A sample menu of the dishes that will be taught includes:

• Dolanan Badamjan (Rolled Aubergines with Herbs and Walnuts)| Vegetarian; Milk, Tree Nuts
• Pomidor Sebet(Stuffed Vine Tomatoes)| Vegan; Celery
• Mash Garma (Mung Bean and Rice Stew)| Vegan; Celery
• Dograma (Turkmen shredded meat and bread stew)| Meat (Lamb); Gluten, Milk
• Govrulan Borek (Filled meat or vegetarian pastries)| Vegetarian; Gluten
• Okroshka (Yoghurt Salad)| Vegetarian; Milk

This menu is mostly vegetarian but contains one dish that contains meat (lamb) with vegetarian filling options. Allergens include: milk, tree nuts, celery, gluten.

A message from our Chef Guncha:

“My name is Guncha. I am from Turkmenistan and particularly proud of the hospitality of its people, and my beautiful country.

I arrived in the UK in 2004 with my two children and husband. I grew up in a big family of five children and had a very happy childhood in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital; one of the main countries on the Silk Road. Both my parents are doctors and I am very proud of my father who has saved many people’s lives. In Turkmenistan I lectured in pedagogical subjects. I am passionate about food and love singing and dancing. I play a traditional instrument called dutar which is made from Mulberry wood and has two strings.

Being a migrant arriving in a new country is very difficult as you have to start your life from scratch. I love the UK but still miss Turkmenistan and our delicious food which I want to share with you in my classes.”