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11 best cookbooks for making authentic cuisine from around the world

Travel the world from your plate with the best cookbooks from around the world...

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Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
Updated: October 13, 2022
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There's no denying that after spending nearly two years at home in our kitchens, we've been reaching for inspiration from the furthest corners of the world.

From light lunches and snacks to substantial dinners, why not discover some of the world's favourite dishes from the comfort of your own home. Each of these cookbooks are packed with authentic recipes from places like India, Spain and Indonesia to Scandinavia.

MORE: Nadiya Hussain's five-day packed lunch menu and easy tips for cooking for kids

30 Minute Mowgli by Nisha Katona

Spice-packed, punchy, fresh Indian-inspired dishes to get on the table in 30 minutes or under. This is the food that This Nisha Katona, This Morning chef and founder and creator of the Mowgli Indian restaurants, cooks for her family at home. 30 Minute Mowgli shares over 100 super speedy recipes, made with easily sourced ingredients, that deliver big, bold flavours. Popular recipes include Quick Angry Tandoori, Gingerbread Lamb Steaks and Indian French Toast.

mowgli book

30 Minute Mowgli, £17.55, Amazon

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The Latin American Cookbook by Virgilio Martínez

This amazing recipe book documents the vibrant food and culture of one of earth's most extraordinary geographical regions. Often referred to as the 'world's pantry,' the lands and coasts of Latin America yield an almost endless larder of ingredients, and have given rise to globally popular dishes such as arepas, empanadas, sweet breads, tacos, tortillas, tamales, and much more.

latin america book

The Latin American Cookbook, £26.85, Amazon

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Time To Eat by Nadiya Hussain

Many of Nadiya's recipes come from her Bangladeshi roots, and while this book focuses more on time-saving meals using simple store-cupboard ingredients – it's certainly packed with flavour! Take inspiration from her Chicken Shawarma, Bao Buns with Spicy Tuna and Mango Peach Mint Sorbet. The GBBO star has crafted over 100 recipes that will teach you how to be time-smart in the kitchen.

nadiya hussain time to eat book

Time To Eat, £15.98, Amazon

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Exclusive: Nadiya Hussain reveals sweet tradition she's passed down to her children

MORE: Sophie Dahl shares her top 10 children's books

ScandiKitchen: Midsommar: Simply delicious food for summer days

Brontë Aurell, owner of the ScandiKitchen Café in London, has brought her famous flair to over 65 Scandinavian-style recipes that perfectly capture the joy of summer eating. In the warmer months we crave food that is lighter and nourishing - and Scandinavians do summer food so well! For some Scandi balance into your summer meals try tempting breakfasts such as Cinnamon Bun French Toast. Sharing plates such as Smoked Mackerel Rillettes with Rye Crisps are ideal for grazing, while satisfying larger plates include Danish Plaice with Remoulade.

scandikitchen book

ScandiKitchen: Midsommar, £14.20, Amazon

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Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen by Lara Lee

Discover the vibrant islands of Indonesia straight from your kitchen with these authentic recipes by Indonesian and Australian chef and food writer Lara Lee. You will learn how to create dishes such as Nasi goreng, Beef rendang and Chilli prawn satay as well as a variety of recipes for sambals. Even Drew Barrymore is a huge fan!

coconut and sambal book

Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen, £17.16, Amazon

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Butter by James Martin

Through over 130 original recipes, Yorkshire's finest James Martin presents some of his favourite new dishes and classics in this fabulous book. The latest offering will include everything from savoury delights like butter-poached lobster, truffle butter brioche and chicken with 'nduja butter, to sweet treats including rhubarb custard bread and butter pudding and shortbread.

james martin butter

Butter, £22, Amazon

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Kolkata: Recipes from the Heart of Bengal

In this stunning book, Rinku Dutt showcases the best food the city has to offer, with more than 70 simple recipes that can be easily recreated in home kitchens. The unique atmosphere of the city is brought alive with arresting food and travel photography, telling the story of a city bursting with energy and diversity, of numerous cultures and traditions, with ever-popular street food, a thriving restaurant and café scene, and the legacy of family favourites handed down through generations.

kolkata book

Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, £21, Amazon

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The Noodle Cookbook

From Shanghai 'Yum Cha' Noodles, Mr Lee's Cracking Katsu and Bamboo Buckwheat Noodles to Cantonese Wanton Soup, The Noodle Cookbook has a recipe for every craving, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly options. Get to know your noodles with an essential store-cupboard section, notes on health-boosting 'hero ingredients' and healthy swap-insfor your favourite Asian condiments. Perfect your work-from-home lunch and master the art of the 'fakeaway'. With tasty dishes from Vietnam to China, The Noodle Cookbook will spice up your meals and satisfy those instant noodle cravings. No worries, eat happy!

noodle cookbook

The Noodle Cookbook, £10.41, Amazon

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Tarkari by Rohit Ghai

Chef Rohit Ghai, of Kutir and soon-to-open Manthan, has launched his first cookbook, Tarkari. Meaning 'vegetable' in Urdu, Rohit's book pays homage to the food his parents ate, showcasing both classic and lesser-known Indian flavours. From creative starters like Malabar Cauliflower, to big, bold curries such as Jackfruit Masala and Lotus Root Kofta, as well as breads, rice, dips and pickles, it includes everything you need to cook truly spectacular Indian vegetarian and vegan meals at home.

tarkari book

Tarkari, £22, Amazon

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Postal Bakes by Lucy Burton

Leith's-trained Lucy Burton, who is a food stylist, wedding cake maker and recipe writer based in London, has been making and posting delicious modern bakes in a trend that's going nowhere. In Postal Bakes, Lucy shares over 60 easy yet decadent recipes, all designed to be baked and sent through the post. Known for her distinctive pink packing tape, hand pressed flowers and plush velvet ribbons, Lucy also shares her secret to wrapping and packing everything for postage to ensure your baked goods look beautiful and, most importantly, arrive in one piece. From PBJ Brownies to Matcha Blondies, indulgent sharing cookie slabs to a simple seasonal sponge cake, there is something to please even the most discerning sweet tooth. 

postal bakes

Postal Bakes, £13.59, Amazon

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Spanish Made Simple by Omar Allibhoy

This wonderful book features 100 foolproof Spanish recipes for every day cooking. Omar guides readers through the basics of key Spanish dishes. The recipes showcase Spanish cuisine's deep flavours and vibrant colours where you can easily learn how to make a paella that packs a punch without spending hours in the kitchen, cook up a tapas feast for friends, and even whip up a delectable Spanish dessert in minutes.

Spanish Made Simple, £13.50, Amazon

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