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Yahnili makarna (chicken and tomato stew with pasta)
Yahnili makarna is a comforting Cypriot village pasta dish . It brings together a rich chicken, tomato and onion stew with bucatini pasta, and is finished simply with grated hellim / halloumi mixed with a little dried mint. Pronounced 'yah-nee-lee ma-kar-nah', it's a meal that feels instantly homely and is often cooked for cosy family gatherings - similar to magarina bulli . The stew is incredibly easy to make and full of flavour. Onions are the key ingredient, and we use a


Fırın makarnası (Cypriot pasta bake)
Fırın makarnası is a mouthwatering Cypriot baked pasta dish that brings everyone to the table and is traditionally made for family gatherings and celebrations. Every household makes it a little differently, but the heart of the recipe is always the same: neatly layered bucatini pasta, savoury minced meat, and a rich cheese and béchamel sauce. We bring a touch of British influence to our fırın makarnası recipe by adding cheddar cheese to the sauce, which gives it a stronger f


Magarina bulli (fried chicken and pasta)
Magarina bulli is a hearty and comforting Cypriot village pasta dish . Pronounced 'mah-gah-ree-nah buh-lee', it was traditionally prepared for guests when they came over for dinner in the village and is still a family favourite today. The fried chicken is delightfully crispy and pairs well with the bucatini pasta, which is drizzled all over with buttery oil and a generous sprinkling of grated halloumi mixed with dried mint. The combination of buttery, creamy and fresh flavour


Kıymalı garavolli makarna (conchiglie with beef and tomato sauce)
Kıymalı garavolli makarna is a hearty and comforting Cypriot pasta dish . Pronounced 'kiy-mah-luh gah-rah-voh-lee mah-kar-nah', the conchiglie pasta shells become filled with the rich and fragrant beef and tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is packed full of flavour. Dried oregano and ground cumin provide earthy flavours that are perfectly balanced by the fresh chopped parsley. The ground cinnamon and chopped onions add sweetness which works well with the minced beef and nutty


Şehriyeli pilav (Turkish rice with vermicelli)
Şehriyeli pilav is a staple Turkish side dish served with most Cypriot stews and oven dishes. Pronounced 'sheh-ree-yeh-lee pih-lahv', it combines long grain rice with fried tel şehriye (broken vermicelli), giving it a fragrant, nutty flavour and adding a touch of colour. The dish has a delicate balance of textures, with the slightly chewy şehriye contrasting the soft, tender rice perfectly. Traditionally, before mass production of şehriye, women in Cypriot villages would gath


Etli fiyonk makarna (farfalle with beef mince)
Etli fiyonk makarna is a quick alternative to mantı (meat-filled Turkish dumplings) as it borrows the same filling ingredients. Pronounced 'et-lee fee-yonk mah-kahr-nah', the minced meat is deeply fragrant from the addition of earthy dried oregano and ground cumin, while the chopped parsley and ground cinnamon balance these flavours with a hint of sweetness. Farfalle pasta is used in this recipe for its similarity in texture to mantı, thanks to its flat shape and slightly che


Mücendra pilavı (rice with green lentils and onions)
Mücendra pilavı is a comforting green lentil and onion rice dish that’s enjoyed across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. The fried onions bring a beautiful aroma, while the lentils add an earthy, buttery flavour and firm texture that balances perfectly with the fluffy rice. Pronounced 'moo-jen-drah' in Turkish, it has various names depending on the region. These include mujadara, mujaddara and moujadara - but they all describe variations of the same beloved dish.
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