Welcome to My Cypriot Table

where the vibrant flavors of Cyprus blend seamlessly with the spirit of the Canadian landscape. This cookbook is a labor of love, celebrating the beauty of Cyprus’s traditions and the joy of sharing meals with family and friends. More than just a cookbook, this is a celebration of Cyprus’s stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and rich culture. Through heartfelt stories, stunning photography and farm-table-table traditions, I invite you to savor the essence of the Mediterranean/Middle East and cherished moments around the family table.

Video/Photographer and Creative Artist Betty Shin Binon (Stems and Forks)

IRENE MATYS

Local farm-to-table advocate, food stylist, recipe developer & food photographer

Irene Matys is a Greek Cypriot culinary expert specializing in recipe development, food writing, food photography, and styling. Her work has been featured in prominent publications, including LCBO Food & Drink and Best Side Magazine. A passionate advocate for local farmers and producers, Irene has been collaborating with Plan B Organic Farms since 2015, championing fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes that nourish the soul and delight the senses.

“This beautiful cookbook is a thoughtful and passionate tribute to the flavors and culture of a little-known island hidden away in the Mediterranean. Irene has shared a stunning compilation of authentic yet accessible dishes that just ooze with the stories and personalities of her homeland and family.”

CHEF MICHAEL BONACINI

Co-founder, Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality

“What a stunning capsule of Cypriot life, beautifully displayed through its delicious dishes. Irene’s warmth and sincerity comes through in each recipe, as does a sense of how the cuisine of Cyprus evolved on this island. Irene weaves her culinary heritage into her life in Canada, so that we can, too, and I am immensely grateful.”

ANNA OLSON

Bestselling author of Anna Olson’s Baking Wisdom

“With this absolutely beautiful book, Irene Matys introduces us to the flavors of Cyprus. This is a new and delicious look at Mediterranean/Middle Eastern techniques and tastes, and is a great addition to your cookbook library.”

BONNIE STERN

Bestselling author of Don’t Worry, Just Cook, with her daughter Anna Rupert

“Bursting with the warmth and hospitality of Cyprus, My Cypriot Table reflects the deep love Irene has for her Cypriot culture and is filled with some of the mouthwatering recipes she shared as a lifestyle contributor on CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show. This is a superbly accessible cookbook—you will savor every morsel!”

MARILYN DENIS

Host of The Marilyn Denis Show (CHUM 104.5)

“My Cypriot Table is a sensory delight—I can almost hear the halloumi sizzling! Irene’s recipes, vivid photography, and heartfelt stories beautifully capture her Cypriot roots with a Canadian twist, turning tradition into something deliciously new.”

DEIRDRE BURYK

Bestselling author of Peak Season

“Irene is putting Cypriot food on the map and has totally knocked it out of the park with these fresh and delicious recipes.”

AFRIM PRISTINE

Author of For the Love of Cheese

“The way Irene Matys weaves together her heritage with heartfelt, candid stories to introduce all of the wonderful recipes in My Cypriot Table is nothing short of magical. I was immersed from cover to cover, cooking up delicious Cypriot dishes—ever-accented with Canadian ingredients—along the way!”

DAN CLAPSON

Bbestselling co-author of Prairie and host of Wish We Never Met podcast

“My Cypriot Table is a treasure. Beautifully photographed and written, it’s a valuable tribute to Irene’s Cypriot heritage!”

GALATIA PAMBORIDIS

TV chef and cookbook author

FEATURE POST

Indian Inspired No-Waste Skillet Hash

This Indian inspired no-waste Skillet Hash is a flavourful and delicious way to continue celebrating Earth Month. No need to compost those vegetable tops, potato skins and wilted ingredients. I have partnered with @Nutiva to create a recipe that you will absolute love with no-waste. This flavourful skillet features sweet potatoes, carrot and beet tops,…