Smoke and Seasoned Bread by Hasan Semay

‘This is Has at his best’ – Jamie Oliver

‘A modern Turkish bible’ – Tom Parker Bowles

‘Soulful, inquisitive and thrillingly unpretentious all at once.’ – Jimi Famurewa

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. Hasan looks at heritage dishes, eating Adanan kofte in Adana, but also tries local delicacies, like pistachios in Gaziantep.

Though language and culture are shared, Hasan’s 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.

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”. Having left school and tried his hand at everything from plumbing to security, Hasan applied for Jamie Oliver’s prestigious 15 program in 2011 and there discovered a true love of cooking. After successfully graduating he went on to spend the next 10 years in and out of professional kitchens across London. His relaxed and informative approach to cooking and his ability to talk about quality food without pretentiousness has won him legions of fans over on his YouTube platform Sunday Sessions.

17 Jul 2025
 

Smoke and Seasoned Bread: Recipes from Turkiye by Hasan Semay ISBN 9780008603755