Step into a warm Istanbul home and learn how to prepare Turkey’s most beloved dessert — künefe. Made from layers of crispy shredded kadayıf pastry filled with soft cheese and soaked in sweet syrup, this dessert originates from Hatay and is now enjoyed all across Turkey. After a heartfelt welcome with tea, your host Mehmet will guide you through the hands-on process: making the syrup, softening the cheese, preparing shredded kadayıf pastry, and layering it all before cooking it to golden perfection. As the künefe sizzles, you’ll hear stories about how this dessert is shared at family gatherings, weddings, and celebrations. Finally, gather around the table to enjoy your freshly baked künefe with tea or Turkish coffee.

Mehmet explains: “For us, künefe is not just dessert — it’s how we end a meal with sweetness and laughter. When I was a child, I would wait eagerly for the sound of the pan sizzling in the kitchen.” This workshop is more than a recipe; it’s an invitation into Turkish hospitality and tradition.