Our cookbook of the week is Istanbul by Özlem Warren.
Cook This: 3 recipes from Istanbul, including one of Turkey's favourite breakfasts
Özlem Warren shines a light on the culinary culture of one of the world's great food cities in her third cookbook, Istanbul (Quadrille, 2026). The Gourmand Award-winning author and cooking teacher brings a local's perspective to the diverse food culture of Istanbul, a city she calls "the world's kitchen."
Jump to the recipes: scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers and onions (menemen), cheat’s manti and sautéed chili peppers with garlicky yogurt (atom).
About the Cookbook
Warren, now living in England, was born and raised in Turkey and lived in Istanbul for more than 15 years. "It's an incredible city, and I think it deserves to be on the world map, to be celebrated, to be known better," she says. The book features 82 recipes, 56 of which are vegetarian, highlighting the city's love for fresh produce.
Warren recalls a conversation with author Caroline Eden, who referred to Istanbul as "the world's kitchen." Warren wholeheartedly agrees, noting the rich variety of food available in the city, from kebabs to börek and pide. The Galata district, with its bakeries, is a particular favorite.
Researching the book brought back happy memories of Warren's childhood and high school years in Levent, in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district, and made her see the city with fresh eyes. She emphasizes the historical significance of the Bosphorus and the diverse cultures that have shaped Istanbul's cuisine.
Recipes
Scrambled Eggs with Tomatoes, Peppers and Onions (Menemen)
Menemen is a classic Turkish breakfast dish, similar to shakshuka but with scrambled eggs. It's a comforting and flavorful start to the day.
Cheat's Manti
Manti are Turkish dumplings typically filled with spiced meat. Warren's cheat's version uses wonton wrappers for a quicker preparation, making this beloved dish accessible for home cooks.
Sautéed Chili Peppers with Garlicky Yogurt (Atom)
Atom is a spicy, tangy dish featuring sautéed chili peppers served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce. It's a popular meze or side dish that packs a punch.
These recipes, along with many others in the book, celebrate the diversity and richness of Istanbul's food culture, offering a taste of the city's vibrant culinary heritage.
