Food Writer, Cook, and Storyteller; London, UK

Melek Erdal is an Alevi Kurdish writer, cook, and multi-disciplinary storyteller exploring themes around community, identity, and resilient joy. Istanbul-born, east-London-raised, Melek’s recipes, voice, and words have featured in the Guardian, on BBC Radio 4, and in her column in Vittles. She is Fortnum and Mason Cookery Writer of the Year in 2024.  Melek is currently working on her first recipe and essay book mapping recipes and stories from Turkey to London. @mels_place_east