Turkish Delight Workshop / Cooking Class in Little Hagia Sophia

4.9 (38 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 14 travelers

Overview

Rather than buying store-bought sweets, make Turkish delight from scratch in Istanbul’s historic Little Hagia Sophia. This small-group workshop teaches the traditional process, from mixing and cooking in a copper pot to shaping and powdering your lokum by hand. Personalize it with Anatolian Spices , hear the story behind the treat from a local Istanbul master, and take your creations home in an Iznik tile gift bowl. Turkish tea and coffee are served.

What's included

  • ✦ All tools, ingredients, and protective aprons are provided during the session
  • ✦ A gift of Iznik tiles. Inside is the Turkish delight you made.
  • ✦ Get hands-on with mixing, cooking, and perfecting the ideal texture and flavor
  • ✦ Enjoy complimentary Turkish tea and cofee during the experience
  • ✦ Learn the story of Turkish Delight and its deep cultural roots in Turkish tradition
  • ✦ Taste your fresh creations and compare with classic samples offered by the host
  • ✦ Shape, cut, and powder your Turkish Delight by hand in the traditional way
  • ✦ Prepare the sweet from scratch using copper pot, wooden spoon and natural ingredients

What to expect

This workshop takes place in a former monastery in the garden of the historic Little Hagia Sophia, an architectural gem rarely open to interactive experiences. In a setting steeped in centuries of history, you'll make Turkish delight (Lokum) from scratch using authentic techniques. What makes it truly special is the hands-on process, cultural storytelling, local knowledge, and the chance to create sweets just as they were made generations ago. Guests leave not only with delicious handmade lokum, but also with an unforgettable memory rooted in flavor, tradition, and the setting. You'll learn many details from a local Istanbul master, from the importance of copper cookware in Turkish cuisine to the subtleties of using wooden spoons. You can create your own recipes using seasonal fruits, nuts, and flower nectar.

There are no limits to the shapes you can create! However, we recommend cube-shaped versions. A fun, enjoyable event full of history and culture!

Meeting and pickup

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End point

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (38)
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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