Taverna

Hands down the best Cypriot cook book I have owned. Highly recommended.

I was 26 when I lost my heart to Cyprus - the pine forests of Troodos that smelled of church incense in the summer heat; the sparkle and blue of the sea; the utter peace and calm of its Byzantine monasteries; the warmth and kindness of friends and their family; the shrieks of laughter as the women taught me to make koupepkia (stuffed vine leaves - all 3,000 of them for Yorgo's wedding!); the icons, the perfection of tomatoes, halloumi and ripe figs - it is ALL condensed and held in this remarkable book, and I can smell the jasmin, orange blossom and preserved walnuts as I turn the pages. A magnificent book that has made a 66-year-old man very happy. Νόστιμο, ευχάριστο, υποβλητικό και διαχρονικό - ένας πολύ πραγματικός θησαυρός!

After buying my first copy and seeing how beautiful it is, and how fantastic the recipes are, I have gone on to buy several as gifts. I cannot recommend this book enough. There are recipes for all abilities. Some are properly 100% authentic, some have a little twist to them... all are delicious! The book is steeped in memories and nostalgia. it is so stunningly written and genuine... I feel like I’ve lived the experiences Georgina describes. This book is an absolute must... you will fall in love with it!! There’s a reason why it’s been at the top since it was released!

I purchased this book as I am married to a Greek Cypriot. I couldn’t resist as although of Greek heritage myself, Cypriot food is different and I was intrigued to see if this book could better explain some of the foods that I frequent thanks to my mother in law. The book doesn’t disappoint and has a lovely introduction that builds a picture of the writers upbringing with her grandparents involvement. The recipes are instantly recognisable to me and I am thrilled to have them well explained and easy to follow.

Just the most amazing cook book I have ever read and the recipes are just truly scrumptious 😋 takes me right back to my childhood. My father is Greek Cypriot but my mother wasn’t and she was always cooking Greek Cypriot food so it was about time I learnt properly so this book was just what I was looking for 👍🏼

The recipes in this book really do transport you to Cyprus. One of the (very few) poor reviews said that the recipes are “too boring” but, if classic and familiar (to those who have eaten well in Cyprus) dishes are “boring” then yes, I suppose they are. They are exactly what you want if you are feeling nostalgic for the flavours and smells of the Island. I love it and eating my way through this evocative book has brought me much happiness in recent weeks. Thank you, Georgina Hayden.