It was pouring with rain and we were cold and STARVING by the time we reached Taksim Square to meet our guide, but the tour left us stuffed, warm and smiling on what would have otherwise been a dampner of a night on our holiday. Annie took us through the back streets, giving us snippets of history and culture all... More

This was one of the most enjoyable days I had on my week-long trip to Istanbul. We ate our way through the winding alleys of the bazaar district as well as Kadikoy, learning about the origins of the foods, how they are prepared, when they are eaten, and Turkish culture in general. The leader of our culinary experience, Taciser, made... More

Last week I participated in Selin's class she hosts in her home. It was a highlight of my trip and something I would recommend to anyone traveling to Istanbul. It didn't feel like a touristy activity. She was warm, lovely, insightful and welcomed all of us to her home. Oh and I can't forget to mention how amazing the food... More

A most interesting four hours preparing & eating lunch. Although generally not too interested in the meal preparation this was a most enjoyable experience at the home of Selin.

We had a great time chopping , chatting, sharing, tasting and snapping pictures as we were lead through the preparation of nine Turkish recipes. Learned a lot about local spices, favors and customs. No cooking skills required. Only an inquisitive mind about the foods we eat and a healthy appetite.

By lucky chance our South Africans had the perfect beginning and end for out trip to Turkey – not to talk about the middle part! And all with Turkish Flavours! Street food anywhere can be a risky and overwhelming undertaking. But with the enthusiastic and very expert guidance of Annie Geelmuyden Pertan we had a varied and amazing tasting experience... More

I'm so glad we did this at the beginning of the tour. We found all sorts of wonderful foods we never would have tried otherwise, and got great places to come back to for more meals and for gifts of candy or nuts to bring home. There's lots and lots of incredibly delicious food, so pace yourself and try not... More

We enjoyed a fantastic day exploring the spice markets in a small group - 5 participants with our two knowledgeable, friendly, fascinating tour guides. In doing this trip you will see multiple sides of Istanbul by exploring the food markets on both the European and Asian sides, enjoying a ferry trip across the Bosphorous and finishing with a delicious meal... More

My traveling companion and I spent a morning with Selin in her impressive apartment learning to prepare several Turkish dishes. Selin was a kitchen dictator, "ordering" us to chop this, blend that, stir this, saute that! We learned so much more by actually doing the cooking. Everything was very well organized and clearly described. We got to know each other... More