Top Istanbul Food & Drink Classes

Coffee lovers won’t want to miss this uniquely Istanbul experience, which dives deep into the art of Turkish coffee. Learn how brewing with sand lets you control temperatures; master the art of the long-handled copper “cezve” pot; choose between eight different coffee types; and snack on traditional sweet treats. You’ll also discover how to tell fortunes using coffee grounds and take home your own bean blend, cezve, and cup set.

This experience is hosted in a lived-in Istanbul home, not a cooking studio. You'll be cooking with someone who grew up making Turkish dishes by hand, learning the rhythm and ritual behind every fold. It’s a deeply personal experience where food is a bridge — between cultures, generations, and new friends.

This experience is all about warmth, connection, and home-cooked goodness. You won’t be in a fancy kitchen or a cooking school—you’ll be in a real Turkish home, where a local mom from Southeast Turkey will welcome you like family. Together, you’ll cook home-style Turkish-Kurdish dishes, the kind that have been passed down through generations and made with love. But this isn’t just about food—it’s about sharing stories, laughter, and traditions. As you roll dolma or prepare fresh mezes, you’ll hear about the little secrets that make each dish special and how food brings people together in Turkey. More than a class, it’s a chance to experience true Turkish home hospitality—sitting around the table, enjoying a homemade feast, and feeling like you truly belong. From the moment you walk in, you won’t feel like a guest—you’ll feel like an old friend.

Experience Turkish Delight in the most authentic way: learn its 250-year-old story, taste three unique varieties, and watch each step of the traditional lokum-making process in a hands-on cultural workshop. Guided by a local expert and completed with a special gift from Istanbul’s oldest confectioner, Hacı Bekir (est. 1777).

Master the art of preparing Turkish coffee during a small-group class in Istanbul. Begin at Balkapanı Han with a history lesson on coffee in Turkish culture. Then, follow your instructor's lead to create the perfect cup of this iconic beverage. At the end, enjoy a fortune reading of your coffee grounds and receive a charming coffee set to take home.

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.

During this tour, you can join your host in their home for an authentic Turkish cooking experience. Discover how locals prepare their meals and get immersed in the tapestry of Turkish culture, gaining insights you won't find online or on Istanbul's bustling streets. Explore a local charcuterie, green grocery, spice store, pickle store, and meze shop. After shopping, cook together and share stories about cultures, religions, literature, and even politics.

This experience takes place in one of Kadıköy’s rare garden homes — not a studio, not a restaurant, but a lived-in family space where meals are made with heart. You’ll cook side-by-side with a professional chef and his mother, learning recipes that have been passed down through generations and shaped by the seasons. It’s an invitation into real Turkish life, where food isn’t just eaten — it’s shared, talked over, and remembered. Guests often say they came for the cooking, but stayed for the stories, the laughter, and the feeling of being part of a home.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Sightseeing in Istanbul’s Old Town can be magical but sometimes you need to take a break. Build your barista skills and cultural understanding on this fascinating small-group workshop, just a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque. From grinding the coffee beans to brewing the “cezve” pot over hot sand, learn the art of creating Turkish coffee, Istanbul-style.

Uncover the sacred practice of the mystical Sufis at a Mevlevi Sema ceremony, held at Istanbul’s Hodjapasha Culture Center. Have the special chance to witness the 750-year-old tradition, which has been preserved on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Be mesmerized by the sight of the whirling dervishes as they perform their unique rituals during a show with a live orchestra.

Journey from teapot to cup in Istanbul's largest creative atelier between Galataport and Galata Tower. Discover teas from around the world while experiencing authentic Turkish tea culture What Makes This Special: ✨ Taste and compare five different tea worlds from China to the Black Sea region ✨ Learn traditional Turkish thin-waisted glass tea culture and double teapot secrets ✨ Master Chinese gaiwan brewing technique alongside Turkish methods ✨ Expert guidance in Turkish, English, or Russian with hands-on experience ✨ Discover how temperature and time transform each tea's unique character ✨ Create your own personalized tea blend suited to your palate ✨ Enjoy unlimited tastings with fresh Turkish delight and traditional treats ✨ Flexible sessions from 08:00 to 23:00 in a warm, aromatic atmosphere ✨ Perfect for tea lovers, couples, families, and groups up to 250 people Experience the calming ritual of tea in a spacious atelier where aromas pamper your senses

There’s no better gift to bring home from Istanbul than the art of Turkish cooking. Discover the rich flavors of authentic Turkish mezes and how to prepare them during this small-group class led by an experienced local cook. Master delicious—and 100-percent vegetarian—treats like “imam bayıldı”, a melt-in-the-mouth eggplant dish, “haydari”, a garlicky yogurt delight, and so much more.

Hands-on fun: you actually weave, not just watch Our motto: Quality > Quantity → small groups, patient guidance, cozy atmosphere Cultural depth: stories, history, and meaning woven in Totally beginner-friendly (kids too — and yes, even “naughty ones” ) Flexible timing to fit your trip schedule Tea, coffee, snacks, and laughs included You take home your own handmade piece — 100% more unique than a fridge magnet

Discover vegan Turkish cuisine in this hands-on, small-group cooking class in the home of an Istanbul local. Instead of hunting down a vegan-friendly restaurant, enjoy a cozy home atmosphere as you craft traditional Turkish dishes with a vegan twist. At the end, dine on your creations, and leave knowing how to recreate the recipes at home.

Join an interactive workshop where you'll master the art of Turkish coffee making with a local expert. Begin by grinding premium coffee beans and brewing authentic Turkish coffee using a traditional cezve pot—easy to recreate at home. Discover the cultural significance of Turkish coffee in daily life. Engage in traditional coffee conversations and learn the art of coffee fortune-telling, offering unique insights into Turkish customs. Taste three varieties of Turkish coffee, paired with sweet delights like Turkish Delight. The workshop accommodates all dietary preferences; just inform us in advance of any restrictions.

Experience Istanbul like never before with a modern Bosphorus-side tavern offering breathtaking views, exquisite à la carte dining, and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening featuring live music and a mesmerizing belly dance performance, combining traditional Turkish entertainment with a contemporary twist. With the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and nightlife, this is a truly unforgettable Istanbul experience.

Discover Istanbul’s European and Asian sides—and taste a range of delectable Turkish delicacies—on this full-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning in Istanbul’s Old City, and be sure to come hungry: you have a day of feasting ahead of you. Explore a spice market, and enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, before crossing the Bosphorus to trendy Kadikoy. Sip Turkish coffee, visit multiple restaurants, and discover Istanbul’s must-try dishes.

Get to know the complex food culture of Istanbul on this guided street food walking tour. Explore the Pera neighborhood and visit some of the hidden passages and streets including the Flower Passage, Hazzopulo, and Asmali Mescit. Stop at traditional meyhanes and food markets and sample a wide range of cuisine, including snacks, desserts, and drinks.

This experience takes place in Rojda's real Istanbul home — not a cooking school. You’ll be rolling dough in the same kitchen where she’s cooked for her family since childhood. Guests often say they came for the baklava, but stayed for the feeling of being welcomed like an old friend.

What makes Turkish coffee special? It is the culture of it. Just like British have their tea sessions, we have our Turkish coffee session. Although there are a lot to be said about Turkish coffee, we want to keep it for the experience, no spoilers.. We will welcome you at our home to teach your Turkish coffee, from its history and culture to its variety and how it is an everyday thing in our culture. We will teach you how to cook Turkish coffee, just like our mothers cooked for their guests for years. We will be cooking and tasting at least 3 Turkish Coffee types. Menengiç, Dibek, Mırra, Sütlü Türk kahvesi are some of the Turkish Coffee types. During the experience, you will also learn about crazy interesting Turkish coffee customes in our history. These stories will make you feel like you are a part of the culture as well, and that will be our biggest goal for the experience. So, come, join us at our home for a Turkish Coffee session. But come as a guest, leave as a friend!

Discover the ancient art of distillation in an immersive, hands-on workshop set within the walls of Little Hagia Sophia—a hidden cultural sanctuary in Istanbul. Choose between lavender or bay leaves (seasonally, rose may be available) and experience the full process of transforming aromatic plants into pure hydrosol using traditional copper stills. Guided by an expert host, you’ll: – Learn the history and modern uses of plant distillation – Participate in every step of the process, from preparation to bottling – Smell, touch, and see the transformation of raw herbs into natural essence – Take home a bottle of your freshly made hydrosol This two-hour experience is ideal for curious minds, nature lovers, and those interested in wellness rituals. No prior experience is needed—just bring your senses and curiosity! Enjoy tea, conversation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in one of the city’s most historic locations.

Embark on a Cultural and Culinary Journey through Istanbul’s Waters: Step aboard our luxury dinner cruise and experience the fusion of Turkish cuisine and culture. Start with an assortment of 10 traditional snacks, followed by a choice between a succulent mixed grill plate or perfectly grilled fish, all while sailing past Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. As you dine, be transported by live performances, from the mesmerizing whirling dervish to the dramatic sword dance, all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Bosphorus. This is not just a dinner—it's an immersive journey into the heart of Turkish tradition and flavor.