Helena and Vikki: The Greek-Australians behind "Opa" - 80 recipes from Greek taverns around the world

The two girls are from Adelaide, South Australia and their cooking is strongly influenced by their Greek grandmother, Koula, as well as by the Greek family traditions and tavernas of our country.

“OPA! Recipes inspired by Greek tavernas”
They became widely known as finalists on their country’s TV show “My Kitchen Rules” in 2014, where they stood out with dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. It was this success that led them to publish their first cookbook, “Taking You Home: Simple Greek Food for Friends & Family” in 2015.

Building on this momentum, they released their second cookbook, “Peináo: A Greek Feast For All”, in 2023, which quickly became a bestseller, topping the Amazon charts, being sold at Harrods and reprinted twice.

Now, it’s time for their third cookbook, titled “OPA! Recipes inspired by Greek tavernas”.

The twin sisters work as chefs, food stylists, recipe creators and content creators

Recipes for classic Greek tavern dishes
Their latest book, OPA!, includes 80 recipes inspired by Greek tavernas.

“OPA!” is a phrase that captures the warmth of Greek culture, an expression that in Greece has many meanings depending on the context in which it is used, from joy to excitement, from celebration to surprise.

For Eleni and Vicky Moursella, it is a phrase that best captures the essence of Greece’s rich culinary culture, making it the natural namesake of their latest book.

With recipes for all the classic tavern dishes, such as lamb kleftiko, village salad and fries with goat’s feta and oregano, as well as inspired recipes, such as shrimp with fennel and caper butter or peppers stuffed with Greek cheeses.

“OPA!” is a vibrant celebration of the food, atmosphere and traditions found in Greece’s favorite tavernas.

With 80 delicious recipes and fascinating stories that highlight iconic dishes and the passionate people behind them in restaurants, this book invites us into the heart of Greek culinary culture.

The twin sisters are active as chefs, food stylists, recipe creators and content creators.

Together, Elena and Vicky share their love of Greek cuisine with the world, combining their culinary expertise with creativity and a deep appreciation for their heritage. Whether through cookbooks, digital content or brand partnerships, they always remain passionate about making Greek cuisine accessible, vibrant and full of flavour.