Private Tour
Private Portuguese Home Cooking Class in Lisbon with Defne
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a Portuguese cooking class in Lisbon in a local home. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. Defne is a globe wanderer, her travels have taught her the value of connection, community, and empathy. Originally from Istanbul, she has a deep passion for exploring, discovering, and finding connections between cultures, food, people, places, and tastes. Join her on a mission to break down cultural barriers, one delicious bite at a time!
• Private Portuguese cooking class in Lisbon in a local home
• In 1.5 hours learn to cook an appetizer, main and dessert
• Get insight into how Portuguese food connects different cultures and traditions
• Experience timeless flavors of Portugal through the rich stories behind the food and its connection with other cultures
• Enjoy a delicious meal served with with coffee and Ginjinha, a classic Portuguese liqueur from Lisbon
• Lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan meals available, on request
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Private, personalized experience
If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
Defne can accommodate lactose free, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets, on request. Please inform her in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, while booking your Lisbon cooking class online.
Please note Defne’s menu is seasonal and will change depending on the availability of local produce. If you have any preference, please let her know in advance.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Private Portuguese cooking class with your host Defne
Authentic meal with a local in her home
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
This is a unique opportunity to visit the home of a local and explore traditional culture and cuisine. Join Defne for a Portuguese cooking class in Lisbon and cook together three dishes from scratch. In your 1.5 hour hands-on class you will learn to make an appetizer, main dish and dessert. While you cook she will share stories behind the dishes, how they are cooked in other cultures, and will share lots of tips and tricks! End your Lisbon cooking class with some coffee and a taste of Ginjinha, a classic Portuguese liqueur from Lisbon. During your experience with her, you can expect to enjoy classic Portuguese dishes, from the Mediterranean and beyond. Enjoy a fresh meal at Defne’s beautiful dining table in her living room or outdoors in the garden, when weather permits. A few dishes that you mish try are tremoços (pickled beans) and olives, salada de grão-de-bico (chickpea salad), caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) and arroz de doce (rice pudding). Your meal will be served with two glasses of Portuguese wine. Please note Defne’s menu is seasonal and will change depending on the availability of local produce. If you have any preference, please let her know in advance.
Sample Menu
starter
Tremoços (pickled beans) and olives
starter
Salada de grão-de-bico (chickpea salad)
main
Caldeirada de peixe (fish stew)
dessert
Arroz de doce (rice pudding)
dessert
Vinho verde (Portuguese wine)
Options
Cooking class and dinner
Cooking class and lunch
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great host, food + experience!
Kylie M,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Experience a local’s home from their company + neighborhood to the cuisine that is the heartbeat of the area! The cooking itself is pretty simple and straightforward, but the joy is the conversation and cultural immersion. Defne was a lovely host, and you do not feel like a stranger in her home. She was very hospitable, kind and welcoming. The food was just an added bonus!
A truly delightful experience!
Donna S,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have taken other cooking classes in our travels but our evening with Defne was an all around wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, it was as if we had arrived at a friend's house. Nothing pretentious or uncomfortable, we immediately started helping in prepping dinner, while exchanging stories. Dining in Defne's lovely backyard was a treat on this Fall evening. Our meal was yummy, but also included dishes we will be able to replicate. As said earlier, just a great experience!
A Perfect Lunch!
Tara R,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a relaxing and amazing experience! I highly recommend this cooking class! I learned alot about portuguese cooking and took home some Recipes to make for my family and friends 🧡.
Learned new techniques
Peter H,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very much enjoyed the cooking class. Her energy is contagious and wonderful. All the dishes were delicious and we learned some new tricks too. One thing that should be disclosed since in her apartment is that she has a cat. My gf is very allergic but we ate outside that saved a terrible reaction. Otherwise recommended the class highly
Book this if you’re looking for an authentic Portuguese experience
JordanC969,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just finished our cooking class and lunch with Defne- an absolutely wonderful experience. Defne could not have been more welcoming and hospitable. The communication beforehand was great, asking about allergies and food preferences. We got a lesson in Portuguese cuisine and had a delicious lunch with the most amazing host If you’re looking for a great experience, look no farther, this is it!!!
Cozy backyard dinner
P8439QMkristinal,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a gem! It was so nice having Dafne cook for us we got to all join in and help out in making the dinner. She gave us an unforgettable memory for me and my friends i would definitely recommend. She has an adorable backyard where we ate and it was very cozy and cute. Thanks Dafne for your warmth and inviting us in to your home! 😊
Amazing local cultural experience
M3009WKkims,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely evening and experience with Defne in her home! She was very gracious and the food was absolutely delicious. She paired the courses with local wine and taught us many things about local cuisine and culture. Her private patio garden was lovely to share a meal and make new friends!
Family-Friendly and Inspiring Cooking Class in Lisbon
762tomokoo,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined this class during our trip with a friend and her 3-year-old child, and it was such a wonderful experience. Instead of focusing on strict techniques, Defne showed us how cooking can be simple, fun, and something to truly enjoy every day. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and even with a small child, the class was engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Sharing a meal afterward, while talking about Portuguese history, spices, and everyday life, made it even more special. It felt like spending time with old friends, and I would love to join again when I return to Lisbon. Highly recommended!
Enjoyable dinner in garden
Robert H,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Defne was a wonderful host. Very knowledgeable about the food and background of the food prepared. After she taught us how to cook the meal, we had a fabulous dinner and conversation in her garden. Plenty to eat and easy new recipes to try when we return home.
Intimate Cooking Class with Lively Conversation
Lorraine B,
May 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing evening, Defne was a terrific hostess. This is a casual informal cooking class in a cozy kitchen. The recipes she shared are simple, delicious, and things that we can make when we get back home Best of all it was a beautiful night and we could sit outside in her garden, enjoying a relaxed dinner with plenty of wine great conversation and amazing food
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