Defne is a globe wanderer and a true nomad; her travels have taught her the profound value of connection, community, and empathy. Originally from Istanbul, she holds a deep passion for exploring and discovering links between cultures, foods, people, places, and tastes. Join her mission to break down cultural barriers, one delicious bite at a time! As your culinary guide, Defne will lead you on an exploration of how Portuguese cuisine connects diverse cultures and traditions. You’ll uncover not only the timeless flavors of Portugal but also the rich stories and cultural connections behind each dish.
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:
(1-7 guests)
Step into Defne’s beautiful apartment for a Portuguese culinary adventure that brings Portugal's rich history to life. Inspired by her research on Portuguese gastronomy, Defne celebrates the diverse influences that shaped Portuguese cuisine, infusing flavors, recipes, and ingredients from across the globe. Your experience with Defne features classic Portuguese dishes, each steeped in history, from the Mediterranean and beyond. You’ll enjoy a fresh, seasonal meal at her beautifully set dining table or, if the weather allows, outdoors in the garden. Savor dishes like tremoços (pickled beans), salada de grão-de-bico (chickpea salad), caldeirada de peixe (fish stew), and arroz doce (rice pudding). Paired with two glasses of Portuguese wine, each course offers a taste of Portugal's culinary heritage.
Please note that Defne’s menu is seasonal and may vary based on local produce availability. If you have any dietary preferences, kindly let her know in advance.
Cooking experience: (1-7 guests) Join Defne for a hands-on Portuguese cooking class (or demo if you prefer) in Lisbon, where you'll create three traditional dishes from scratch. Over 1.5 hours, you'll learn to prepare an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. Sip on local wine as you watch Defne work her magic, or roll up your sleeves and dive in to help her bring each dish to life. As you cook, Defne will share stories behind the recipes, how they’re prepared in other cultures, and plenty of helpful tips and tricks. After cooking, enjoy the meal you helped cook at her dining table or outdoors, weather permitting. Wrap up your Lisbon cooking experience with a coffee and a taste of Ginjinha, Lisbon’s beloved cherry liqueur.
Notes: Defne can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free diets on request. Please share any dietary restrictions or preferences when booking your Lisbon cooking class so she can personalize the menu for you.
Languages spoken: English, Turkish, Portuguese
Defoe was amazing! She made me feel comfortable and taught me a lot about Portuguese cooking and the culture. She gives you room to play with the ingredients and flavor while sharing amazing stories together. I have been to many cooking classes around the world and this was by far the best. It was intimate and a lot more meaningful.- rome November 03, 2026
This was such a unique, wonderful experience! Our host was gracious, friendly, and fun, and we enjoyed having genuine human connection while also learning about and experiencing traditional Portuguese cuisine. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to have a meaningful and authentic travel experience.- cinty November 03, 2026
We had such a wonderful experience with Defne for this cooking class. She was such a kind, gracious host and made us feel completely welcome in her beautiful home and garden. We had so much fun learning to cook delicious Portuguese food and sharing a meal with Defne. Not only was the food amazing, but the conversation was meaningful as well. This really was an experience we won’t forget.- clare November 02, 2026
This was a wonderful experience. Dafne was a exceptional host. We learned and participated in cooking a delicious meal, that consisted of an Portuguese appetizer, Main entre and a wonderful dessert. All of this included wine. We ate in a beautiful little garden with very pretty Bougainvillea. Dafne was very warm and inviting, as well as a great teacher. She was patient and kind. Definitely a highlight of our visit to Lisbon Portugal. A MUST DO!!- richard October 13, 2026
10/10 recommend!!! This experience is one of the most memorable! Defne is such a beautiful soul, so welcoming and an amazing instructor. You can tell she loves to immerse visitors into the culture! The menu selection was perfect. I didn’t know I was such a great cook! Everything was fresh and homemade. If I haven’t convinced you to book, then go dine at a restaurant!- marran September 25, 2026
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