Greek Cooking Class in Thessaloniki: Market, Cook & Lunch

Shop the market, cook five Greek dishes, eat what you made

A 3.5-hour cooking class in Thessaloniki where you pick fresh vegetables at the Central Market of Kapani, then prepare tzatziki, dolmadakia, Greek salad, stuffed vegetables and chocolate salami under the guidance of a professional cook, finishing with lunch in a traditional tavern. The class runs in English and welcomes children from age 7. Wine or beer is included for adults.

The experience

You start with a tasting of fresh Greek olives, then head to Kapani (the Central Market of Thessaloniki where locals shop daily) to choose the vegetables you'll cook with. A professional cook walks you through the market, helping you pick what you need. Back in the kitchen, you learn to make tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber and garlic dip), dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs), a traditional Greek salad, gemista (peppers and tomatoes stuffed with rice and baked with potatoes), and chocolate salami for dessert. Every dish is something you prepare yourself, not a demonstration you watch.

Once everything is cooked, you move to a traditional tavern in the heart of Thessaloniki and eat the meal you've made together. A glass of wine or beer comes with lunch for anyone 18 and over. Bottled water is provided throughout. The whole experience runs 3.5 hours, which gives you time to shop, cook without rushing, and sit down to eat without feeling squeezed.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• a glass of wine or beer per adult (18+).
• all ingredients for five dishes (tzatziki, dolmadakia, Greek salad, gemista, and chocolate salami).
• professional instruction from a live English-speaking cook.
• the full lunch you prepare and eat together in a traditional tavern.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDeparts at 11:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Active Thess Holidays

Is this one for you?The class takes 3.5 hours total (enough time to shop, cook without rushing, and sit down to eat), so it fits a free afternoon or a morning without other plans. Children from age 7 can join and cook alongside adults, making it a hands-on activity the whole family does together rather than watching from the side.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly do I cook in this class?

You prepare five dishes: tzatziki (a yogurt and cucumber dip), dolmadakia (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), Greek salad, gemista (vegetables stuffed with rice and baked), and chocolate salami for dessert. All five are traditional Greek recipes you'll make from start to finish with the cook's guidance.

Do I need cooking experience to join?

No experience is required. A professional cook leads you through each step, so beginners and experienced cooks learn the techniques together. Children from age 7 are welcome to participate.

Is the market visit included, or do I pay extra?

The market visit is part of the class. You go to Kapani with your cook to choose the fresh vegetables you'll use in your cooking, so you see where the ingredients come from and pick what you want to work with.

What's included in the price?

The price covers all ingredients for the five dishes, bottled water throughout, a glass of wine or beer with lunch (for adults 18+), and the full meal you cook and eat together in the tavern. The professional guide and instruction are included.

How much walking is involved?

You'll walk through the Central Market of Kapani to shop, then move to the kitchen and tavern. It's a moderate amount of walking on flat ground, nothing strenuous, and you're not covering long distances.