Istanbul Cooking Class: A Culinary Journey Through Turkish Flavors (Half day afternoon)

Why Choose This Class?

• Authentic Experience: Learn from a local chef who will guide you through traditional Turkish recipes and techniques.
• English-Friendly: All instructions are given in English, ensuring an engaging and accessible experience for international travelers.
• Hands-On Cooking: Get directly involved in preparing each dish, from chopping and mixing to cooking and plating.
• Cultural Immersion: Learn about Turkish food culture, the importance of hospitality, and the stories behind each dish.
• Small Group Setting: Enjoy a personalized experience in a small group, allowing for interaction and plenty of one-on-one time with the chef.

What to Expect:

1. Welcome and Introduction to Turkish Cuisine
Your experience begins with a warm welcome from the chef, who will introduce you to the key ingredients and techniques used in Turkish cooking. You’ll learn about the importance of seasonal produce, the influence of Ottoman, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean flavors, and the rich diversity of regional dishes across Turkey.

2. Visit to a Local Market (Optional Add-On)
For a truly authentic experience, start with an optional guided visit to a local market (pazar), where you’ll select fresh ingredients for the day’s cooking. Stroll through colorful stalls filled with spices, herbs, fresh vegetables, and Turkish delicacies, as your guide explains the role of these ingredients in Turkish cuisine. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Istanbul’s bustling market culture.

3. Hands-On Cooking Class
Once in the kitchen, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking! Under the guidance of your chef, you’ll prepare a variety of classic Turkish dishes, such as:

• Mezes (Appetizers): Learn how to make popular small plates like hummus, şakşuka (fried eggplant with tomato sauce), yaprak sarma (stuffed grape leaves), and haydari (yogurt dip with garlic and herbs).
• Main Course: Master a traditional main dish like karnıyarık (stuffed eggplant with ground meat), imam bayıldı (stuffed eggplant without meat), or tavuk şiş (grilled chicken kebabs).
• Pide or Börek: Discover the art of making pide (Turkish flatbread with toppings) or börek (flaky pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat).
• Turkish Desserts: End your culinary experience by preparing a classic Turkish dessert, such as baklava (layers of filo pastry with nuts and syrup) or kazandibi (a caramelized milk pudding).

4. Cooking Techniques and Cultural Insights
Throughout the class, the chef will share tips and techniques that can be easily replicated at home. You’ll also learn the cultural significance of each dish, including how they are traditionally served during Turkish meals and special occasions. The class is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and engage with Turkish food culture.

5. Enjoy Your Meal
After all the hard work, sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Share the meal with your fellow participants and savor the authentic flavors of the dishes you’ve created. This is a time to relax, chat, and enjoy the communal experience of Turkish dining.

6. Take-Home Recipes
At the end of the class, you’ll receive a collection of recipes for all the dishes you prepared, so you can recreate these Turkish favorites at home and impress your friends and family with your newfound cooking skills.