Books have the power to take us on unforgettable journeys, filled with stories, emotions, and personal moments. While cookbooks may seem mundane, they are more than just recipes; they take you on flavourful travels, filled with fascinating tales. The memories of a family’s kitchen and the rich cultural-culinary experience of the society weave together the beauty of Indian cuisine. From lesser-known ingredients to regional delicacies, the Indian culinary landscape is vast and full of surprises. If you are a food enthusiast who also loves to read, here’s a curated list of the best books on Indian cuisine that you should add to your reading list.

6 Best Books On Indian Cuisine

An Invitation to Feast: A Deep Dive into India’s Culinary Treasures By Sona Bahadur

If you have not covered the Indian food map, you can once you get your hands on this book. “An Invitation to Feast” takes you across India, covering stories of eleven beloved dishes. From butter chicken, biryani, vada pav, shami kebab, undhiyon, goan fish curry, dosai, chole, smoked pork and the sweet stories of roshogulla, it offers a 360-degree view of India’s diverse culinary landscape. Each section explores a single dish, blending stories from street vendors, chefs, food historians, and restaurant experts, offering insights and not boring readers with just facts. Bahadur focuses on the evolution of these dishes across geographies and identities and how they have lived in the country over the decades. Alongside documenting her gastronomic tour, she curates the authentic recipes of all these places. If you wish to enhance your knowledge about Indian cuisine with a story, written like a travelogue, then this one is a wholesome book.  

Price on Amazon: INR 708

Flavours of India: Heirloom Recipes from India’s Kitchens By Neela Kaushik and Shibani Sethi

A heartfelt collection of 50 traditional recipes shared by the members of GurgoanMoms is a vibrant culinary tribute to Indian cuisine. As the name suggests, the book brings India’s rich flavours and heritage by sharing diverse heirloom recipes passed down from generations across the various regions of India. The book is structured into sections of beverages, vegetarian snacks, dry vegetables, curries, chicken, mutton, seafood, pickles and chutneys, and sweets, making it easier for the reader to navigate to their favourite recipe. From Andhra’s tangy Vankaya Tomato Pachadi, Bengal’s beloved Bhapa Doi, Sindhi Kadhi, to Kerala’s comforting Mutton Ishtew, there is a regional gem on every page. From easy-to-follow everyday and festive recipes, the book offers moments of emotional depth, exploring the origins that give readers a glimpse into the traditions and memories behind the dishes. 

Price on Amazon: INR 484

Mitahara: Food Wisdom From My Indian Kitchen By Rujuta Diwekar

Rujukta Diwekar, best-selling author and celebrity nutritionist, takes you on a transformative journey rooted in India’s tradition of measured eating and balanced living. The book blends ancient learning and traditions of healthy eating, giving it a modern perspective and making it relevant for the present generation. Discovering the principles of Mithara, seasonal insights, mindful eating habits, and sustainable practices, this book guides you to healthier living. It uncovers a holistic approach to food and simple recipes significant for lifelong wellness. 

Price on Amazon: INR 728

From the King’s Table to Street Food by Pushpesh Pant 

While Delhi’s identity has evolved, its food has consistently been at the heart of every conversation. The question of origins has always been debated: whether Delhi is more inclined towards Punjabi cuisine or the rich influence of the Mughals. In his book, historian-author Pushpesh Pant defines what a Dilliwala is and what constitutes Delhi cuisine.  He takes the readers on a culinary journey through Delhi from the time of Indraprastha, through the Mughal empire and the British Raj. This fascinating food trip takes the readers to rich qormas and kebabs of Shahjahanabad, Shepherd’s Pie and mutton cutlets of “angrezon ki Dilli,” along with a light snack of Papri or Undiya. Pant talks about how Delhi is a melting pot of various cuisines from Kashmiri, Bengali, and Bihari to Andhra, Naga, and Indian-Chinese. The book isn’t just about cuisines but about insights into the city’s food culture beyond just recipes and ingredients—an anecdotal account of the history of Delhi’s food through all these years.

Price on Amazon: INR 453

Monsoon: Delicious Indian Recipes for Every Day and Season By Asma Khan

Asma Khan, the Indian-born British restaurateur and cookbook author, owns the Darjeeling Express restaurant in London’s Soho. “Monsoon,” her third cookbook in a row, focuses on the food memories associated with monsoons. Every season has a story, an experience, and a dish that makes it even more special. Khan perfects the art of storytelling by sharing tales of meals improvised during stormy weather. The book moves between seasons and cities, drawing from Khan’s upbringing in Kolkata and Aligarh with recipes that reflect her family’s Rampuri roots. From authentic recipes, practical instruction, and combining storytelling, the book binds the comfort of everyday meals, central ingredients and the tribute to women in Khan’s family. 

Price on Amazon: INR 1399

Vegan Indian Food: Over 80 Plant-Based Recipes for Every Occasion By Ragini Dey

Vegan food is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious eaters and trend-savvy individuals. This book by celebrated chef Ragini Dey is a vibrant plant-based cookbook featuring 86 flavour-packed vegan recipes for every occasion. Born in Mirzapur, Dey and her family travelled extensively through India, experiencing food from different regions and experimenting with various recipes. This book is her way of documenting the history of vegan food in India and curating some of her favourite vegan-friendly dishes. The book includes multiple vegan versions of Indian recipes, including samosas, pakoras, biryanis, breads, and desserts. The recipes are accompanied by beautiful photographs and helpful tips to master traditional cooking techniques. 

Price on Amazon: INR 1335