I had previously visited newly-weds, Efkan and Devrim’s place several times for dinner but they had not visited mine once. I’m not sure of the exact logic but it is a cultural thing in Turkey to for couples and families not to visit/have dinner at single people’s places. Can any Turks elaborate?

Last night, to break the drought, I invited Efkan and Devrim over for stir-fry with chicken, broccoli, peanuts, carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, capsicums, soy sauce, oil, chilli flakes, Iranian spice mix, fresh ginger, garlic, spring onion and onion. The meal worked out well but I was a bit late preparing it and I received some valuable cutting assistance from Devrim. If this were a Turkish meal, bread and yoghurt would definitely accompany it!

Afterwards was baklava (thank you D+E) and Iranian Turkish coffee. The Iranian version is lighter roasted and has slightly ‘chocolaty’ flavour compared to ‘Turkish’ Turkish coffee but every Turk so far has enjoyed the flavour.

Devrim’s Mother comes from Iran and Devrim would like to go with her family back there for a holiday one day, particularly after hearing me rave on about the country. It would also be funny seeing Devrim and Asli (her sister) wearing headscarves!