Hands-on Ottoman and Turkish cooking class in a Sultanahmet historic building. Learn to prepare 5-6 traditional dishes including stuffed vegetables (dolma), lamb stew, and traditional desserts. Market visit optional add-on. Meal served with wine.
Cooking Alaturka is a dedicated Ottoman and Turkish cooking school operating from a historic building in the Sultanahmet district, the heart of Istanbul's old city. The school has offered hands-on cooking classes to international visitors for over two decades and is one of Istanbul's most established culinary education providers, known for its focus on authentic Ottoman culinary tradition rather than simplified tourist-facing recipes. Classes run for four hours and cover 5–6 traditional dishes drawn from a rotating curriculum that reflects seasonal produce and classical Ottoman technique. A typical session includes stuffed vine leaves (yaprak sarma) or bell peppers (biber dolması), a slow-cooked lamb stew (kuzu güveç), a cold meze such as haydari or patlıcan salatası, and a dessert — commonly sütlaç (baked rice pudding) or the caramelised kazandibi. Participants work alongside the instructor throughout rather than observing, handling each preparation stage from cleaning and cutting through seasoning and plating. The Sultanahmet kitchen is purpose-built within a restored stone building retaining elements of its original Ottoman-era architecture. Work surfaces accommodate groups of up to twelve participants and the class is conducted in English. Dietary substitutions for vegetarians and those with common food allergies are available; advance notice allows the kitchen to modify the menu appropriately. An optional market visit add-on begins approximately two hours before the main class and covers the herb, spice, and vegetable vendors in the Sultanahmet area. The guide explains how to identify fresh produce, navigate spice merchants without overpaying, and select the cuts of meat used in Ottoman stewing tradition. The completed dishes are served as a shared meal at the end of the session, accompanied by Turkish wine. The price of $75–100 USD covers all ingredients, the four-hour class, the shared communal meal, and wine. Participants may take any remaining prepared food home in packaging provided by the school. Classes fill quickly during peak season between April and June and September and October.
Good to know
- Operator
- Cooking Alaturka
Highlights
- Hands-on preparation of 5–6 traditional Ottoman dishes including dolma, lamb stew, and dessert
- Cooking in a restored Ottoman-era building in the Sultanahmet historic district
- Instruction by experienced Turkish culinary teachers in a purpose-built kitchen
- Shared communal meal of all prepared dishes served with Turkish wine at session's end
- Optional market visit to Sultanahmet spice and vegetable vendors as an add-on
Tips for visiting
- Book the optional market visit add-on if available — understanding ingredient sourcing adds depth to the class
- Arrive hungry; the communal meal at the end is generous and constitutes a full lunch or dinner
- Wear clothes that can get splashed — working with olive oil, tomato sauces, and grape leaves leaves marks
- Vegetarian and common allergen accommodations are possible with advance notice; contact the school at booking
- Classes sell out during peak season (April–June, September–October) — book two to three weeks ahead
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any cooking experience to join?
No prior cooking experience is required. The instructor guides participants through each step at a pace suitable for beginners while providing enough depth to engage experienced cooks.
What language is the class taught in?
Classes are conducted in English. Turkish-language sessions are available on request for groups.
Can I take the food I prepare home?
Yes. Any remaining portions of prepared dishes can be packaged to take home. Most participants leave with a full container of at least one dish.
Is the optional market visit included in the standard price?
No. The market visit is a separately priced add-on requiring an early start approximately two hours before the main class. It is particularly recommended for participants interested in Turkish ingredient culture.
Are vegetarian or vegan menu options available?
Vegetarian menus can be arranged with advance notice — Turkish cuisine has a strong vegetable and meze tradition that supports entirely plant-based sessions. Vegan adaptations are also possible but require more modification and must be requested at booking.