Host offerings
Selda's father was an excellent cook. Originally from the Black Sea region of Turkey, he fed the family plenty of fish and only the freshest vegetables. Selda remembers him cooking chestnuts on a wood stove in the family home, and omelets that were so beautifully presented that they could have been mistaken for works for art. He believed cooking was a form of personal expression. Selda inherited her father's love of the kitchen - and then some. <br><br> Selda prides herself on her healthy take on traditional Turkish recipes cooked with seasonal ingredients. She also likes trying out non-traditional ingredients like quinoa. She has been experimenting with healthy cooking for several years and opened a food studio where she entertains friends and holds workshops. Don't expect common kebabs and other heavy meat dishes at Selda's - she showcases the real foods that Turks eat on a daily basis, with a healthy twist. <br><br> A warm and inviting host, Selda loves to entertain and get to know new people.
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
In-home meal (1 - 8 guests) You'll be warmly welcomed into Selda's professional cooking studio in Sariyer, Istanbul. Your authentic seasonal Turkish meal will start with a soup (warm in winter or chilled in summer). Then taste dishes like Selda's savory karnıyarık (eggplant stuffed with minced meat and vegetables, on top of pillowy bulgur wheat), zeytinyağlı taze fasulye (green beans cooked in olive oil, a Turkish staple) and börek filled with chard (a recipe passed down from her husband's mother), all accompanied by a garden-fresh salad.
Cooking experience (1 - 8 guests) Join Selda in her modern cooking studio for a hands-on lesson of a few of her favorite seasonal Turkish recipes. As you cook together she'll tell you about the origins of the dishes she prepares and how she experiments with incorporating non-traditional ingredients to create her signature cooking style. Your cooking class will last about 1.5 hours before you sit down to enjoy the meal you helped prepare.
Languages spoken: #<HostLanguage::ActiveRecord_Associations_CollectionProxy:0x00007ffad6e14c58>
Pricing (per person)*
| 1 person | 4 people | 5+ people | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | Not offered | $80 | $80 |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | Not offered | $110 | $110 |
| Alcohol | $20 per person | ||
| *Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout. | |||
| Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Meal | 1:00pm - 03:00pm | 8:00pm - 10:00pm |
| Cooking Experience + Meal | 11:00am - 02:00pm | 6:00pm - 09:00pm |
Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.
