Traditional Home Cooking with a Local in İstanbul City Center

Traditional Home Cooking with a Local in İstanbul City Center

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Experience in Istanbul

This is not just a cooking class—it’s a journey into the flavors, history, and daily life of Istanbul. Our experience begins in the colorful markets of Kurtuluş, a lively district with century-old specialty shops. We’ll visit spice store, charcuterie, and bakery, tasting and learning about the ingredients that give Turkish cuisine its rich and diverse flavors. Then at home, we’ll cook together just like family, using the fresh ingredients we’ve gathered. But this is more than following a recipe—it’s about sharing stories, learning traditions, and experiencing true Turkish home hospitality. We’ll talk about the origins of each dish, how cooking changes across different regions of Turkey, and the special meaning food holds in our culture. By the time we sit at the table, it won’t feel like a class at all—it will feel like a meal shared with old friends. And when you leave, you won’t just take recipes with you—you’ll take memories, friendships, and a piece of Istanbul in your heart.

Why Visit Istanbul?

Istanbul is a fascinating city straddling Europe and Asia, rich in history and culture. Visit the Hagia Sophia, explore the Grand Bazaar, and cruise the Bosphorus. Istanbul offers stunning architecture, incredible cuisine, and a unique cultural blend.

Getting to Istanbul

The easiest way to reach Istanbul is by flying into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.

What's Included

  • Authentic Turkish Desert
  • Local Market Tour to experience local life
  • Authentic home cooking
  • Dinner
  • Cooking Materials and Ingredients
  • Tea, Turkish Coffee

What's Not Included

  • Tips and Gratitudes
  • Things you buy for you from Market Tour
  • Private Transfer, arranged on request
  • Alcoholic beverages

Cancellation Policy

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

Additional Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • We’re happy that you’re considering joining us for a LokalBond experience! Our goal is to create unforgettable memories by connecting you with the real locals of the city to introduce the culture and vibrant local life of Istanbul. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask that all guests review our participation waiver. By completing your booking, you acknowledge that you’ve read and accepted the terms of the waiver below. We’ve kept it straightforward and easy to understand, so you can focus on what really matters—getting ready for a special time with us! LokalBond Experiences Waiver and Release of Liability 1. Acknowledgment of Risks: I, acknowledge that participating in this experience offered by LokalBond involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to physical activity, travel, potential hazards, and interaction with individuals and environments that may carry unknown risks. I understand that these risks may result in personal injury, illness, or damage to personal property. 2. Voluntary Participation: I affirm that my participation in this experience is entirely voluntary and that I have been informed about the nature of the experience. I understand that I am under no obligation to participate and that I may withdraw from the experience at any time without penalty. 3. Health and Fitness: I certify that I am in good health and physical condition to participate in this experience. I do not have any medical conditions, disabilities, or other concerns that would limit my ability to safely participate. I agree to inform LokalBond of any changes in my health status prior to the experience. 4. Assumption of Risk: I hereby assume all risks associated with my participation in the experience, including but not limited to those mentioned above. I acknowledge that LokalBond and its representatives have made no warranties regarding the safety of the experience or the environments involved. 5. Release of Liability: In consideration of being allowed to participate in the experience, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless LokalBond, its owners, employees, agents, hosts, and other participants from any and all claims, actions, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, including, but not limited to, any claims of negligence on the part of LokalBond or its representatives. 6. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless LokalBond from any and all claims, actions, or damages, including attorney fees, arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, whether caused by the negligence of LokalBond or otherwise. 7. Governing Law: This waiver and release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Turkish law, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. 8. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver and release of liability, fully understand its terms, and approve it freely and voluntarily without any inducement. I understand that by confirming this document, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue LokalBond or its representatives.

Customer Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
Based on 76 reviews
5 ★
76
4 ★
0
3 ★
0
2 ★
0
1 ★
0

Individual reviews are not available through the API. View all 76 reviews on Viator

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Istanbul has traffic issue. I suggest you use metro, ferry as much as you can. Instructions to the address via public transportation is written on tickets

End Point

Istanbul has traffic issue. I suggest you use metro, ferry as much as you can. Instructions to the address via public transportation is written on tickets

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Activity Details

STARTER

This course includes items from the starter menu.

STARTER

This course includes items from the starter menu.

MAIN

This course includes items from the main menu.

MAIN

This course includes items from the main menu.

DESSERT

This course includes items from the dessert menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

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

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

Book Now on Viator

You'll be redirected to Viator's secure booking platform to complete your reservation.