In This Space

I’m Dilara Apa—a cook, recipe developer, and former publisher. This is where I share what’s coming out of my kitchen each week: a dish I’m working on, an ingredient I’m into, or just a small note worth saving.

I come from publishing. I ran The Guide Istanbul and The Guide Bodrum for years, writing about places, people, and taste. Later, I trained at Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi and spent a short but formative season in the kitchen at Maçakızı, followed by a brief stage with chef Carlo Bernardini. I then worked privately as a chef, cooking for small gatherings. Eventually, I found my rhythm—developing recipes, styling, and photographing food for brands, and sharing it all through my social media pages.

Since then, I’ve shaped my work around food and storytelling—drawing on research, experience, and what I learn every time I cook.

The recipes are often Mediterranean in spirit, but not bound to it. They’re meant to be practical, quietly beautiful, and full of flavor. I like food that brings people around the table, but also food you can make just for yourself.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Mostly seasonal recipes

• Kitchen notes and personal favorites

• Occasional travel dispatches from Bodrum and beyond

Every week, you’ll get at least one post in your inbox.

Afiyet olsun.

Dilara