The Cyprus Community Centre in Ardeer was transformed into a Cypriot foodie haven over the weekend.

Eleni Georges behind the food blog My Family’s Food Diary, together with the Greek Cypriot Youth of Melbourne – Apostolos Andreas, hosted the inaugural event Kopiaste – Cyprus on a Plate on Saturday 22 February.

A sell out crowd of over 150 people came together to enjoy a rich and varied buffet of traditional Cypriot dishes, whilst dancing and socialising all night.

The menu, curated by Eleni using home-style recipes from her blog, included afelia, koupepia, bamies, lamb and chicken souvla, salata me glistirida, ravioles, pourekia, glyka tou koutaliou, papoutsosika (frangosika), halloumi with watermelon, and much more.

The event was hosted as part of the Instagram campaign started by Eleni, #FEBulousCypriotFood, whereby people from all over the globe contribute to this online community by sharing their favourite Cypriot food during the month of February using the hashtag.

READ MORE: The food blog documenting Cypriot cooking, and the nostalgia of childhood

Together with the youth group Apostolos Andreas in Sunshine, and with the help of many family, friends, volunteers and generous sponsors, they hosted a night which was enjoyed by all.

Eleni expressed her thanks to the community for throwing their support behind the event.

“We felt very supported by everyone around us offering their assistance in one way or another. Their generosity filled my heart with gratitude and the positive feedback we received is very encouraging,” she said.

The event was strongly supported by the Cyprus Greek Orthodox Community of Apostolos Andreas and President Costas Socratous, who gave a heart-felt speech highlighting the importance of supporting youth and community run initiatives.

The Greek Cypriot Youth of Melbourne enjoy organising events which promote the culture and values of Cyprus. Their next event will be a Flaounes Cooking Workshop with red egg decorating on Saturday 4 April.

To stay up to date, visit https://www.facebook.com/greekcypriotyouthmelbourne/. For delicious Cypriot recipes, visit http://myfamilysfooddiary.com/