Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Best cooking classes in Istanbul for your next culinary journey.
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Discover the rich flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine with hands-on cooking classes in Istanbul. Whether you’re staying in Sultanahmet, the trendy neighborhood of Karaköy or near Kadıköy, you’ll discover cooking lessons in The City near you that teach traditional recipes and time-honored cooking techniques in a fun, relaxed space. Join expert local chefs to master iconic dishes like doner kebabs, honey-soaked baklava and meze platters featuring dolma and haydari, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sip rakı, the beloved national drink, or Turkish coffee as you cook and connect. Perfect for date nights, family vacations or curious foodies, these classes welcome all skill levels. Book your cooking classes in Istanbul today and bring the vibrant taste of Turkey home to your kitchen.
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What to expect
Istanbul’s vibrant food scene reflects its unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, blending centuries-old Ottoman traditions with bold Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Central Asian flavors. From sizzling street foods like kumpir to elegant meze spreads and rich stews, the city’s culinary culture is rich and diverse. You’ll find the top cooking classes in Istanbul on Cozymeal, led by expert local chefs passionate about preserving and sharing authentic Turkish recipes. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll explore regional dishes, master time-honored cooking techniques and have plenty of fun.
Grill spiced kebabs, prepare traditional meze like haydari and dolma or enhance your baking skills with baklava and simit. Each class includes the finest ingredients and specialty equipment so you can focus on cooking, connecting and tasting. You’ll enjoy a multi-course meal that you prepared and leave with new culinary confidence and easy-to-follow recipes to recreate the experience at home. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a family activity or celebrating a special occasion, cooking courses in The Gate to the East promise an unforgettable experience filled with authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
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meet Top-Rated Chefs on Cozymeal
Chef Yasmina
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Born in Rabat and raised in Casablanca, I was surrounded by beautiful smells and great food. Everyday was a celebration of flavors in my house. My mother and grandmothers were amazing cooks and inspired me to learn and develop a love for cooking and hosting. Since moving to America, I have been apart of “Beau Monde†in Philadelphia to “La Creperie†in Chicago. I have started my own business of creating beautiful, healthy Moroccan food with a California twist. I hope to share it with you!
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Chef Catalina
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Born and raised in San Francisco, Chef Catalina attended college for cultural anthropology where she first worked in catering and discovered her passion for food. After school, she continued to follow this passion and hone her craft in the kitchen. With expansive experience in the industry from serving as lead cook and managing catering to managing special events and working as a cheese monger, Chef Catalina now enjoys instructing group cooking classes.
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Chef Laura
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Chef Laura has an incredible culinary résumé that includes graduating with honors from the International Culinary Center. Previously, a caterer and chef instructor, Chef Laura currently hosts fun and exciting cooking classes where she shares her sharp culinary knowledge and techniques. She knows exactly how to prepare a menu using optimal seasonal ingredients that bring out the best aromas and flavors for a truly beautiful dish, so prepare to up your cooking game!
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Chef Washington
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Chef Washington shares his talents as a trained chef with aspiring cooks of all ages and skill levels. His experience in the culinary industry ranges from roles in hotels and restaurants, as well as years spent in middle school education. Being able to combine his passions for food and teaching brings him immense joy. With Chef Washington in the kitchen, everyone is in for a real gourmet treat!
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Chef Melissa
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Chef Melissa uses cooking to bring food enthusiasts together, and to celebrate cultures and curiosities. After spending her youth in her home country of Taiwan, she worked as a food writer and spent dozens of years in Boston honing her craft alongside renowned chefs. Part story-teller, part educator, and part food and wine lover, Chef Melissa blends her Asian roots, her world travels and her love of food and culture to bring joy and inspiration to people everywhere.
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Chef Mert
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Chef Mert hails from a family of exceptional cooks who take pride in their Balkan and Mediterranean culinary cultures. He applied his natural talents while working at Michelin-starred Spago Beverly Hills. His experience preparing meals for A-list celebrities and food critics helped expand his enterprise as a private chef. In Chef Mert’s view, cuisine is an artform where passion and soul are as important as flavor and texture.
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Chef Marty
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The cuisine of Tuscany has its roots deep in the countryside where the ingredients are plentiful and are brought to market fresh daily. The recipes are simple and have survived the test of time. We put our history of beautiful skin, creative minds and wellness on the table, and this history is still alive today! I was trained by my grandmothers in Tuscany, and I can teach you to quickly prepare fresh, quality meals that are delicious and nutritious.
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Chef Pierre C.
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Chef Pierre was born in France and spent 12 years studying cooking there as well as one year studying in Italy. He has worked with some of the top chefs in the world, including Chef Alain Ducasse. Chef Pierre is an expert with all types of fish and meat, and can also make great sauces and desserts. He has been a chef instructor and executive chef for many years, and has even cooked for four United States presidents. Chef Pierre's style of teaching is from the heart.
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Chef Ricky
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Chef Ricky is a renowned chef instructor and research and development chef bringing nearly 40 years of experience to the table. He notes his greatest achievements to be developing and launching multiple successful Asian restaurants and business concepts as well as coaching an ACF team to two national championships. Chef Ricky specializes in Pacific Rim cooking and is passionate about enabling aspiring chefs to turn their ambitions into reality.
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Chef Jordan W.
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Born with a love for tantalizing flavors, Chef Jordan pursued his culinary ambitions as soon as he could, which took him around the world. He wants everyone who savors his cooking to remember it long after they leave the table, and to ensure that happens, he infuses all the knowledge he has gained into every dish. Chef Jordan looks forward to inspiring both novice and proficient chefs to explore new techniques and ingredients in the kitchen.
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Chef Dirk
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Chef Dirk’s deep passion for food and global cuisine stems from his travels to more than 20 countries. Classically trained as a gourmet chef and hospitality manager in Germany, his native country, Chef Dirk has served celebrities and worked at five-star restaurants. His vast culinary, hospitality, and leadership experience, and enthusiastic personality make for deeply engaging, entertaining, and truly unforgettable classes.
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Chef Mike
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Over the last 20 years, Chef Mike has acquired a wide range of talents working in recipe development, food styling and instruction at some of the nation's most reputable culinary programs. With a degree in Food and Nutrition as well as Culinary Arts, he is passionate about sharing knowledge of cooking healthfully without sacrificing taste. A world traveler, Chef Mike's range of cuisine knows no bounds and he delights in sharing the stories and technique behind each dish.
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FAQs
How much do cooking classes in Istanbul cost?
There’s an impressive array of Turkish cooking lessons found on Cozymeal that whip up authentic recipes and fun for every interest and skill level. Cost is based on the experience and group size. The tiered pricing typically starts at 2,313 TRY ($59) per person and exceeds 3,924 TRY ($100) for luxury menus. When booking, simply enter your party size and the final cost will automatically adjust — sales tax is included. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, learning something new with your partner or planning a memorable experience with the family, you’ll find plenty of delicious options for all ages. Please contact Cozymeal’s concierge team for assistance with choosing culinary classes near you.
Who are these cooking classes suitable for?
The cultural crossroads of Istanbul offers fully immersive cooking courses for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Led by expert local chefs, you’ll explore Turkey’s rich culinary heritage using fresh, regional ingredients like lamb, eggplant, bulgur and spices from the Grand Bazaar. Create iconic dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, savory börek and sweet baklava, and master cooking techniques like braising and layering that have been passed down through generations. Choose from culinary experiences like meze making, kebab grilling or crafting handmade manti. Whether you come solo, with your partner or as a group, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, hands-on learning and authentic dishes you can recreate at home.
What should I expect during a typical class?
Culinary classes are hands-on experiences that infuse culture, history and warm Turkish hospitality. During a typical class, expect a local chef to introduce the authentic dishes, ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques that are rooted in Ottoman and Anatolian traditions that you’ll explore. You’ll work with regional ingredients like eggplant, lamb, bulgur and fragrant spices to prepare signature dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, doner kebabs, handmade manti and flaky baklava. Classes are fun and social, often including rakı, tea or Turkish coffee. After cooking, you’ll gather around the table to share the meal you've created. You'll leave with a full stomach, new skills, traditional recipes and a deeper connection to Turkish culture.
What cooking techniques and skills will I master?
Istanbul’s top cooking classes teach a rich variety of culinary techniques rooted in both tradition and global influence. Learn essential knife skills, proper seasoning, grilling, sautéing and the art of baking everything from simit to flaky baklava. Dive into local specialties like hand-stretched yufka for börek or slow-roasted meats inspired by Ottoman cuisine. You’ll also explore popular techniques like dumpling making, bread baking and meze preparation. Inspired by iconic restaurants like Mikla or Karaköy Lokantası? Discover how to recreate elevated Turkish dishes at home. Whether you're new to the kitchen or refining your skills, you’ll gain practical techniques and authentic recipes to enhance every meal you cook.
What are the benefits of taking a cooking class?
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook exploring a new cuisine, Istanbul’s cooking lessons blend Turkish culture, creativity and traditional culinary skills into unforgettable cooking experiences. Under the guidance of expert local chefs, you’ll explore the city’s rich food heritage — from crafting fresh meze to folding savory börek and perfecting spiced doner kebabs. You’ll build confidence as you master time-tested Turkish techniques, all while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere. These hands-on classes offer a unique way to connect with others, try new flavors and enjoy restaurant-quality meals you helped prepare. Whether you're visiting or local, you’ll be inspired to bring a taste of Istanbul to your home kitchen.
What types of cooking classes can I choose from?
Cooking classes offer something for every culinary interest and skill level, with new courses added regularly, so there’s always something fresh to try. From authentic Turkish cuisine to the region’s international influences, you’ll join expert chefs to craft traditional dishes like Adana and Iskender kebabs or build meze platters with baba ghanoush, cacık and stuffed grape leaves. Explore iconic street food like midye dolma and kumpir, or expand your baking skills with sesame-seed encrusted simit or nut-filled baklava. You’ll learn essential skills like grilling, seasoning, dough making and pastry baking in a welcoming, social environment. Classes promise plenty of fun, flavor and traditional techniques you can bring home.
Where do the classes take place?
From the lively streets of Beyoğlu to the historic charm of Sultanahmet and the trendy cafés of Kadıköy, Istanbul’s best cooking classes are available near you. As long as the chef has access to a clean, fully equipped kitchen, culinary experiences can take place in the chef’s kitchen, at a premium third-party venue or your place. Each Cozymeal listing provides key details, including the class location (with a helpful map), the chef’s background and the curated multi-course menu. If the chef is traveling, they will provide everything needed — from fresh local ingredients to traditional tools like copper pans and clay pots. You’ll explore traditional Turkish recipes while enjoying the hospitality Istanbul is known for.
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