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Turkish Meze Cooking for Beginners in Istanbul

Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Istanbul, Turkey
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

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.
  • Enjoy personal attention from your instructor on this small-group class
  • Work in an authentic home kitchen for a taste of Istanbul life
  • Bring home unusual but authentic dishes like zucchini tarator
  • Sit down to the fruits of your labor with delicious Turkish bread

Sample Menu

Starter

Carrot Tarator

Starter

Eggplant Meze (İmam Bayıldı )

Starter

Haydari (Yoghurt Meze)

Starter

Zucchini Tarator

What's Included

  • Coffee and/or Tea

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Rasimpaşa, Recaizade Sk. No:37, 34716 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye

      You can easily walk from ferry, the apartment is in Recaizade Sk, will be on your left when you come from the seaside, below there is a cafe called Lethe, you can always call our host for more direct instructions or assistance.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Operating hours
    .8:00 pm

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • 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.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Olivia_H
    Iram was absolutely lovely! The meze were delicious and it felt like we were having dinner with a new friend, absolutely recommend!

    Reviews

    4.7
    based on 15 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Iram was absolutely...

    Olivia_H, Oct 2025
    Iram was absolutely lovely! The meze were delicious and it felt like we were having dinner with a new friend, absolutely recommend!

    This was a cool and...

    JoseNuno_T, Oct 2025
    This was a cool and authentic experience of cooking Turkish meze! Thanks so much to our host. :) :) :)

    More than Meze

    Ken_W, Aug 2025
    Guidance from a very experienced and practical young woman. She was able to connect very well and involve us in the experience fully.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Meze is all about sharing, and she loved sharing this time with you. 🥗

    What a lovely evening!...

    Cherron_R, Apr 2025
    What a lovely evening! Our host was an absolute sweetheart. We made Turkish coffee and four different Turkish mezzes—such a fun and delicious experience. It was the perfect way to spend our 8-hour layover. It was also really special to chat with someone native to the country and learn a bit about her traditions and culture.

    Thank you Irem for...

    NishaDolma_L, Aug 2024
    Thank you Irem for welcoming us into your home for an intimate and delicious dinner. Sharing some traditional and simple foods with you and chatting as if we were old friends was just what we needed in a big city full of strangers!

    Delicious yet vegetarian

    Bob_S, Jun 2024
    This evening İrem showed me how to make four common Turkish meze. Haydari (cheese and yogurt) - The mint is dried and fried in butter but the dill is fresh, chopped and sprinkled in. Babaganuș (smoked aubergine and parsley) Kabak Tarator (fried shredded courgette with yogurt) Havuç Tarator (fried shredded carrot with yogurt)

    Fun evening learning to cook turkish mezze

    Antoine_L, Jun 2024
    We had a good time learning to cook some turkish mezze for our last night in Türkiye! Our host was of great company and very welcoming. I would recommend this activity to anyone and would be happy to try other Lokal Bond classes anytime!

    Riquísima!!

    Aime_L, Jul 2024
    Es una clase muy amena! Ira es muy atenta y explica todo muy bien,y está de más decir que cocina muy rico! Súper recomendada!

    From $55.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 14 days in advance.

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