an Istanbul home with traditional music, local hospitality, and an intimate group of up to eight.
“One of the best, if not the best, experiences I’ve ever had. Bushra, Burak and Bawer were the sweetest people I’ve ever met before. There was never a dull moment, so many conversations you’d feel you’re sitting with friends you’ve known for a long time. Cooking class with traditional music is definitely something to have on your bucket list when you come to Istanbul. Highly recommended. ÇigKofte was so good.”
Cook Turkish classics in Nuray’s Istanbul home, share wine and stories, and enjoy a private mother-daughter cooking class near Şirinevler.
“My mother and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon cooking and chatting with Nuray. She is an excellent cook and a very gracious hostess. We feel fortunate we had the chance to meet her, sample her delicious Turkish cuisine, learn from her and relax in her home. It was a wonderful and valuable experience as part of our time exploring Turkey. We would definitely recommend the Traveling Spoon Cooking Class with Nuray.”
The coast, the caves, the old stones and the bazaars.
