Istanbul Turkish Home Cooking Class with a Local

Overview

Available languages

English

Turkish

3 hours

Mobile ticket

A true in-home Turkish experience—you’re welcomed not just as a guest, but as part of the family.

The focus is as much on conversation and connection as on cooking.

You’ll meet my adorable cat and dog, who are always excited to make new friends.

We’ll end the meal the authentic Turkish way—with fresh coffee, dessert, and maybe even a fortune reading.

You’ll walk away not only with new recipes, but with new memories, friendships, and stories.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Step into my Istanbul home and discover that Turkish cooking is about so much more than recipes—it’s about hospitality, laughter, and connection. Together, we’ll prepare a delicious homemade feast while sharing stories and discovering the traditions behind each dish. I’ll guide you through the flavors of Turkish home cooking, making sure you feel confident and inspired in the kitchen. But this is not just a class—it’s a conversation, a cultural exchange, and a chance to truly connect. Once the table is ready, we’ll sit down family-style to enjoy our creations. My cat and dog—two sweet, friendly companions—will likely wander in to say hello, making the atmosphere even warmer. And because no meal in Turkey is complete without it, we’ll finish with freshly brewed Turkish coffee and dessert. If you’d like, I can even read your fortune in the coffee grounds—a playful tradition that adds a little magic to the experience. Come curious, leave connected. This is more than a cooking class—it’s a taste of Turkish hospitality at its most authentic.

Sample Menu

main

Karnıyarık

Roasted eggplants stuffed with a savory mix of ground meat.

starter

Sigara Böreği - Turkish Pastry

Crispy, golden pastry rolls filled with creamy feta cheese and herb.

starter

Kabak Tarator

A refreshing zucchini meze with yogurt, garlic, and walnuts—light, cool, and full of Mediterranean taste.

starter

Salad

Seasonal Turkish salad

dessert

İrmik Tatlısı

Semolina Dessert

What‘s Included

If the experience is booked for 12.00pm, it will be held as lunch!

If the experience is booked for 5pm, it will be held as a dinner!

Turkish Coffee

Meals

Options

Istanbul Turkish Home Cooking

Lunch or Dinner

Reviews

5.00

18 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing experience
Vesna C,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An absolutely wonderful home cooking experience in Istanbul! Everything was super clean, and our host was incredibly polite, patient, and welcoming. The food was outstanding—authentic, flavorful, and prepared with so much care. What made it even more special was that they sent me the recipes afterward, so I can recreate the dishes at home. I would 100% do this experience every single time I visit Istanbul. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a real, heartfelt taste of Turkish home cooking.
Yummy!
Coastal16973881837,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful time learning to cook our Turkish dinner, Özge ensured everybody had a part to play and the resulting meal was delicious. Thank you again Özge, we really enjoyed learning to cook with you and it will be a highlight of our trip! (And the cuddles with Penny and Tao!)
I enjoyed learning Turkish home cooking
Roving51296331078,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
They taught me Turkish home cooking in an easy-to-understand and fun way. It was a very warm and cozy space and healed by my pets, the dog and cat. He also explained the spices you should buy as souvenirs.
It was a great experience...
Dylan S,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a great experience and my host was very welcoming into her home. The food was delicious and I really learnt some great traditional recipes.
Wonderful dinner with Ozge
NorthStar40369838616,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
⸻ We had an amazing experience at Ozge’s in-home Turkish cooking class! She welcomed us like family and guided us step-by-step through preparing delicious traditional dishes, all while sharing stories and cultural tips that made the evening extra special. The food was incredible, and Ozge’s warm personality made the class both fun and memorable. Highly recommend this unforgettable local experience! This is a must do while visiting Istanbul.
Wonderful Cooking Class
Brandeeabbott,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ozga’s cooking class was a wonderful addition to our trip to Turkey. It was insightful learning the spices and techniques for cooking Turkish meal. She even shared her recipes with us after so we could try them at home. If you’re thinking of booking, DO IT! It’s worth it for the food, fellowship, and ability to get to know a bit from a local on the area and culture.
Amazing experience!
H1593BLjessicac,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ogze was an awesome host and teacher. I had a great time learning and eating Turkish food, with a few bonus cuddles with her dog and cat. A must do in Istanbul!
Such an amazing experience!
M6656FUsofiac,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ LGBTQ+ friendly 🌈 We had such an amazing time at Özge’s cooking class! My partner and I felt instantly welcome in her cozy and inviting home. Özge is such a warm and cheerful host, and she makes cooking together so fun and relaxed. The dishes we made were absolutely delicious, and Özge shared so many tips and stories that made the class feel personal. I also loved that the class is LGBTQ+ friendly 🌈 — it’s a space where everyone can feel comfortable and celebrated. We left feeling happy, full, and inspired to try the recipes at home. Highly recommend!
Lovely evening
mdR5503NC,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ozge is really open and friendly, cooking with her is like cooking with a friend! She is very knowledgable and teaches in a passionate way. Not just a cooking class but also a very nice way to spend an evening in lovely company and get a feel of what it is to be a local in Istanbul!
Delicious cooking experience
wouterina V,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
You will not only learn to prepare Turkish food, you will learn that this can be done in any kitchen. It doesn't require anything special and the result is great.