Hey, there! I'm Vidar 👋

I’m a food writer based in Istanbul, with three books published in my native Norway.

Since 2015, I’ve introduced tens of thousands to the beautiful food and cultures of Turkey, the Middle East and beyond.

→ Let’s explore these wonderful cuisines together in my popular weekly newsletter!

You’ll find many delicious recipes on this website, while my newsletter Meze is the home for my travel stories, local food culture experiences and stories from life in Istanbul – as well as carefully curated selections of seasonal recipes, of course.

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Vidar shopping for vegetables at a Turkish greengrocer
Photo: Bahar Kitapcı
Vidar shopping for vegetables at a Turkish greengrocer
Photo: Bahar Kitapcı

What would you like to eat?

Meet Kedi

Kedi was born in autumn 2015 and started life with several severe illnesses. Against all odds, she pulled through, and since then she’s been an active, beloved and highly independent member of our household in Balat, Istanbul.

She’s most often seen chilling in the warmest spots of the house, but also loves running up and down the stairs hunting for her beloved green yarn ball. She’s skeptical of small children and can’t stand other cats, but loves greeting adult guests at the door.

Though she’s never been outside of Istanbul, I suspect she’s got part Norwegian genes, as her favourite foods are Norwegian brown cheese and salmon!

Exploring the food and cultures of Turkey, the Middle East & beyond.