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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 North African traditions. Yet, despite its vibrant flavors and centuries-old history, Cypriot food rarely receives 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 fresh, vibrant recipes inspired by the beauty and bounty of the Mediterranean. The book is a culinary journey that expertly bridges traditional Cypriot dishes with contemporary tastes — rooted in authenticity yet accessible to today’s home cooks.
What sets My Cypriot Table apart is Irene’s ability to honor 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. From grilled halloumi drizzled with honey and thyme to moussaka layered with locally sourced vegetables, Irene brings the soul of Cyprus into kitchens around the world.
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 also 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 flavor, tradition, and heritage — remain underrepresented. Cypriot cuisine is one of them. Irene, a proud Greek Cypriot, is on a mission to change that.
In an era when food is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for storytelling, diplomacy, and connection, Irene’s work is both 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 flavors 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 flavor 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 flavors.
From comforting classics to innovative spins, the cookbook offers something for everyone:
● Cypriot Staples
Eliopita (Cypriot Olive Bread)
Spanakopita
● Family Gathering Favorites
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 at Evolve Magazine. Stay tuned as we share more of Irene’s recipes from her incredible new book.
