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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!…
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Date of experience: August 2020
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Couldn’t recommend Aysin’s class more! Firstly we walk around the neighbourhood which gives you a real insight into the traditions and typical daily life, and then in Aysin’s lovely home we learnt about Turkish cuisine & cooking techniques! Aysin & her sister are so warm and welcoming and we had a lot of laughs! Thanks again :)…
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Date of experience: August 2020
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Don’t miss the Cookistan cooking course before leaving Istanbul!!! Before I visited Istanbul, I searched the website and read an article about this cooking course, I immediately decided to join it. Since I was a solo traveler so I couldn’t make it online. Anyway, my friend helped me to book the course and it was absolutely one of the best experience in my whole trip. (19days) I had really high expectation and without doubt, this is beyond the expectation!!! I recommend 100%. Started from the touring of neighborhood, had tea time,(plz remind yourself don’t eat too much durning lunch time. Since the cookies and delight is unstoppable), then the cooking. Aysin explained everything and told us a lot of stories. We were three joined the course and we had so many women talks together! Eating the food by ourselves is so good(since I don’t cook at home... haha) and the food is really something that you can cook again at home. The whole experience was really amazing and we love the cooking house also! I told Aysin if I came back again, I will definitely join another course:)) Just book the course and you will thank yourself for making such a great decision:) …
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Date of experience: January 2020
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+1
What to say? This is a great way to spend six hours. Aysin was a great host and excellent teacher. We made six dishes, and sourced some local products. Easy step by step instructions resulted in excellence. A friend recommends this to me, and now I recommend it to you.
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Date of experience: December 2019
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Aysin was such a wonderful host and teacher. A walk through the neighborhood provided insight into daily life in Istanbul, I would have never seen on my own and the cooking class was exceptional. The atmosphere was warm and the way that the class was timed was perfect. Plus! All of the food was delicious and I learned a lot. This is a must-do when you visit Istanbul.…
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Date of experience: December 2019
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