Köy keki (kuh-y keh-kee) means 'village cake' in Turkish. It is soft and delicately sweet, with orange and lemon zest as key ingredients that bring a refreshing citrus brightness to the cake. Chopped almonds and walnuts are also added, providing a lovely contrast in flavour and texture. Using a Bundt tin helps the cake bake evenly, achieving a texture similar to village-style cakes, and so is recommended for this recipe. Traditionally, köy keki was baked in large round pans i

Sütlü muhallebi is a light, milk-based pudding that's popular in Cyprus, Turkey and across the Middle East, with local variations in ingredients and toppings. It’s known for its smooth, silky texture and delicate balance of floral and creamy flavours. In our recipe, milk is whisked together with sugar, vanilla extract, rose water and cornflour (cornstarch), then gently cooked until thickened into a smooth custard. Once ready, it is ladled into small bowls and topped with a sp

Şerbetli katmer is a popular Cypriot dessert that is often made for Bayram (Eid) celebrations. Sheets of filo pastry are filled with double cream, chopped almonds, walnuts, sugar and a generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon, before being rolled up. The pastries are then baked until golden, before a rose and spice syrup is ladled all over and left overnight to absorb. Şerbetli (shehr-bet-lee) means ‘with syrup’ in Turkish, referring to the fragrant syrup poured over the pastri

Tel kadayıf tatlısı is a dessert that’s popular in Cyprus and, like ekmek 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 pista

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 rose an

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