Meni Valle is an Australian–Greek food writer and cookbook author whose deep connection to her heritage and love of travel have made her one of Australia’s most respected voices in Mediterranean cuisine.

Drawing inspiration from her Greek roots, Meni celebrates the traditions, stories, and generosity of the table through her writing. When she’s not creating cookbooks, she shares her passion for Greek food through cooking classes and culinary tours to Greece — connecting with locals, gathering recipes, and continuing her lifelong exploration of authentic Mediterranean flavours.

Following the success of her acclaimed cookbook Ikaria, Meni now invites readers to explore the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. This vibrant new book celebrates both traditional and modern dishes, illuminating a region renowned for its unique food culture.

Thessaloniki — Greece’s second-largest city and a UNESCO-recognised epicentre of traditional culinary practices — lies at the heart of this exploration. The area’s abundant natural resources, from fertile plains to mountainous enclaves, inspire a diverse array of ingredients: from the famed Greek elephant beans to sun-ripened stone fruits.

Blending her research with collaborations from local experts, Meni weaves together a tapestry of flavours and stories shaped by Sephardic Jewish, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Through evocative photography and over 70 authentic recipes, Thessaloniki captures the warmth, generosity, and slow food philosophy that define the region — offering readers an intimate taste of Northern Greece’s culinary legacy.