Tava is a traditional oven-baked lamb dish that's popular in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. In Turkish, tava means 'pan', which reflects how it is prepared. Chunky cuts of lamb neck are slow-cooked in a richly flavoured tomato sauce until soft and tender. It's hearty and comforting, making it perfect for a cosy weekend shared with family and friends. The sauce is deeply fragrant from the use of oregano, cumin, cinnamon and bay leaves. A generous amount of sliced onions also adds

Patates köftesi are a family favourite. Each fried kofta is packed full of spice and flavour, with a crispy outer shell and a soft, comforting centre. Pronounced 'pah-tah-tess keuf-teh-see', they're perfect served with freshly prepared fasulye salatası (white bean salad) or chips (made with Cyprus potatoes) and salad. The dried oregano in the patates köftesi combines with cumin and black pepper to create a warm, earthy depth. A touch of ground cinnamon adds a subtle sweetnes

In Greek, kleftiko literally means ‘thief’. This peculiar name originates from stories of thieves that would steal lambs or goats from farmers’ flocks in the mountains. They would slow-cook their meat for hours in sealed underground pits to avoid getting caught. In Turkish, the dish is called hırsız kebabı (which similarly means 'kebab of thieves’) or fırın kebabı (meaning 'oven kebab'). In Cyprus, there are popular restaurants peppered around the island that make the dish in

Kolokas yemeği is a traditional and much-loved Cypriot stew . It’s made by slowly simmering thick slices of taro root with a rich beef and tomato sauce that contains a mix of herbs and spices, including freshly chopped parsley, ground cinnamon and cumin. The earthy-sweet aromas blend with warming pul biber and ground black pepper to create a comforting stew that’s perfect for autumn and winter when the vegetable is in season. Taro root has a starchy yet silky texture that abs

Gömeç salatası is a light and healthy Cypriot salad . Mallow leaves have a mild, slightly earthy flavour similar to that of young spinach, but the leaves are silky in texture and the stalks are firmer. Pronounced ' gyuh-mech', the salad is dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, so as not to overpower the delicate flavours. You can also add chopped garlic to the dressing for a bolder flavour. Wild mallow grows all over the countryside in Cyprus from late winter to earl

Pancarlı patates salatası is a vibrant and hearty Turkish Cypriot salad with earthy and refreshing flavours. Pronounced 'pahn-jar-luh pah-tah-tess sah-lah-tah-suh', it brings together tender boiled Cyprus potatoes and sweet beetroot to create a contrast in taste and colour. The salad is dressed with a light and tangy mix of extra virgin olive oil, malt vinegar and a hint of freshly chopped garlic which work well together to enhance the flavours of the vegetables. Dried mint