All posts by Somer Sivrioglu

Chef Somer Sivrioglu of Efendy Restaurant has dedicated much of his energy to improving the image of Turkish cuisine in Australia, and in the process has established himself as one of Australia’s top chefs. Somer was born in Istanbul, Turkey, where he spent his first 25 years. With a mother as a chef and restaurateur, Somer grew up around kitchens and gained an early understanding of the diversity of Turkish cuisine, before moving to Australia and opening his own restaurant, Efendy. Since opening Efendy in 2007, Somer has become a regular chef representing Turkey in many prestigious Australian and international events. These include his involvement in 2012 Worlds of Flavour, Culinary Institute of America, Crave Sydney International Food Festival in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, Masterchef Live, and numerous cooking school demonstrations. Somer’s most recent achievements include starring in the Masterchef 2012 season as Australia’s pre-eminent Turkish chef, and winning the ‘Best Dish’ at the 2012 Taste of Sydney event for his stunning take on a ‘real’ Turkish kebab. His multitude of television and radio appearances also includes starring with Masterchef winner Adam Liaw on new television show ‘Destination Flavour’, launching in September 2012. A passionate advocate of real Turkish cuisine, Somer also has a television show called “Somer’in Mutfagi” (Somer’s Kitchen) which screened for 2 seasons on Turkish cable television, hosted SBS Radio program Lezzete Yolculuk (Journey to Taste), and writes a weekly column for the Turkish community newspaper Yeni Vatan. At Efendy today, Somer continues to provide Australians with an authentic Turkish experience. From real Turkish kebabs to creative adaptation of regional recipes, Somer has brought back a true taste of Istanbul for locals to enjoy. In particular, Somer’s time spent with friend and internationally acclaimed regional Turkish chef Musa Dagdeviren (star international chef of the 2010 Crave Sydney International Food Festival) played a major part in the shaping chef Somer’s current approach at Efendy - giving him an in-depth knowledge for regional Anatolian recipes and igniting a passion for this style of cuisine. Somer travels back to Turkey on a yearly basis to ensure he keeps up-to-date with regional and contemporary Turkish food and the vibrant Istanbul dining scene.

Awards & Accolades

2012 Best in Taste Award WINNER 2011 RCNSW Awards of Excellence WINNER Specialty Restaurant 2010 RCNSW Awards of Excellence WINNER Turkish Restaurant 2010 Inner West Courier WINNER Best Restaurant in Inner West

Restaurant Contact & Details

Efendy Restaurant, 79 Elliott Street (Corner of Darling Street) Balmain NSW 2041. For bookings call 9810 5466 or email [email protected]. You can also visit the website www.efendy.com.au.

Kadayif-Wrapped King Prawns on Muhammara (Kadayifli Karides)

This is an amazing Middle Eastern prawn recipe made with kadayif, a finely shredded filo dough which is used in many Middle Eastern desserts, and muhammara, a Middle Eastern dip...

Somer Sivrioglu

March 16, 2023

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