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Bringing Cypriot Cuisine to the Forefront: Irene Matys Celebrates Heritage and Representation in My Cypriot Table

By: Cristina Carpio, Editor-in-Chief

In a world where countless global cuisines are spotlighted in cookbooks and media, one rich and flavorful tradition has remained noticeably underrepresented: Cypriot cuisine. Now, chef and food advocate Irene Matys is changing that narrative with her stunning debut cookbook, My Cypriot Table,  a heartfelt and visually rich collection of over 100 recipes that blend the warmth of Cyprus with the seasonal bounty of North America.

Cyprus, nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, is a cultural and culinary mosaic influenced by Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean traditions. Yet, despite its vibrant flavours and centuries-old traditions, Cypriot food rarely gets the spotlight it deserves in mainstream culinary publishing. My Cypriot Table seeks to shift that imbalance not only by sharing traditional recipes, but by creating space for cultural representation and personal storytelling.

My Cypriot Table is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a celebration of culture, memory, and identity. Irene invites readers to bring the warmth of Cyprus into their kitchens with over 100 fresh, vibrant recipes inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Mediterranean. The book is a culinary journey that expertly bridges traditional Cypriot recipes with contemporary tastes, rooted in authenticity yet accessible to today’s home cooks.

What sets My Cypriot Table apart is Irene’s ability to honour the traditional while embracing the modern. She skillfully adapts old-world dishes using local, seasonal produce from North America, a nod to her Canadian home, while staying true to the heart of each recipe. 

But the book’s impact extends beyond delicious food. At its core, My Cypriot Table is a celebration of visibility. In publishing a Cypriot cookbook — a rarity in mainstream culinary literature,  Irene is carving out space for a diaspora whose food traditions deserve recognition. In doing so, she is not only educating a wider audience but giving voice to a cultural identity that too often exists on the margins.

In the ever-growing world of global cookbooks, certain cuisines continue to dominate the spotlight, while others, equally rich in flavour, tradition, and heritage, remain underrepresented, like Cypriot cuisine. Irene is a proud Greek Cypriot and she is on a mission. 

In an era when food is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for storytelling, diplomacy, and connection, Irene’s work is timely and necessary. Her cookbook is a reminder that representation matters — in kitchens, on bookshelves, and in the stories we choose to share. With My Cypriot Table, Irene Matys opens a door to a cuisine rich with history and heart, inviting all of us to pull up a seat at the table.

Whether you’re of Cypriot descent or simply a curious food lover looking to expand your repertoire, this book offers more than recipes — it offers a deeper understanding of culture, heritage, and the flavours that connect us all.

Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to reflect Cyprus’s rich culinary heritage, often infused with the fragrant aroma of orange blossom and rosewater or the earthy, nutty flavour of taro root. Matys delves into cherished staples like halloumi cheese, tahini, and mastic, creatively pairing them with seasonal North American produce to bring new life to age-old flavours.

From comforting classics to innovative spins, the cookbook offers something for everyone:

  • Cypriot Staples: Eliopita (Cypriot Olive Bread), Spanakopita
  • Family Gathering Favourites: Cypriot Meatballs, Halloumi Saganaki (Flaming Halloumi)
  • Unique Takes on the Classics: Garlic Scape Halloumi Quiche, Baklava Butter Tarts
  • Seasonal, Vegetable-Forward Dishes: Strawberry, Spinach, Arugula and Feta Salad with Tahini Poppyseed Vinaigrette, Butter Bean Dip with Caramelized Onions and Za’atar, Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Vinaigrette and Walnut Gremolata

Every recipe is accompanied by stunning photography and heartfelt storytelling, capturing not only the vibrant food but also the landscape, traditions, and soulful essence of Cypriot life.

For far too long, Cypriot cuisine has been overlooked in the mainstream culinary world. In publishing My Cypriot Table, Irene Matys is doing more than sharing delicious recipes, she is advocating for cultural representation and shining a light on a community and cuisine that deserves recognition. Her work serves as a reminder that food is more than sustenance, it’s a powerful expression of identity, history, and belonging. We are so proud to have Irene as one of our recipe contributors on Evolve Magazine. 

Stay tuned for more as we share some of Irene’s recipes from her amazing book.You can find out more about Irene’s work on her Instagram page or on her website.

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