Private Tour

Cook with a Local: Private Home Cooking Class In Istanbul

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Learn to cook from a local in this private 4-hour cooking class in an Istanbul home. The friendly mother-daughter team of Nuray and Ipek will introduce you to the delights of Turkish home cooking. Join them in learning how to prepare içli köfte (stuffed bulgar meatballs), karniyarik (eggplant stuffed with mincemeat and tomatoes), barbunya pilaki (beans stewed in a tomato and lemon sauce), and more. Help out with tasks such as chopping vegetables, wrapping börek, and frying eggplant, then sit down with your hosts to enjoy your freshly prepared meal with a glass of local wine.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

This is a unique opportunity to visit the home of a local and explore traditional culture and cuisine. Under Nuray's expert eye you will learn to prepare some of her Turkish specialties. She’ll have you frying eggplant, chopping fresh vegetables, and wrapping börek within minutes of arriving at their apartment. Nuray is an effortless cook and will show you how to prepare a variety of dishes with confidence. You’ll enjoy the dishes you helped to prepare along with a few other dishes she prepares in advance.

Sample Menu

starter

Seasonal salad

main

Mercimek çorbası

main

Içli köfte

main

Barbunya pilaki

main

Karniyarik

main

Cheese börek

dessert

Homemade baklava

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Local host

Wine

Gratuities

Private cooking class with your host Nuray

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Options

Lunch and Cooking Lesson

Dinner and Cooking Lesson

Reviews

5.00

15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Sensational -- not to be missed!
Jeremy L,,Oct 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Nuray is a delightful person and we had a wonderful time! The dishes she prepared were superb and abundant, and the dinner was one we'll remember for a very long time.
Great cooking class in Istanbul
Larry B,,May 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
We love to do cooking classes in other countries, you get to know people and eat amazing food, this was no exception. We arrived at Nuray's home, we cooked, ate delicious food and had some amazing conversations. She is an incredible person, and we loved our time with her.
Incredibly welcoming and delicious!!
Miguel M,,Jul 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We cannot thank Nuray enough for her hospitality! We felt very welcomed at her house… we felt very special. Nuray is very warm and engaging. We prepared three dishes: a salad with bulgur wheat, rice and lavash with seasoned beef. All three dishes traditional to Turkish cuisine… easy to make, too! But that is not where it ends… she had a full spread of mezze for our lunch: eggplant, zucchini with yogurt sauce, stuffed pepper with rice and spices, and kebab! Then, for dessert, freshly made kunefe! Everything was delicious… and we left with full bellies and a happy heart!
An excellent evening learning how to cook with a wonderful host
Global34170583060,,Jun 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nuray was a brilliant host. There were 4 of us taking part and we all agreed it was the highlight of our trip. We learnt how to cook some wonderfully easy dishes that we will be able to replicate at home. We chatted with Nuray like she was an old friend who we hadn't seen for a while. Her home was immaculate and we ate like kings. I cannot recommend this enough. Oh and the views from Nurays home were spectacular. Go on spoil yourself and make this an experience that you won't forget
Great evening with Nuray
peterwO8851MS,,Apr 25, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our children got me this experience as a birthday present, and I'm eternally grateful as it was such a wonderful evening. Learnt some new tricks in the kitchen, had lovely conversation with Nuray and, of course, enjoyed wonderful Turkish food. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Turkey and Turkish food. Best regards from Sarah and Pete
GREAT
rosaliew,,Mar 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nuray was a lovely host & cooking instructor! Her food is outstanding, and we learned techniques & recipes that we're sure we can recreate once we're home! She enjoys bringing people into her home to share her cooking, and it shows in her enthusiasm and the preparation of foods she makes for her students. My friend & I spent an enjoyable afternoon learning about her life in Istanbul. I would highly recommend this adventure & spending time with Nuray
A wonderful Turkish home cooking experience
Genmull,,Mar 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nuray welcomed us into her lovely home and was very well prepared for our cooking experience. The food was absolutely delicious with Nuray explaining everything about the various dishes as she went with clarity and enthusiasm. We participated in preparing the dishes and the table was inviting and set beautifully. We had the most delightful time eating superb Turkish food with Nuray. This was a wonderful experience and we loved spending a few hours with Nuray in her home.
Great experience
208sarahg,,Dec 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nuray was incredibly nice and helpful. We now have a friend in Turkey, and one who knows how to cook at that!
Authentic cooking experience
N7735KDkristinag,,Nov 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A cooking class in distant lands is always an experience! If you would like to cook an authentic Turkish menu, Nuray is in good hands. She had already prepared some of the appetizers, we cooked other appetizers (kisir - bulgurs salad, lamacun) as well as the main course (pilav) and the dessert (kadayif) together. When we got together afterwards, we enjoyed everything together.
Lovely host and evening
purpleo2019,,Jan 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I did this cooking class Christmas Day 2021 and what a fantastic way to spend Christmas away from home. Nuray was so friendly, hospitable, and a marvellous cook! Together we made künefe, börek, and pilav—three Turkish staples. Earlier in the day, Nuray had prepared side dishes and salads. Everything was absolutely delicious! We visited easily and had such a pleasant evening. Thank you Nuray! Kolay-gelsin!