Globally Inspired Cookbooks That Are Definitely On My Wishlist
As a novice home cook who also has a collection of passport stamps in my little blue book, I think the biggest luxury is having a collection of storied, classic cookbooks on my library shelves. Having a selection of well-worn cookbooks from a variety of cultures’ food is something that keeps me inspired, curious and adventurous both in mindset and in the kitchen.
Today, I wanted to share some of the newer cookbooks on my wishlist from cultures across the globe.
Here’s a quick list of some of the globally inspired cookbooks perfect for home cooks and travelers!
This treasure was the winner of the James Beard Award for Photography, and man does it deserve all the recognition! This cookbook of portraits of grandmothers from across the globe sharing their recipes is a keepsake in my opinion. It’s a touching, feel-good cookbook with homey recipes from around the world, across cultures and sharing the unifying language of food as a connector.
BUY IT HERE
America, the great melting pot - its food stemming from the immigrants who call this country home. This cookbook is a true celebration of the vibrant food culture America has, thanks solely to the immigrants who can call them their own. It’s beautifully arranged, highlights incredible stories and recipes that will leave you feeling warm and grateful. Bonus! $5 from each sale of the book is donated to the American Civil Liberties Union to support the Immigrant Rights Project.
| BUY IT HERE
Fire Islands is a delightful cookbook with over 100 Indonesian recipes waiting to be created and savored. I’m obsessed with their section on creating an Indonesian kitchen, as well as their stunning photos of tropical landscapes, otherworldly volcanoes and beaches. | BUY IT HERE
As the culinary heart of Mexico, Oaxaca has become synonymous for food-centric travelers to dig in to. This cookbook focuses on Guelaguetza, an authentic Oaxacan restaurant, as well as the local families who share a specialized dish with their stories. It’s a great introduction the rich food culture that’s buzzing in Mexico. (I’m also dying to try my hands at their pink horchata recipe!) | BUY IT HERE
Part travelogue, part novel, part cookbook. This cookbook is sentimental and so meaningful. Food has the incredible power to illustrate familial histories. This cookbook centers of grandmothers from eight eastern African countries, as they welcome readers into their kitchens to share their recipes, stories of family and more. Inside you’ll learn the personal stories of the women behind the delicious recipes, beautifully illustrating the power of food in family legacy, war, refuge and migration. | BUY IT HERE
Italian cookbooks are a dime a dozen, but this book is incredibly infatuating. Told through the eyes of a mother exploring every region of Italia, this cookbook features authentic recipes inspired by the food heritage and treasured produce of the country’s land. It’s a journey through Italy through the many locals who share their timeworn techniques and insight. I’m obsessed with this book because it’s an intentional traveler’s perspective and lessons learned by the local cooks she seeks out and encounters throughout her process of honoring Italy’s rich food culture. | BUY IT HERE
A personal tour of Palestine’s people, history, events, regions and landscapes through the lens of its food. From the preserved family recipes of the region, deep research had to take place to encapsulate the lineage and evolution of many of these dishes. I love the attention to detail in this book and the importance placed on preserving food traditions within a culture. The photos alone will have you breathless, but the recipes will leave you drooling. | BUY IT HERE
As a New York Times “New Cookbook Worth Buying” winner (amongst many, many others) - this cookbook, written by Michelin star chef, Hooni Kim has created an epic collection of simple, essential Korean recipes. It’s a introduction to the “Korean culinary trilogy” - doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang (fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, and fermented red chili paste). From these three, the book unfolds into over 90 recipes with thoughtful notes and tips for home cooks. | BUY IT HERE
I fell in deep infatuation with South American food traditions while watching “Chef’s Table.” And this cookbook is like a great follow up to that, with a holistic, health spin! This cookbook showcases the breakfasts, superfoods, desserts, main courses and of the Andes region of Peru. Great for the health-conscious travel foodie! | BUY IT HERE
This tome has been described as the “definitive, home cooking recipe collection” for those seeking out Japanese recipes. Need I say more? This cookbook features not only 400 authentic recipes, but also regional traditions organized by course in the most elegant, simplistic and wabi-sabi style. Obsessed. | BUY IT HERE
If you’ve been here long enough, you know I’m obsessed with hygge. Can you blame me for having this book on my wishlist? The Scandinavian art of celebrating cozy and togetherness often centers around simple, warming, comfort dishes. This cookbook is a collection of a true masters’ favorite comforting foods to serve while in good company, while she imparts her wisdom in embracing hygge throughout the process. | BUY IT HERE
An ode to the capitol of Thailand. Thai food is easily one of my favorite cuisines out there, and I always find myself picking this book up. With heirloom family recipes, classic restaurant staples and a look into Bangkok’s fine dining, it’s beautiful book that’s a perfect cookbook collection addition for the spice-craving foodies you know. | BUY IT HERE
This National Geographic Traveller Best New Cookbook Winner has my drooling. Ethiopia, as one of the very few un-colonized cultures has a thriving traditions, fascinating histories and stunning landscapes. Add to that its absolutely amazing dishes… and it’s no wonder that Ethiopian vibrant food culture is unlike anything else! Inside you’ll find some absolutely striking photographs of Ethiopian landscapes and locals, as well as hearty dishes that are sure to have you craving it straight from the source one day. | BUY IT HERE