What we’re about
Cooking & Culture in Zurich
Welcome to our group — where we cook, connect, and share cultures. 🌿
I’m Bahar, a private chef, food content creator, and storyteller from Istanbul, living in Zurich for over 10 years. Through my company Bab Events (“Bab” means “gate” in Turkish), I open the gates between cultures — connecting people through food, stories, and shared experiences.
This group is for everyone who loves cooking, dining, and discovering cultures through gastronomy. Here you’ll find:
🍴 Hands-on cooking classes & workshops – Learn authentic Mediterranean, Turkish, and Oriental recipes.
🥘 Dining & pop-up events – Enjoy curated menus and themed dinners inspired by the flavours of Istanbul, Anatolia, and beyond.
🎶 Cultural experiences – Evenings that mix food with music, storytelling, or food photography to celebrate the art of sharing.
My previous events include Bal-i Istanbul, a pop-up dinner series blending Turkish and Indonesian flavours, and The Story of Sharing, an Anatolian Meze workshop exploring culinary heritage and connection.
My mission is simple: to bring people together — to cook, learn, and celebrate across cultures.
Join us to experience the warmth of Mediterranean tables, the depth of Turkish traditions, and the beauty of stories told through food.
💛 Let’s cook, share, and connect — one meal at a time.
👉 Check out and follow @babevents on Instagram for event updates, food stories, and behind-the-scenes inspiration.
Upcoming events
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Cooking Class: Istanbul Feast – Flavours of Anatolia
Kocheria , Hohlstrasse 365, 8004, Zürich, CHCooking is one of the most beautiful ways to meet new people and cultures.
That’s why Bahar Gökbender, a private chef and food storyteller based in Istanbul, lives in Zurich for 11 years, creates special culinary experiences — not only for the taste of food, but for the joy of learning, sharing, and dining together.
Join us for an unforgettable evening that blends Mediterranean freshness with Anatolian warmth. Step into the elegant spirit of Istanbul and experience the rich culinary heritage of Anatolia — right here in Zurich. 🌿
Guided by Bahar Gökbender, founder of Bab Events, you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class and dinnerinspired by the flavours once celebrated in Ottoman palace kitchens and lovingly recreated in Istanbul homes for special guests and festive gatherings.
The evening begins with a welcome drink, followed by cooking, stories, and a shared long-table dinner.
The Menu
• Vişneli Yaprak Sarma – vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice and sour cherries
• Grilled Olives with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Herbs – fresh from the Mediterranean coast
• Muhammara – roasted red pepper and walnut dip with Turkish pide bread
• Kaşık Salad with Pomegranate Molasses – colourful, crisp, and aromatic
• Tepsi Böreği – golden filo pastry filled with feta cheese and herbs
• Ali Nazik Kebab – smoky grilled eggplant purée with spiced köfte and creamy yogurt
• Almond Rice Pilaf – buttery, fragrant, and perfectly paired with the kebab
• Künefe – warm kadayıf pastry with melting cheese and pistachios
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Throughout the evening, Bahar will share stories, traditions, and insider tips from Istanbul’s food scene — from local markets to centuries-old culinary secrets.
This experience is not just about cooking; it’s about connection, culture, and the art of sharing.
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📍 Kocheria – Zurich’s favourite cooking event space
Hohlstrasse 365, 8004 Zürich
📅 Saturday, 29 November 2025
⏰ 18:00 – 22:00
👩🍳 Max. 12 guests | CHF 180 (incl. welcome drink)
➡️ Reserve your place: ✉️ **bahargokbender@gmail.com**
Learn and book your place [Kocheria.ch]
Follow Babevents on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes stories.
Şerefe! Let’s cook, connect, and celebrate the flavours of Istanbul together. 🌿2 attendees
