Turkish Sweet Cheese Pastry Künefe Workshop at a Local Home

5.0 (1 reviews) Istanbul, Turkey
Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Turkish
Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Overview

Unlike cooking schools or commercial bakeries, this workshop takes place in a real home kitchen where recipes have been passed down through generations. You’ll cook side by side with your host Mehmet, hearing family memories while making the iconic dessert of Hatay. Guests often say the experience feels less like a class and more like being welcomed into a family gathering — where food, stories, and culture are shared together.

What's included

  • Künefe Dessert
  • Coffee and/or Tea
  • Gratuities
  • Film My Experience - A friend will casually film your experience.

What to expect

Step into a warm Istanbul home and learn how to prepare Turkey’s most beloved dessert — künefe. Made from layers of crispy shredded kadayıf pastry filled with soft cheese and soaked in sweet syrup, this dessert originates from Hatay and is now enjoyed all across Turkey. After a heartfelt welcome with tea, your host Mehmet will guide you through the hands-on process: making the syrup, softening the cheese, preparing shredded kadayıf pastry, and layering it all before cooking it to golden perfection. As the künefe sizzles, you’ll hear stories about how this dessert is shared at family gatherings, weddings, and celebrations. Finally, gather around the table to enjoy your freshly baked künefe with tea or Turkish coffee.

Mehmet explains: “For us, künefe is not just dessert — it’s how we end a meal with sweetness and laughter. When I was a child, I would wait eagerly for the sound of the pan sizzling in the kitchen.” This workshop is more than a recipe; it’s an invitation into Turkish hospitality and tradition.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The apartment no is 11. Once you are at the location, you can ring the bell number 11, and we will welcome you in.

End point

The apartment no is 11. Once you are at the location, you can ring the bell number 11, and we will welcome you in.

Additional information

  • 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

5.0 (1)
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$91.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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