Istanbul cooking classes in Beyoğlu and Sultanahmet
Istanbul has cooking experiences in neighborhoods that many travelers already visit. One option is in Beyoğlu, close to Taksim, while another is in Sultanahmet, near major landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. That makes it easy to combine a class with sightseeing and a deeper look at the city’s food culture.
Istanbul Cooking School
Istanbul Cooking School was established in 2012 in the heart of Istanbul, in Beyoğlu near Taksim Square. Their classes are offered in English, German, Russian, and Arabic. Class size varies between 4 and 10 guests, and private lessons are also available. They were chosen as one of the best 50 cooking schools in Europe in 2014.
Their workshops are also described as a walk through one of Istanbul’s great historic and traditional bazaars. The menu begins with soup, including dishes such as Bride Ezo’s Soup, High Mountain Soup, and the well-known yoghurt soup. Main dishes include stuffed vegetables with meat, described here as one of Turkey’s signature dishes, as well as chicken with walnuts.
The third section is pilav, or rice dishes, a name used for a large variety of preparations. Meyhane Pilavi, a dish made with wheat and meat balls, is one example mentioned. Around Istanbul, you can also see pilav carts selling rice with chicken, which shows how deeply this food is woven into daily life.
Vegetables in olive oil are another important part of the kitchen. One of the most famous dishes is Yaprak Sarma, described here as stuffed vegetables with herbs and spices. Mezes are also central to the school’s teaching, and guests can learn to prepare Humus, Mücver (zucchini patties), and more.
The dessert chapter includes Sütlaç (rice pudding with mastic), Muhallebi (milky puddings), and Irmik, a warm semolina dessert with ice cream. In addition to regular workshops, they also offer corporate cooking classes designed to bring people together. Many companies choose cooking classes to help teams bond, motivate employees, or entertain clients. The courses are available every day.
Cooking Alaturka
Cooking Alaturka opened in 2002 as Istanbul’s first cooking school and has remained a popular choice for travelers. Their idea is simple: cooking and sharing food is one of the quickest ways to discover a new culture. The school is located in Sultan Ahmet, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, in one of the city’s most visited historic areas.
They have over 16 years of experience, more than 40 different recipes, and over 5000 classes, according to the original description. They teach a balanced five-course menu in groups of 2 to 10 people. Their goal is not to turn guests into professional Turkish chefs in just a few hours. Instead, they introduce participants to ingredients commonly used in Turkish Ottoman cuisine and show how to prepare and combine them in ways that may feel new, all in a fun and relaxed setting.
Classes are mainly held in English, and they can also speak Turkish or Italian for private groups. Vegetarians, guests with allergies, gluten intolerance, and other dietary needs can be accommodated. For those interested in taking more than one class, they also have several different menus in their repertoire.
What is included in the menu?
They have four main menus that are frequently requested, though guests can also ask about other dishes. The standard structure is a five-course menu: soup, meze, dessert, main dish, and vegetable in olive oil.
One sample menu includes Ezogelin Çorbası, a red lentil and bulgur soup with dried mint and chili. Imam Bayıldı is eggplant cooked in olive oil with onion, garlic, and tomato. Kabak Mücveri is zucchini pancakes with white cheese and herbs. The main dish is Etli Yaprak Sarması, vine leaves stuffed with meat and served with yogurt. Dessert is Şekerpare, syrupy semolina cakes with hazelnuts.
Why try a cooking class in Istanbul?
A cooking class adds something different to a city trip. Beyond tasting dishes in restaurants, you get to understand ingredients, methods, and the way meals are built around hospitality and sharing. In a city known for markets and food traditions, this kind of experience can complement visits to places like the Spice Bazaar, where many of the flavors and ingredients used in Turkish cooking come to life.
For a broader overview of Turkish cuisine and culture, you can also read the country guide on GoTürkiye or browse the general background on Turkish cuisine. These resources can help you place what you learn in class into a wider cultural context.
Turkish people know how to share their culture in a warm and memorable way, and food is one of the best examples of that. If you want a more personal connection with the city, joining one of these classes can be a lovely way to learn more about Istanbul and the traditions behind its table.
