Meet
Defne (Corporate)
Defne is a global traveler with roots in Istanbul and a passion for connecting people through food. Her journeys around the world have shown her the power of the table to build community, empathy, and meaningful connections. In Lisbon, she invites you to experience Portuguese cuisine as a bridge between cultures. With her guidance, your team will cook, taste, and share stories that highlight how food fosters connection across differences. Growing up around long family tables filled with food, laughter, and conversation, Defne learned that meals are about more than eating — they are about belonging.
What to expect
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:
(8-50 guests)
Discover the flavors of Portugal during a private dining experience in Lisbon, designed for corporate groups, families, and friends traveling together. Hosted by Defne, a global traveler and culinary storyteller, this experience combines authentic Portuguese cuisine with connection and culture.
During this 2.5 hour dining experience at a creative event space (indoors or outdoors, weather permitting), your group will enjoy a multi-course Portuguese meal featuring classic dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each course is paired with carefully selected Portuguese wines — or local craft beers if you prefer — with four thoughtful pairings that highlight the diversity of Portugal’s vineyards and brewing traditions. Beer or wine are included in the cost of your experience.
Perfect for large groups, this experience is ideal for team building, milestone celebrations, or simply sharing an unforgettable evening together. Defne creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation, bonding, and cultural discovery. More than just a meal, this dining experience connects people to the stories and traditions behind Portuguese and Mediterranean food and drink.
Cooking experience:
(8-40 guests)
Join a hands-on Lisbon cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Portuguese dishes with Defne, a passionate host and culinary storyteller. You will learn about Portuguese culinary traditions and techniques as you help prepare a meal. Cook with fresh local ingredients, pair your meal with Portuguese wines or craft beers, and enjoy a private dining experience. Ideal for corporate team building, families traveling together, or friends looking for a unique cultural activity in Lisbon. Whether timing, menu, activity, this experience can be fully customized to cater to your group's needs.
Market visit:
(8-30 guests)
On your guided Lisbon market tour, Defne invites you to experience the market like a true local. Stroll together through lively, colorful stalls, meet friendly vendors, and discover the freshest seasonal ingredients the region has to offer. From the day’s catch at the fish counter to vibrant, farm-fresh produce and beloved Portuguese specialties, you’ll thoughtfully select the ingredients you’ll later transform into a delicious meal. After shopping, enjoy a short 5–10 minute walk to an art co-working space, Defne’s cooking studio, where your hands-on culinary experience begins. Together, you’ll prepare an authentic Portuguese meal, bringing the flavors of the market to life. An immersive farm-to-table experience that beautifully connects you to Lisbon’s food, culture, and community.
Notes:
1. This experience can be fully customized to suit your group’s schedule, preferred menu, and activities.
2. Because this is a large group and your host needs to prepare in advance, a 1-week cancellation policy applies. The standard 48-hour cancellation policy does not apply.
3. This venue is wheelchair accessible.
Languages spoken:
English, Turkish
Sample menu
Traveler reviews
Defne is a wonderful host and person and it's obvious she loves what she does. We wanted something a little more authentic when we booked this, and we weren't sure what to expect arriving at Defne's apartment. While it wasn't a ton of space, she did an outstanding job putting all 5 of us to work while explaining what we were cooking, and it gave us an appreciation for true local cuisine.
She has a nice garden patio where we enjoyed the fruits of our labor along with some great wine and company (and we enjoyed her very chill cat at the same time).
Defne also shared the recipes with us after.
It was a pleasure to spend time with her and a real "local" experience that you just don't get on the standardized tours. It was a pleasure to share some of our time in Portugal with Defne and I highly recommend this activity to anybody who wants to appreciate what goes into some of these traditional Portugese dishes.
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maggie
June 02, 2026
I heard from my client Ami about this Traveling Spoon food tour in Lisbon:
"I really enjoyed the dessert tour with Defne and am so happy you were able to make that happen for me. I learned so much and still dream of the pastries Portugal has to offer."
Thank you!
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Alyssa, Signature Travel Advisor
May 11, 2026
Defne treated my granddaughter and me like old friends from the rime we arrived, and visiting her was one of our best experiences in Lisbon. In addition to learning several cooking tips, we shared a delicious meal and conversed about our worldviews and travel adventures. Enthusiastically recommend!
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olen
February 19, 2026
Defne was a joy to meet! The food was excellent, and we hope to try and replicate a dish at
home. It was a pleasure to meet a like-minded world traveler and exchange views. My
granddaughter also loved the cat!
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olen
February 17, 2026
Defne was amazing, got to get an inside look about the culture and life in Lisbon, and
recommendations of places to visit while we were traveling. Told us a background of
everything we cooked and it was all DELICIOUS!
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vivi
February 02, 2026
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