Istanbul Meze Cooking Class – Market & Home Experience
Discover the art of Turkish meze in a real Istanbul home.
Led by a native Turkish home chef fluent in English, this immersive culinary experience begins near the historic Spice Bazaar and continues across the waters of the Bosphorus to a private home kitchen.
This is not a studio class.
It is a warm, authentic home gathering centered around flavor.
The Experience
We begin with a guided exploration around the Spice Bazaar area, discovering the spices, olives, cheeses, and seasonal ingredients that form the foundation of Turkish meze culture. A private spice tasting session introduces you to the aromas and flavor profiles that make Turkish appetizers so vibrant and memorable.
Afterwards, we board a local ferry and cross the Bosphorus — a beautiful and authentic part of daily Istanbul life — before continuing by private transfer to a welcoming Istanbul home.
In the kitchen, the experience becomes fully hands-on. Together, you will prepare a variety of traditional Turkish mezes and seasonal salads using extra-fresh ingredients. From creamy eggplant creations to vibrant herb-based dishes, you’ll learn techniques and flavor combinations that can easily be recreated at home.
We conclude the experience gathered around the table, enjoying the colorful spread you have prepared, accompanied by Turkish wine and relaxed conversation.
From the colors of the Spice Bazaar to the shared plates around a home table, this is Istanbul’s meze culture — tasted, crossed, prepared, and enjoyed together.
MEZE
Adaptable as nibbles, appetizers, snacks, or buffet spread, Turkish Meze and salads are delicious and infinite in variety- there are said to be over 40 dishes with eggplant alone.
The wonderful thing about Meze is that there are no rules. Often loosely translated as hors d’oeuvres, appetizer or snack, meze is so versatile that it can be all of these things and more.
The literal translation is “pleasant taste” and that is just what meze is – something tasty.
What’s Included
• Guided exploration around the Spice Bazaar
• Private spice tasting session
• Scenic Bosphorus ferry crossing
• Private transfer to the home
• 2-hour hands-on meze cooking class
• Lunch featuring a generous meze spread + dessert
• Turkish wine
• Turkish Flavours recipe booklet
Minimum 2 participants required. Group sizes are intentionally kept small to preserve an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Lunch only (for friends or family not attending the cooking class):
$75 per guest
Private bookings available upon request
