Taste Rakı in Turkish Cuisine with a Local Chef

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 8 travelers

Overview

This isn’t a restaurant meal or a touristy tasting — it’s an invitation into a real Istanbul home. Guests experience Turkish hospitality as it’s meant to be: slow, generous, and full of stories. The rakı tasting is guided with cultural context, pairing it with each course the traditional way. Your host shares personal food memories, explains rituals around rakı, and invites you to connect over conversation — not just cuisine.

This experience is perfect for travelers looking to feel the warmth of a Turkish home, enjoy authentic dishes, and discover rakı not just as a drink, but as a social ritual.

What's included

  • Dinner
  • One Double Rakı
  • Tips & Gratuities

What to expect

Step into a real Istanbul home for a cozy, small-group dinner experience centered around traditional Turkish cuisine — and the rituals of rakı. You’ll be welcomed like an old friend, with a table already set for a feast. As the courses begin to arrive — think meze spreads, rich main dishes, and seasonal sides — your host will guide you through the stories behind each one.

The highlight of the evening is a guided rakı tasting, where you’ll learn how this iconic anise-flavored drink is traditionally served, sipped, and paired with food. You’ll raise a glass the Turkish way — slowly, with conversation, laughter, and plenty of toasts.

Your host shares: “Rakı is never rushed. It’s a drink of stories, of slowing down and sharing the night.” By the end of the evening, you’ll leave not just with a full belly, but with a real taste of Istanbul hospitality — and maybe a few Turkish phrases in your pocket.

Come as a guest, leave as a friend.

  1. Tesvikiye Mosque
  2. City's Nisantasi Shopping Center

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Once you are in Poyracık Sk. Look for number 29. You can call me when you arrive and I
will open the door.

End point

Once you are in Poyracık Sk. Look for number 29. You can call me when you arrive and I
will open the door.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • By booking, you accept this waiver. This experience is not wheelchair accessible. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, contact us before the experience. I acknowledge that participating in this LokalBond experience involves inherent risks including physical activity, travel, and interaction with unknown environments, which may result in personal injury or property damage. My participation is entirely voluntary and I may withdraw at any time. I certify I am in good health and will inform LokalBond of any health changes prior to the experience. I assume all risks involved and release LokalBond, its owners, employees, agents, and hosts from any claims or liabilities arising from my participation. I agree to indemnify LokalBond from any related claims or damages. This waiver is governed by Turkish law. I have read and fully understand these terms and agree to them voluntarily.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$103.74 per person
Check availability & book
  • 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.
More activities in Istanbul
From
$103.74 per person
Check availability