Calling all foodies and avid travellers. As we’re all cooking at home right now, now is THE time to mix things up and let your wanderlust lead the way in the kitchen. From tastebud-tingling Indian curries to new baking ideas (hint: Irish soda bread is the new bake you need in your life), we’ve rounded up the best, newest and most iconic international cookbooks to feed your wanderlust. You can thank us after that delicious bowl of Carbonara…
Italian
How to Eataly: A Guide to Buying, Cooking and Eating Italian Food by Eataly & Oscar Farinetti
Italian food is something that ALL food lovers can relate too! This cookbook will help you bring your Eataly dining experience to home, plus teach you so much about cooking authentic Italian food. There’s a ton of pasta recipes and tips on how to use classic ingredients well, such as olive oil and cheese. Check out the guides on what to look for at food markets and how to build Italian dishes from scratch. You’ll be saying grazie in no time!
Image source:Eaters Collective
Indian
Dishoom by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar & Naved Nasir
Indian food is renowned for its amazing colours and flavours. It has become a huge part of London’s local food scene with one restaurant, Dishoom leading the charge. What started as a single spot has expanded to several restaurants across London, and Dishoom has quickly become a fave for Indian food for locals and tourists alike. This cookbook helps to bring their amazing restaurant food into your kitchen. Think Bombay comfort food like biryani and masala chai. The perfect stay-in dishes at home! If that doesn’t fill your foodie wanderlust, you’ll also enjoy the beautiful photography and stories from their head chefs that will transport you to life in Bombay, India.
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German
Grandma’s German Cookbook by Linn Schmidt & Birgit Hamm
This international cookbook is filled with all of Oma’s favourites. Grandma’s German Cookbook features 85 recipes of traditional German food, so you can try goulash, potato pancakes and wiener schnitzel. All of the recipes are perfect for family gatherings (when the world opens up again, that is). But why not try some family cook-a-longs in the meantime?
Thai
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen by Leela Punyaratabandhu
Thai food is one of the most vibrant and fragrant cuisines out there. What could be better than a bowl of steaming noodles or a ginger-infused curry? Satisfy your wanderlust cravings with classic Thai recipes like Pad Thai or even popular street food. Your kitchen will be filled by ALLLL the amazing scents!
Image source:Alyssa Kowalski
Irish
The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook by Parragon Books
Craving Irish comfort food? Us too! Known for their relaxed atmosphere and local vibes, Irish pubs have become a huge part of Ireland’s history. This international cookbook wraps up all of the best tried, tested and true recipes from local Irish pubs, all in one. Try traditional Irish favourites like soda bread and Irish stew, plus some spins on classic recipes like scallop chowder.
Peruvian
Peru: The Cookbook by Gastón Acurio
The Peruvian food trend is one to watch. Written by one of Peru’s top acclaimed chefs, this international cookbook will make Peruvian recipes more accessible for home cooks like us. There are over 500 recipes that capture the vibrant flavours of Peru all in one spot – you’ll find delicious dishes like ceviche, quinoa and empanadas, proving that there’s more to Peru than just Machu Picchu.
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Spanish
Paella by Alberto Herraiz
Originating from Valencia in Spain, paella has become a staple in Spanish culture and an absolute FAVOURITE of ours. Made in a pan, this traditional Spanish dish is popular among large family gatherings. It consists of rice and a mix of meat, seafood and veggies. With this international cookbook you’ll learn the secrets of making the perfect paella from home, including many variations from classic recipes to modern twists. Almost all of the ingredients can be found at the grocery store, so what are you waiting for?
Image source:Kaitlin Dowis
Chinese
Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking by Fuchsia Dunlop
This international cookbook is highly recognized in the world of Chinese home cooking. It’s the perfect cookbook for beginners with a quick introduction to Chinese spices and cooking methods. The recipes are super easy to create and there are lots of vegetarian options. These Asian flavours will transport you to China, making it the perfect meal for you to whip up at home.
Israeli
Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi & Sami Tamimi
This cookbook features 120 recipes that represent Middle Eastern life. Think of delicious dishes like hummus, couscous and falafel. It blends the history and flavours of Jerusalem’s diverse communities of Muslim, Jewish and Christian, all together in one cookbook.
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American
The Grand Central Market Cookbook: Cuisine and Culture from Downtown Los Angeles by Adele Yellin & Kevin West
Not to be missed when visiting LA, Grand Central Market has become a major food haven. This is one of the best travel cookbooks that brings you insider access to the multi-national cuisine dishes that are known in America. Ranging from healthy options to not-so-clean comfort food, these recipes will give you true Grand Central Market vibes. With over 85 recipes, you’re bound to find something you’ll love. You may even find some food experiences to add to your bucket list for the next time you visit LA.
Japanese
Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono & Harris Salat
There’s more to Japanese food than just sushi (well, duh). With this amazing recipe book, you can make traditional Japanese fare easily at home. This cookbook highlights Japan’s savoury favourites such as gyoza, curry, tonkatsu, tempura, okonomiyaki and of course… ramen. This is food for the soul right now!
Image source:Michele Blackwell
Jamaican
Original Flava: Caribbean Recipes from Home by Craig McAnuff & Shaun McAnuff
Don’t worry… ‘bout a thing… Known for its music, culture and food, Jamaican’s Caribbean flavours are even more delicious when cooked at home. This cookbook includes recipes for Jamaican favourites like jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail and ackee ‘n’ saltfish. They even have some vegan-friendly recipes. Add some spice and you’ll be eating like you were on a Caribbean beach from your own backyard.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese Home Cooking by Charles Phan
Looking pho authentic Vietnamese recipes? Get ready because this cookbook will wow your palette. It combines both Western and Eastern ingredients to make bold flavours from Vietnam, such as lemongrass marinade and spicy mango salad. You’ll also find a range of recipes for traditional soup stocks made for pho noodle soup to stir-fry and popular Vietnamese street food. The recipes are super approachable from home, satisfying your wanderlust in no time.
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Scandinavian
The Nordic Cookbook by Magnus Nilsson
This international cookbook includes recipes from across all of the Nordic countries. It has favourites from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Think lingonberry jam, meatballs and gravlax for cured salmon. If you’re looking for hidden gems, this cookbook will also introduce you to some unique Scandinavian recipes like rose-hip soup and juniper beer. Each recipe explains the Nordic history, ingredients and techniques required to make the dish.
Mexican
Nopalito: A Mexican Kitchen by Gonzalo Guzmán & Stacy Adimando
With over 100 recipes, you’ll learn how to use fundamental Mexican techniques, gain insight into the local culture and learn the history of popular Mexican dishes. There are recipes for tacos, tostadas, mole, quesadillas, salsas and more! Once you make a few of these recipes at home, you’ll be transported straight into the heart of Mexico.
Image source:Travis Yewell
So, if you’re looking to treat your taste buds and break the routine, you know which recipes books to look for now. These are some of best international cookbooks to make authentic dishes, right from your own home. Explore new flavours from recipes around the world and you may find something delicious that you never knew you loved. Happy cooking!
