The Balkan Kitchen

’I’m so hungry for this book... Irina’s passion for the food of the Balkans is matched by her passion for the story of the people, the place and its produce.’ - Tara Wigley

’It’s sincere and delicious food.’ - Helen Goh

’Irina’s food is rich with history that tells of a region at the crossroads of myriad peoples and cultures’. - Melissa Thompson

In The Balkan Kitchen, Irina Janakievska gives a voice to the vast and varied dishes and cultural heritage of the Balkan region.

Explore this diverse and expansive region of cuisine with recipes including everything from Pogaça (celebration laminated tear and share bread) and Leek, Lemon and Olive Salad to Baked Sirenje (white cheese) two ways and Chicken Paprikash, and of course sweet treats such as Vanilici Cookies and Chocolate Baklava. Irina’s food is as vibrant and joyful as the stunning location photography and evocative essays, and with over half of the recipes being vegetarian or vegan, this is a book for all to enjoy the flavors of the Balkans.

With cultural anecdotes, history and personal stories, The Balkan Kitchen will be a book that inspires cooks around the world for years to come.

Irina Janakievska was born in North Macedonia, grew up in Kuwait and now lives in the UK. A consultant solicitor, Irina left the corporate world to pursue her dream of writing The Balkan Kitchen. She completed her Essential Cooking Certificate at Leiths and spent some time working as a recipe developer in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen. She wants people to fall in love with Balkan cuisine, the Balkans and its people, and so wants to share her journey of exploring the region’s unique history and heritage through food.