Turkish Delight Workshop / Kitchen Experience in Istanbul
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
You’ve explored Istanbul, tasted its flavors, and now you can return home not just with souvenirs, but with a story. In the enchanting setting of Little Hagia Sophia, you can learn how to make authentic Turkish delight—a centuries-old delicacy—with your own unique touch.
Ideal for families, couples, and curious travelers, this experience allows you to create lasting memories while discovering a tradition that can be passed down through generations.
Set in a historic garden within one of Istanbul’s oldest monasteries, you can experience the art of making Turkish delight. Rather than store-bought sweets, you can prepare your own Turkish delight by hand and take it home as a keepsake in an elegant bowl adorned with traditional İznik tile patterns.
Accompanied by a local storyteller, you can listen to the stories behind this tradition and deepen your experience. You can also enjoy the opportunity to meet other artists at the Little Hagia Sophia Culture Center.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
This workshop takes place in a former monastery in the garden of the historic Little Hagia Sophia, an architectural gem rarely open to interactive experiences. In a setting steeped in centuries of history, you'll make Turkish delight (Lokum) from scratch using authentic techniques. What makes it truly special is the hands-on process, cultural storytelling, local knowledge, and the chance to create sweets just as they were made generations ago. Guests leave not only with delicious handmade lokum, but also with an unforgettable memory rooted in flavor, tradition, and the setting. You'll learn many details from a local Istanbul master, from the importance of copper cookware in Turkish cuisine to the subtleties of using wooden spoons. You can create your own recipes using seasonal fruits, nuts, and flower nectar. There are no limits to the shapes you can create! However, we recommend cube-shaped versions. A fun, enjoyable event full of history and culture!
What‘s Included
✦ All tools, ingredients, and protective aprons are provided during the session
✦ A gift of Iznik tiles. Inside is the Turkish delight you made.
✦ Get hands-on with mixing, cooking, and perfecting the ideal texture and flavor
✦ Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea and cofee during the experience
✦ Learn the story of Turkish Delight and its deep cultural roots in Turkish tradition
✦ Taste your fresh creations and compare with classic samples offered by the host
✦ Shape, cut, and powder your Turkish Delight by hand in the traditional way
✦ Use authentic flavors like rose, citrus and mastic to personalize your own delights
✦ Prepare the sweet from scratch using copper pot, wooden spoon and natural ingredients
Options
Turkish Delight Workshop
Free service : Turkish Tea and Turkish Cofee servise available and It is free throughout the course with small cookies
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cookery and local culture
MeWardy,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00How do you make delicious Loukoum/ Turkish Delight? With a love, imagination and above all patience! We were instructed in this by our welcoming hosts in a homely cultural centre in the pretty gardens of Little Hagia Sophia mosque. A relaxing local experience, and such a contrast to the busy touristic sites just up the hill in Istanbul. We learnt a lot about this traditional regional treat and also the family stories and customs surrounding it. We came away not only more confident to try to make our own Loukoum at home, but also with some samples of our cooking that day and memories of a lovely afternoon.
Exceptional, above expectations!
Marta P,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun activity, both instructor and his mum were so attentive. We also got a mini tour of the mosque and were sent away with lovely gifts. Would 100% recommend if you’re in Istambul even for a short period of time. We will definitely try to recreate the recipe at home!
Amazing
juliesW1291CL,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a fantastic class! Made with love. The Captain was full of stories and my family enjoyed every minute
I have a great time
Wiparat C,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hello am from Thailand and my boyfriend from Slovakia,, we have Nice Experian with amazing people You much visit to learn more interesting life They are kindness and good heart
Fabulous Turkish Delight Workshop with two wonderful hosts. Worth every penny.
Christine F,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not to be missed - a truly splendid afternoon of Turkish delight making with eloquent Captain Borga and his enchanting ‘mum’ the cook. We learned a lot about Turkish Delight and some of the history and had a very informational visit to the Little Hagia Sophia . Well worth the price, it has been one of the highlights of our trip to Istanbul.
Sweeter than sweet
Connector51843007917,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We stopped by the Little Sofia Mosque by accident and Bugra gave us a wonderful tour of the space. He is knowledgeable and has a love for this unique location and its history. If you take this class you will get the stories as well as the treats, and you will have a wonderful time.
Amazing workshop
10jisunl,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This Turkish Delight Workshop was one of the highlights of our trip to Istanbul. The Captain and his mother were warm, funny and incredibly knowledgeable, and the intimate setting near the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque made the whole experience feel authentic and personal. We loved getting hands-on making the lokum from scratch, choosing flavours and boxing up our own creations to take home. A perfect mix of culture, learning and fun. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Istanbul!
A delightful experience with the Captain
Paradise42249406369,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A delightful experience with the Captain and his skillful mother with a demonstration of Turkish delight making with the bonus of understanding more about distilling rose water (and essential oils) etc for flavours. We had almond and tea with coconut, yum. The setting is beautiful and the owners charming.
Highlight of the trip ‼️🍭🍬
Cruiser64443414634,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a truly wonderful experience at the Turkish Delight Workshop! 🍬🍭 The atmosphere was warm, authentic and inspiring. Far away from the touristy, commercial feeling of other workshops. If you’re looking for something truly local and heartfelt, this is an absolute must-do in Istanbul! Buğra and his lovely mother were the most welcoming hosts. The workshop itself was not only fun but also full of insights. We learned so much about Turkish Delights, options to color, change the flavour and how to truly make them. We got Turkish Delights to take home with us and will give it to close ones to try. We also learned a lot about Istanbul and its traditions. We were deeply touched by all the thoughtful gifts: tea, fresh coffee, fruit… everything made us feel cared for and at home. It felt less like a workshop and more like being welcomed into a family. 🌸 As a final highlight, we visited the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, which was the perfect way to round off this memorable day. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a genuine, heartfelt Istanbul experience!
Delighted by Bugra and Meral!
Experience603725,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Bugra and Mela learning how to make Turkish delights. We were also treated to Turkish coffee and apple tea for the kids. Bugra is very passionate to share the history of the area, which is by the port of the old city, and his story. We highly recommend this activity 👌
-20% off
From US$45.00Was US$56.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Little Hagia Sophia