Cookbook- Thessaloniki, The Many Kitchens of Northen Greece by Meni Valle

A culinary journey through Northern Greece.

Following the success of her acclaimed Ikaria, Meni now turns her attention north, inviting readers to explore the vibrant food culture of Thessaloniki and the surrounding regions. This stunning new cookbook celebrates both timeless recipes and contemporary interpretations, shining a light on a part of Greece renowned for its unique culinary identity.

At the heart of the book is Thessaloniki — Greece’s second-largest city and a UNESCO-recognised centre of gastronomy. Here, fertile plains, mountain enclaves, and abundant natural resources provide an extraordinary variety of ingredients, from the famous giant elephant beans to fragrant stone fruits. Meni showcases these treasures while also tracing the city’s rich cultural history — shaped by Sephardic Jews, Ottoman influences, and returning Greek émigrés — that has left an indelible mark on its cuisine.

With more than 70 carefully curated recipes, Thessaloniki brings to life the flavours, stories, and traditions of Northern Greece. Meni’s deep research and collaborations with local experts reveal the heritage behind each dish, offering readers both authenticity and discovery.

Evocative photography by Stephanie Stamatis captures the warmth of everyday kitchens, the beauty of seasonal produce, and the slow-food philosophy that continues to define the region. Together, words and images invite readers to savour Northern Greece’s hidden gems and celebrate a culinary legacy as diverse as it is enduring

About the Author

When she is not writing cookbooks, Meni Valle shares her knowledge and passion for Mediterranean food through cooking classes and culinary tours to Greece and its neighbouring countries, where she loves connecting with locals and discovering new recipes. She first visited Ikaria in 2017 and now returns every year. Meni lives with her family in Melbourne. 

Her rich Greek heritage, coupled with her love for travel and food, has seen Meni become one of Australia’s most-respected authorities on Mediterranean cuisine.

Meni Vis also the author of several other celebrated cookbooks, including Ikaria and The Mediterranean Cook

Hardcover- 240  pages