Ozlem Warren takes us to the heart of Istanbul's food scene

'A gorgeous love letter to Istanbul. I couldn't love this book more' Diana Henry

Delicious recipes inspired by the vibrant mosaic of Istanbul cuisine from the author of Sebze. Istanbul is Özlem Warren’s heartfelt tribute to a city that has animated so much of her cooking, and a warm celebration of making and sharing its delicious food.

Inspired by the rich and nuanced heritage of Istanbul’s food scene, Istanbul Lezzetleri brings a taste of Istanbul to readers’ tables, wherever they are in the world. With fuss-free and flavourful recipes for dishes from the firin (bakery) to the kahvalti evi (breakfast houses), ocakbasi (fireside), sokak (street), and more, this is a dynamic collection recipes that takes readers on a journey through Istanbul, showing just how satisfying and straightforward cooking its food can be.

Including the likes of Börekitas (smoked aubergine pastries), Balik Ekmek (grilled fish sandwich), Çerkez Ravugu (Circassian chicken with walnut sauce), and Irmik Helvasi (buttery semolina halva), every dish prioritises flavour and ease of execution, as well as showcasing the multicultural influences that have made Istanbul’s food scene what it is today.

Özlem Warren is an award-winning Turkish food writer and cookery teacher. She frequently travels to teach Turkish cookery in the USA, Turkiye, UK, Europe and Jordan. Her recipes and articles are published in major newspapers and magazines, including Waitrose Food, Good Food, Delicious, The New York Times Cooking, VOGUE Turkiye. Her debut book, Ozlem's Turkish Table, won the 2020 Gourmand Best in the World Award inFood Heritage. Her second cookery book, Sebze: Vegetarian recipes from my Turkish kitchen, won the 2025 Gourmand Best in the World Award in Vegetarian Category. Ozlem is passionate about her homeland, has hosted numerous culinary tours to Istanbul and Turkiye, and also has participated in Milk Street & Culinary Backstreets Istanbul culinary tours. Ozlem shares her recipes, events and travels on her Instagram page: @ozlems_turkish_table