Historic Dish (Çiğköfte) Cooking & Dining w/Music at Local Home
Description
According to a Şanlıurfa -a city in Southeastern Turkiye- legend çiğ köfte was invented during the time of Prophet Abraham, when fires were forbidden. Unable to cook meat, people kneaded it by hand with bulgur, minced meat and spices, creating the earliest version of the dish. Today, its vegetarian version is widely known as street food, but çiğ köfte is traditionally prepared at home as a social ritual. Family and friends gather around, talk, watch, listen to music and take part in the kneading. During this experience, you’ll prepare çiğ köfte with locals, learn the traditions behind it, and share the meal together. Come as a guest, leave as a friend!
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- We’re happy that you’re considering joining us for a LokalBond experience! Our goal is to create unforgettable memories by connecting you with the real locals of the city to introduce the culture and vibrant local life of Turkiye. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, we ask that all guests review our participation waiver. By completing your booking, you acknowledge that you’ve read and accepted the terms of the waiver below. We’ve kept it straightforward and easy to understand, so you can focus on what really matters—getting ready for a special time with us! LokalBond Experiences Waiver and Release of Liability 1. Acknowledgment of Risks: I, acknowledge that participating in this experience offered by LokalBond involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to physical activity, travel, potential hazards, and interaction with individuals and environments that may carry unknown risks. I understand that these risks may result in personal injury, illness, or damage to personal property. 2. Voluntary Participation: I affirm that my participation in this experience is entirely voluntary and that I have been informed about the nature of the experience. I understand that I am under no obligation to participate and that I may withdraw from the experience at any time without penalty. 3. Health and Fitness: I certify that I am in good health and physical condition to participate in this experience. I do not have any medical conditions, disabilities, or other concerns that would limit my ability to safely participate. I agree to inform LokalBond of any changes in my health status prior to the experience. 4. Assumption of Risk: I hereby assume all risks associated with my participation in the experience, including but not limited to those mentioned above. I acknowledge that LokalBond and its representatives have made no warranties regarding the safety of the experience or the environments involved. 5. Release of Liability: In consideration of being allowed to participate in the experience, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless LokalBond, its owners, employees, agents, hosts, and other participants from any and all claims, actions, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, including, but not limited to, any claims of negligence on the part of LokalBond or its representatives. 6. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold harmless LokalBond from any and all claims, actions, or damages, including attorney fees, arising out of or related to my participation in the experience, whether caused by the negligence of LokalBond or otherwise. 7. Governing Law: This waiver and release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Turkish law, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. 8. Acknowledgment of Understanding: I have read this waiver and release of liability, fully understand its terms, and approve it freely and voluntarily without any inducement. I understand that by confirming this document, I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue LokalBond or its representatives.
Reviews(20)
This experience made us feel like we were preparing and sharing dinner with friends. Perfect if you are feeling a little homesick like I was, or want to meet exceptionally friendly locals and eat delicious homemade food. We learned things about Istanbul and Turkey that we otherwise wouldn’t have. 10/10 would recommend this experience, with traditional music too!
This is a very unique experience to connect with locals, learn about food, music, culture and daily life in Istanbul! Burak and his friends were wonderful and made me feel at home from the moment I walked in. Preparing Çiğ Köfte was a experience in itself and the music and talks made it even more special. Istanbul has many wonderful sights but this type of experience goes much deeper to connect with the city you are visiting and its people.
Thank you! Burak and friends loved welcoming you. Music, food, and stories — that’s the Istanbul we love to share. 🎶🍴
Warm, family style welcome into typical Kurdish holiday meal preparation. The music was a great addition. Lovely group of people and great experience in Istanbul!
So glad you felt the warmth of a Kurdish holiday table! 🎶🍴 Burak and the family loved sharing food, music, and stories with you. You’ll always have a place with us.
We loved meeting with Burak and Burs and their extended family. They taught us so much and fed us well. The dancing was fun and their kindness was genuine. We are very grateful to have this experience. Thank you!
So glad you felt the love! Burak and Büşra's home has a way of turning strangers into friends. Come back anytime — there’s always music, food, and a seat at the table. 🧡
Hospitality at its best! The other guests and I were warmly welcomed and right from the start I felt like I was visiting friends. It was fun to make cig kofte together and to eat together, to listen to traditional music and to dance! I highly recommend this activity to anyone whose heart is open to new experience.
One of the best, if not the best, experiences I’ve ever had. Bushra, Burak and Bawer were the sweetest people I’ve ever met before. There was never a dull moment, so many conversations you’d feel you’re sitting with friends you’ve known for a long time. Cooking class with traditional music is definitely something to have on your bucket list when you come to Istanbul. Highly recommended. ÇigKofte was so good.
They were so kindly to us. I had great time with them also they teach how we can cook çiğköfte. Everything was perfect……..
We had an amazing evening at our hosts place. It felt like we're having a family dinner with some friends over and we were part of it. The cooking part was really fun and the meal turned out delicious! it felt so natural and easy going, I would love to do more experiences in the future. thank you again for the hospitality and the good times!
We had a fabulous evening. Our hosts and their friends were so lovely. We participated in the cooking while traditional music was played. It was so fun to be with locals in their home, enjoying their hospitality. I highly, highly recommend this activity. It's not to be missed.
If you visit Istanbul as you visit Aya Sofia, Top Kapi and isttiklal street it is mandatory to have this experience, burak, busra, baris,aysu, aytuallah, cem is the nicest people you will ever meet in Istanbul and you will have a memorable and unforgettable experience, this a must and if you don’t do it you will miss allot, highly recommended.
