Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes: Address, Phone Number, Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes Reviews: 5/5
Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes
Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Sisli
For much of Istanbul’s history, Sisli and the area just north of Taksim Square were open countryside used mostly as hunting grounds. These days, Sisli and its chic streets are considered the very heart of contemporary Istanbuli life, where an epicenter of fashion and a thriving business district meet to create an expressly “downtown” feel. Though largely a residential neighborhood, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and upscale shops abound with many of them situated inside or nearby Cevahir Istanbul, the biggest shopping mall in Europe and second biggest urban shopping mall in the world. Shopaholics and fashionistas travel from near and far to browse the area's mix of major global brand items and creations by popular Turkish designers.
How to get there
- Osmanbey • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,216 within 3 miles
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Cafe Zone
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Zucca Pizza
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Adana Ocakbasi
174
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53
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Nisantasi Baskose
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161
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Tatbak
190
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Turkish • Halal
Hunkar Restaurant
273
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Turkish • Middle Eastern • Vegetarian Friendly
Frankie Istanbul
261
0.4 mi$$$$ • International • Mediterranean • European
Attractions
999 within 6 miles
Askerî Müze ve Kültür Sitesi Komutanlığı
384
0.1 miMilitary Museums
Kenter Theater
1
0.1 miTheaters
Sisli Mosque
2
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
BlackOut Sisli
5
0.3 miShopping Malls
Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre
29
0.3 miConvention Centers
X-Ist
2
0.3 miArt Galleries
Kare Art Gallery
1
0.3 miArt Galleries
Suleymaniye Mosque
12,415
2.6 miReligious Sites
CI - Contemporary Istanbul
8
0.3 miArt Galleries
Bet Israel Synagogue
5
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
169 reviews
Excellent
164
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs. Globeklotter
Zurich, Switzerland38 contributions
Amazing class! After a short walk around the neighborhood and a brief history of Turkey and its people, we learned how to make traditional Turkish dishes, in a clean and fun environment. We enjoyed stories about the traditions, every day life and whatnot. It was really a blast!
Further, we used Aysin and a driver to guide us for four days all around Istanbul. It was great! The first day was the afternoon neighborhood walk about and cooking class, as we arrived in the afternoon. The next morning we struck out on an all day driving tour of both sides of the Bosphorus, hopping out in key spots to walk around and discuss the history of the neighborhood, architecture and whatnot. We stopped for a great lunch where we had the best kebab and other delights. The third day we went to see the Haga Sophia and Blue Mosque, more walking around and eating. On our last morning we walked about Taxim and did the grand bazaar and spice market. The bazaar is something you have to see, of course, but not sure we would go back. The spice market, on the other hand, was spectacular and we came home with a bag full of spices.
One thing we didn't do that we will do on our next trip is have breakfast in the neighborhood known for big breakfasts that Aysin showed us - it looked so good! I would recommend not eating at your hotel one morning and take your appetite. Also, we will visit the palace, which was closed for renovations.
Aysin is very flexible, making sure you see all of the things you want, and making it as long or as short as you like. We had a driver pick us up from the airport, and also included airport dropoff. I highly recommend getting a driver - it really is worth the cost.
Go do the cooking class - and then take Aysin out with you for guided touring.
Thanks, Aysin! See you soon!
Further, we used Aysin and a driver to guide us for four days all around Istanbul. It was great! The first day was the afternoon neighborhood walk about and cooking class, as we arrived in the afternoon. The next morning we struck out on an all day driving tour of both sides of the Bosphorus, hopping out in key spots to walk around and discuss the history of the neighborhood, architecture and whatnot. We stopped for a great lunch where we had the best kebab and other delights. The third day we went to see the Haga Sophia and Blue Mosque, more walking around and eating. On our last morning we walked about Taxim and did the grand bazaar and spice market. The bazaar is something you have to see, of course, but not sure we would go back. The spice market, on the other hand, was spectacular and we came home with a bag full of spices.
One thing we didn't do that we will do on our next trip is have breakfast in the neighborhood known for big breakfasts that Aysin showed us - it looked so good! I would recommend not eating at your hotel one morning and take your appetite. Also, we will visit the palace, which was closed for renovations.
Aysin is very flexible, making sure you see all of the things you want, and making it as long or as short as you like. We had a driver pick us up from the airport, and also included airport dropoff. I highly recommend getting a driver - it really is worth the cost.
Go do the cooking class - and then take Aysin out with you for guided touring.
Thanks, Aysin! See you soon!
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brock L
22 contributions
Couples
A wonderful wonderful time. Aysin provided us lovely insight into local Turkish history, customs, culture, and cuisine. It was such a delight experiencing her neighbourhood with her, getting to know her, and learning some recipes with her. A wonderful afternoon and evening.
Written March 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BJSINV
Inverness, United Kingdom67 contributions
Friends
I had family out visiting me in Istanbul and I wanted to try and show them a bit more of Turkey than the usual tourist sites. So a cookery lesson seemed a great idea give the high reputation of Turkish cuisine. I'm really glad I booked a class with Cookistan. Both Aysin and Aysun are really warm and friendly. Aysin took us round the local area and her past experience as a tour guide and running her own restaurant really shows. She can cope with pretty much any question you ask! It was good to get an introduction to Turkish food from the local shops (what kind of things to buy and where from) before we started our cooking lesson. The location is great: 2 minutes walk from Osmanbey metro (just one stop from Taksim). As you can see from the photos on their website, their cooking facilities are modern, clean and really help you feel relaxed. The lessons themselves are all fun and nowhere near as complicated as you'd expect which is important for someone like me who isn't a great cook but they can adapt your lesson to your level of experience or any dietary requirements. We made 6 dishes, all very straightforward and all of which reflected different aspects of Turkish geography, history and culture. And perhaps just as importantly we then enjoyed eating them! You get a recipe book at the end so there's no excuse for not trying it on your own.
Written March 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
stonerage
Bradford, UK145 contributions
Solo
I love to cook and had a real stroke of luck as I found Cookistan when just googling for a class.
After an easy email exchange to make my reservation, I was met on the day by Liva who immediately put me at ease.
We had a great start to the day by touring the neighborhood, visiting local shops (these are nothing like the touristy places you will see but genuine local artisans making pastries, bread and my favorite, preparing fresh artichokes).
After buying a few items for our class, we then arrived at the beautiful loft space which is so welcoming and cosy. Here we were joined by Emine who made some tea to go with our pastries. After chatting for a while like old friends we began the class. All of the dishes were interesting, varied and easy to replicate. I enjoyed new tastes and textures, I loved everything but especially the artichokes cooked with vegetables and orange juice and the caramelized pumpkin dessert with walnuts and tahini. I learned a lot about the culture of Turkish food and also got many tips for sightseeing and even help booking a Hamam! Seriously I cannot recommend this class enough, you will have a memorable time and meet some truly lovely people (and if you want, even get a takeaway of your huge lunch to enjoy later). Thank you for a great day x
After an easy email exchange to make my reservation, I was met on the day by Liva who immediately put me at ease.
We had a great start to the day by touring the neighborhood, visiting local shops (these are nothing like the touristy places you will see but genuine local artisans making pastries, bread and my favorite, preparing fresh artichokes).
After buying a few items for our class, we then arrived at the beautiful loft space which is so welcoming and cosy. Here we were joined by Emine who made some tea to go with our pastries. After chatting for a while like old friends we began the class. All of the dishes were interesting, varied and easy to replicate. I enjoyed new tastes and textures, I loved everything but especially the artichokes cooked with vegetables and orange juice and the caramelized pumpkin dessert with walnuts and tahini. I learned a lot about the culture of Turkish food and also got many tips for sightseeing and even help booking a Hamam! Seriously I cannot recommend this class enough, you will have a memorable time and meet some truly lovely people (and if you want, even get a takeaway of your huge lunch to enjoy later). Thank you for a great day x
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asiya PD
South Africa4 contributions
Couples
This was one of my highlights of Istanbul. A private class for 3, Aysin’s & Emine’s warm, welcoming, relaxed demeanor is infectious and her teaching approach was brilliant. Her home is warm, cozy, immaculately clean and beautiful decorated.
The recipes are simple yet delicious. Hands on and interactive this is was an amazing way to end our trip. If you enjoy cooking this is definitely something you must do!
The recipes are simple yet delicious. Hands on and interactive this is was an amazing way to end our trip. If you enjoy cooking this is definitely something you must do!
Written November 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin B
Moorreesburg, South Africa22 contributions
Family
What a fantastic local experience. We had a gentle walk through the neighborhood looking and tasting food from local shops and stalls, then ended at a house for a cooking lesson of local cuisine and a dinning experience well worth every cent. It was suited to our teenage children.
Written June 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Potato Juice
Dubai47 contributions
Couples
Aysin's cooking class is a very lovely experience. It's a great insight into some Turkish history through the lens of food and cooking. The fact that Aysin used to be a tour guide helps and means that she's a treasure trove of great recommendations for all things Istanbul and Turkey.
A very well organized experience. Learnt a few new cooking techniques, the food was delicious and the host super friendly. I can't recommend enough.
A very well organized experience. Learnt a few new cooking techniques, the food was delicious and the host super friendly. I can't recommend enough.
Written June 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ceebuster
6 contributions
Couples
This was a brilliant evening - We highly recommend this!
After a short trip around the neighbourhood exploring the butchers and bakers (plus a cheeky sweet treat!) we got cooking. The cooking instruction was great and the setting really lovely. We had plenty of time to socialise with the other guests, and our hosts were extremely welcoming!
A big bonus was they even cooked within our dietary requirements, which was excellent!
After a short trip around the neighbourhood exploring the butchers and bakers (plus a cheeky sweet treat!) we got cooking. The cooking instruction was great and the setting really lovely. We had plenty of time to socialise with the other guests, and our hosts were extremely welcoming!
A big bonus was they even cooked within our dietary requirements, which was excellent!
Written February 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HelgaB77
Bettystown, Ireland14 contributions
Couples
When asked what my favourite part of my trip to Istanbul was, strangely enough it wasn't the stunning mosques and buildings on display but my half day experience with Aysin and Iris cooking "Istanbul style"! What a fun day, not only for the obvious joy of learning new local dishes but just to experience a day in the life of some fabulous Turkish people.. I said at the end of our experience that I felt as though I'd just had lunch with some old friends and that's exactly how my husband and I felt..
There are hundreds of wonderful reviews on Cookistan and for very good reason.. I wish them all the very best for a long and prosperous future.
Helen & Noel
There are hundreds of wonderful reviews on Cookistan and for very good reason.. I wish them all the very best for a long and prosperous future.
Helen & Noel
Written May 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robin m
2 contributions
Solo
Would recommend this to anybody interested in food & culture. Aysin & her team are really knowledgeable and was interesting to learn about her neighborhood as she took us for a short tour before inviting us into her home and show us how to cook authentic Turkish food.
Written October 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roving319855
2 contributions
It's possible for my husband to assist at the cooking class and just take pictures of me cooking?
Ttaylo3
Toronto, Canada470 contributions
I’m not sure what you’re asking... but if you both paid, you’d both be cooking.
Did-mo
Luzon, Philippines218 contributions
Do they have a different menu every day for their classes? The website does not give any options as to the dishes by the day.
trevorviegas
Ascot, UK228 contributions
Hi,
you can talk to the chefs and tell them what you want to learn.
Aysin is awesome and very helpful.
foroozanrabooki
Istanbul, Turkey4 contributions
Hi do they give certifications?
Alan G
Perth, Australia41 contributions
No, just a recipe book. It is not intended to be a training class, just for fun and to learn some Turkish cooking.
Shaz Mc
Port Elizabeth, South Africa56 contributions
hi
what are the prices, we are from South Africa, so require the price in Turkish currency, also how long> half day / whole day. we will be at the Sultan Hotel , kadirga Meydan Sok, no.17 A Sultanahmet , Fatih, 34122 Istanbul
is this close to you, or do you suggest a cookery course closer to our vicinity
thx
Shaz
Mohd
Amwaj Islands, Bahrain40 contributions
USD 110, it takes 5 hrs apprx.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes
- Hotels near Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes:
- (0.01 mi) Park Grazza Hotel
- (0.02 mi) The Sisli Beijing Hotel
- (0.02 mi) The Sisli Hermes Park
- (0.02 mi) Karahan Residence
- (0.03 mi) Kinda Apartment Taksim
- Restaurants near Cookistan Istanbul Cooking Classes:
- (0.02 mi) Mantra Gastro Pub
- (0.03 mi) Tahir Usta Durum ve Kebap Salonu
- (0.03 mi) Dokur Kebap Lahmacun ve Pide Salonu
- (0.03 mi) Cafe De Sutlava
- (0.03 mi) Tatlises Cig Kofte