Children, parents and carers are invited to cook, eat and learn together at our summer holiday cookery classes. Suggested age: 8-12 years.

This summer, Migrateful is inviting children, parents and carers to join us for an all-new series of family-friendly cookery classes, running throughout the school holidays.

These sessions offer families the chance to discover new cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques while hearing the stories and traditions behind each dish.

ABOUT THE CUISINE

Turkish cuisine is famous for its warmth, hospitality, and vibrant mix of flavours — a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. Expect aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and colourful vegetables in every dish. From Karniyarik (aubergine stuffed with lamb mince) to Sarma (vine leaves filled with fragrant rice), Turkish cooking celebrates balance, generosity, and community.

ON THE MENU (subject to change):

Karniyarik (Fried Aubergine with Lamb Mince) | Meat (Lamb)

Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Fried Aubergine) | Vegan

Sarma (Stuffed Vine Leaves) | Vegan

Kisir (Bulgur Wheat Salad) | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)

Haydari (Yoghurt and Cucumber Dip) | Vegetarian; Milk, Tree Nuts (Walnuts)

Pilav (Turkish-style Rice with Vermicelli) | Vegetarian; Gluten (Wheat), Milk

Pişi (Fried Bread) | Vegetarian; Gluten (Wheat), Eggs, Millk

This menu contains meat (lamb) but is vegetarian-friendly, with 6 of 7 dishes meat-free. Allergens include: gluten, milk, tree nuts, and eggs.

Please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements so our team is aware ahead of the class. Kindly note that we are unable to substitute ingredients, so please only book into classes that suit your dietary needs. See our Food and Allergen Policy for more information.

A MESSAGE FROM CHEF:

“My name is Halise. I am from eastern Turkey, although at university I met people from other regions and learnt about various different cultures and recipes.

I grew up in a big city with my three big sisters who were already helping my mum in the kitchen. I was always asking ‘Please can I help?’ By the time I got to university I had learned how to cook just by watching!

In the summer I loved going to stay with my mum’s family, who lived in a village. They grew and cooked their own vegetables. There I had my Grandma all to myself and learned to make yoghurt and cheese, which I still make for my own family.

Big meals at home with family and friends were an important part of our lives. We had to be strong to manage the huge pots we used. Our food traditions are very varied with lots of different recipes for meat and vegetables.”

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR MIGRATEFUL COOKERY CLASS

Participants will work together to cook a family-style meal from scratch, guided by the expertise of a refugee or migrant chef, before sitting down to share lunch.

Alongside practical cooking skills, Migrateful’s programme encourages curiosity, empathy and cultural connection, helping young people build a positive understanding of refugee and migrant experiences through shared food and conversation. The sessions are also designed to support wellbeing through the therapeutic and social benefits of cooking together, while giving families new recipe ideas and the confidence to recreate the dishes at home.

At the same time, the classes create paid work opportunities and experience for migrant and refugee chefs participating in our wider programme.

Description supplied by the event organiser.