The much awaited new travelogue cookbook with traditional Turkish Recipes, from BBC’s Young MasterChef Judge and Sunday Times Bestselling Author. With thanks to Liz for her review.
Before I get stuck into a cookery book I flick through the pages to see if any of the pages (and pictures!) stop at anything I may cook. This one stopped at a Mackerel sandwich. Clearly not any Mackerel sandwich but one, that for me who does not eat fish, actually made me consider it! It probably isn’t going to be something I will make but for fish lovers, that section is mouth-watering.
From the beginning I loved the annotated story which led Hasan to his passion for food and embraces his heritage and the food he grew up with. He is described as half Turkish Cypriot, half British Chef and a proper North Londoner. He gives a really good account of travelling from the UK to Cyprus, enjoying airline food as he goes – there is honesty for you!
I love a cookery book that also gives a history of why it’s out there, where it has come from and a good personal background that I can relate to or take something from. The way he describes food he has enjoyed in restaurants takes you straight to the place and you can almost see and taste the surroundings. It makes me want to cook his way and his food and why not as it feels like he has taken me on a tour of places that clearly inspire him.
The bread section – definitely one to try out so you can use these breads alongside your own regular dishes as well as ones he suggests go well together.
I love the way he suggests .. you can do this… or I like to garnish, or I like to serve…. This talk as you go through the book bought me into the recipes. Anyone who has vacationed or holidayed in the areas he talks about will love that they can re-create the food they may have experienced. The book is extremely well illustrated allowing you to feel the food being served to those featuring in the book. The skewered BBQ food alongside dishes with a splash of natural yogurt look mouth watering and simple and you can see the flavour involved. In my view flavourful food means maybe you don’t need to eat so much, on the other hand it all is so darned good that you may want more!
Jamie Oliver reviewed the book as Bold, beautiful and full of heart – I absolutely do agree. He sums it up beautifully.
About the Book
Though language and culture are shared, Has’ Cypriot upbringing left mainland Turkey feeling somewhat distant. Arriving on the south coast, he travels across mountains to the corners of the country; not only unveiling culinary traditions, but unearthing the very history that flavours them.
Think kebabs that bridge generations, stews that tell tales, breads that warm your soul, and desserts that are sweet escapism – draped in buttery layers of history and dripping with syrup. Has looks at heritage dishes, eating Adanan kofte in Adana, but also tries local delicacies, like pistachios in Gaziantep.
Hasan is in his Bourdain era and his evolution as a writer is evident as we experience Turkey through his perspective. A fascinating and meticulously researched blend of recipes, travelogue, history & memoir, this cookbook is a Turkish delight that aspires to sit alongside Olia Hercules’ Mamushka, Sabrina Ghayour’s Persiana and Sami Tamimi’s Jerusalem.
About The Author
Hasan Semay is a half Turkish Cypriot half British chef, YouTube and Instagram sensation, as well as a self-confessed “proper North Londoner”. His relaxed and informative approach to cooking without pretentiousness has won him legions of fans over on his YouTube platform, Sunday Sessions.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
No responses yet