This tour introduces you to women's cooperatives that keep the region's rich culinary traditions alive. Guided by experienced housewives and cooperative members, you'll personally cook, serve, and taste authentic Anatolian delicacies prepared with local ingredients and traditional methods.
Members of the women's cooperative greet you in a warm, homely setting, where you'll receive a brief overview of the day's program and an introduction to the dishes you'll be preparing together. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are then cleaned, sorted and prepped as a group — and the cooperative women share the story behind each one.
From there, the real cooking begins. You'll prepare the main dish and side presentations from your chosen menu, with traditional recipes and hands-on techniques — rolling, kneading, wrapping — taught step by step. Once everything is ready, the finished dishes are arranged on the table in the traditional Anatolian style and each presentation is carefully plated.
The tour program is enriched with regional specialities such as stuffed grape leaves, stuffed eggplant, stuffed dumplings and gözleme (Turkish pancake) cooked over a wood fire, as well as traditional mezes like carrot tarator, eggplant salad, kısır (bulgur salad) and lentil meatballs. Strained yogurt with molasses, sigara böreği (cigarette-shaped pastry), pişi (fried dough) and homemade pickles are also integral parts of the offering.
The meal is then enjoyed together at the same table with the cooperative women, rounded off with homemade tea or ayran as the conversation flows freely. Each menu option encompasses five side presentations of your choice — so whether you prefer a light experience or a full-fledged dining tour, there's an option to suit your needs.
Highlights
Cook side by side with local women's cooperative members in a kitchen setting
Prepare traditional dishes including dolma mantı, karnıyarık and wood-fire gözleme using locally sourced ingredients
Choose 5 side presentations from a rich selection of 13 traditional mezes and small plates
Sit down and enjoy the meal you cooked together at a shared table with homemade tea or ayran
Support local women's cooperatives and contribute directly to the preservation of regional food culture
Three menu options to suit different preferences and budgets
Tour Options
Gözleme & Light Bites
From €50 per person
A lighter tour centred on cooking gözleme (Turkish Pancake) over a wood fire, a truly hands-on experience. Served with salad and a glass of homemade tea or ayran. You get to choose 5 side presentations from the regional specialities. Ideal for a lighter appetite or a relaxed morning out.
Classic Anatolian Spread with Karnıyarık & Rice
From €60 per person
A quintessential Anatolian meal built around karnıyarık ,a tender eggplant stuffed with a richly spiced filling, fluffy rice completed with cooling cacık and a regional dessert, the perfect balance of variety and tradition. You get to choose 5 side presentations from the regional specialities.
Full Table Experience with Dolma Mantı
From €70 per person
Centred around dolma mantı, a beloved local dumpling dish. Rounded off with a regional dessert and freshly baked bread. You get to choose 5 side presentations from the regional specialities.
What's Included
Hotel Pick up& Drop off (add on)
All ingredients and cooking materials
Full meal — main dish + 5 side presentations of your choice
Homemade tea or ayran during the shared meal
Not Included
Cooperative handcraft products (available to purchase)
Know Before You Go
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
All skill levels are welcome — no prior cooking experience is needed. The tour is suitable for adults and older children accompanied by an adult.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing
Camera or phone
Not Suitable For
People with severe food allergies
Guests with limited mobility
Not Allowed
Bringing outside food or beverages into the cooking area
Tour Details
Guide
No Guide
Transportation
Car
Vehicle
6
Languages
English
Meals
Lunch
Pet Policy
Pets Not Allowed
Tour Code
COOKINGCLASS
FAQ
How do I choose my 5 side presentations?
You'll be presented with the full list of 13 side presentations after your booking. Simply select your 5 favourites and we'll make sure everything is ready on the day. If you're unsure, our team is happy to suggest combinations that work well together.
Can I change my menu option after booking?
Yes, menu changes are accepted up to 48 hours before the tour date. Please contact us as early as possible so we can adjust the ingredient preparations accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
Several dishes on the menu are naturally vegetarian, including gözleme, kısır, lentil köfte and many of the meze options. Please let us know your dietary preferences at the time of booking and we will tailor the experience to suit you.
Can I purchase cooperative products on the day?
Yes. At the end of the tour, handcrafted products made by the cooperative members are available to purchase — a wonderful way to support the cooperative and bring a piece of local craft home with you.
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