Excursion Street food & turkish cooking class tour at Istanbul

Discover the secrets to preparing traditional Turkish cuisine during this private and interactive, full-day cooking class excursion with lunch.

Istanbul, Kurtulus, Local Food Shops and Farmers' Markets, Meet the Owners

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Kurtulus (formerly Tatavla). One of Istanbul's most historic neighbourhoods, Kurtulus is a place where Jews, Armenians, and other Christians still live together in peace to this day. Upon arrival, it's easy to understand why community life in Kurtulus evolves around food. Led by your chef-guide, discover authentic food shops and farmers' markets, the ideal places for picking up fresh ingredients for your interactive cooking class. Meet the baker of a traditional bakery, a third-generation milkman, green-grocer with fresh seasonal produce, cheese shop owner, and the pickle-maker.

Chef's Kitchen, Welcome Tea, Interactive Cooking Class

Next, a short walk to the chef's kitchen. After a welcome cay (chai) tea and some friendly conversation, it's time to don your apron begin your interactive cooking class. Along the way, learn about Turkish heritage, customs, and traditions, and help prepare six different traditional Turkish specialities.

Lunch, Raki, Turkish Coffee, Dessert

Once lunch is ready, it's time to enjoy the food you have helped to prepare with a cup of raki, an alcoholic beverage made from grapes and anise. For a sweet finale, enjoy a pumpkin dessert laced with tahini and walnuts, and, of course, a Turkish coffee.

At the conclusion of your meal, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Istanbul, Kurtulus, Local Food Shops and Farmer's Markets, Chef's Kitchen, Welcome Tea, Interactive Turkish Cooking Class, Lunch, Raki, Turkish Coffee, Dessert

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.06 miles (about 1.7 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the cooking class venue. This tour is not suitable for guests with food allergies, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, bottled water, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Cooking utensils and aprons are provided. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.