Tel kadayıf tatlısı is a dessert that’s popular in Cyprus and, like e kmek kadayıfı , is often made on special occasions such as Bayram (Eid). Pronounced 'tehl kah-dah-yuf', it feels light to eat with its delicate layers of soft wispy pastry and chopped nuts. By brushing the layers of pastry generously with melted butter, it gives the dessert a rich flavour which pairs perfectly with the fragrant rose syrup. We use a blend of almonds and walnuts in the centre and top with p

Ekmek kadayıfı (ehk-mehk kah-dah-yuh-fuh) is a popular Turkish syrup-soaked dessert and like tel kadayıf , it is often made for celebrations like Eid. It has numerous regional variations in its preparation and in its most simplest form, is topped with a generous dollop of kaymak (a rich clotted cream) which perfectly balances its sweetness. Ekmek means 'bread' in Turkish, as the dessert is made with a special type of dried sponge cake that is rehydrated with a fragrant ros

Koliva / golifa is a traditional wheat-based dish that is prepared in both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, for different occasions and traditions. In the Greek Orthodox religion, koliva is prepared symbolically for memorial services, with each ingredient holding religious significance. In Turkish Cypriot culture, golifa is made during New Year celebrations to bring good health and fortune. In both traditions, the dish reflects an appreciation of life through it

Şerbetli katmer (shehr-bet-lee kut-mehr) is an alternative to traditional Cypriot sini katmeri. This dessert is much easier to prepare as you use ready-made filo pastry rather than making yufka pastry from scratch. However, unlike sini katmeri, you use double cream as clotted cream will overwhelm the thinner filo pastry. Şerbetli means 'with syrup' in Turkish and reflects the generous addition of rose and spice syrup. It simply oozes out of the layers of filo pastry with eve

Köy keki (kuh-y keh-kee) means 'village cake' in Turkish. It is fluffy and delicately sweet, with chopped almonds and walnuts adding a delightful texture and nutty depth of flavour. The generous addition of orange and lemon zest brings a refreshing citrusy brightness to the cake , making each bite feel light to eat. Using a Bundt tin helps bake the cake evenly and is recommended for this recipe. Traditionally, köy keki was baked in large round pans in a wood-fired adobe oven