The Top 10 Indian Cookbooks of All Time
If you were raised in a desi home, you know well the wonderful smells, tastes, and feelings of Indian food. Chances are, you’ve seen your mom or grandma create delicious dishes using local ingredients and special spices.
Interested in mastering Indian cooking too? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a selection of the best Indian cookbooks perfect for beginners. Say goodbye to ordering out – grab an apron, and let’s start cooking at home! Continue reading to find out the cookbook top 10 chef in India:
1. Dishoom: From Bombay With Love

Author: Shamil and Kavi Thakrar
About:
Dishoom stands out as a well-known chain of Indian restaurants in the UK, with locations in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Since starting in 2010, this restaurant has gained fame for offering cosy food and unique drinks influenced by the menus of eateries in Bombay, India.
Founded by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar, Dishoom was created as a heartfelt tribute to Bombay. Their inaugural Indian cookbook, titled ‘Dishoom: From Bombay with Love,’ is filled with genuine desi recipes that guarantee an exciting burst of flavours for your taste buds.
What makes the book special?
Besides presenting a selection of Dishoom’s distinctive recipes, this Indian cookbook is brimming with personal stories and captivating pictures showcasing Indian cities and their inhabitants. If you’re seeking a cookbook that not only hones your culinary skills but also stirs up emotions, then grabbing a copy of Dishoom is a must.
Must-try recipes:
Jackfruit Biryani, Eggs Kejriwal, and Okra Fries.
2. Indian Instant Pot® Cookbook

Author: Urvashi Pitre
About:
From an early age, Urvashi Pitre discovered that food, much like art and language, has the wonderful ability to unite people.In addition to her role as a cookbook author, Urvashi thrives as an entrepreneur in advertising, a blogger, and a tech enthusiast. Her passion lies in crafting and imparting recipes that encompass tastes, components, and methods that transcend the ordinary dining experience.
What makes the book special?
As a huge fan of Instant Pot cooking, Urvashi realised the need for a recipe book featuring her well-loved Instant Pot meals. That’s how she came up with this Indian cookbook.
Inside, you’ll find easy cooking methods, simple ingredients, and everyday spices that simplify tricky recipes. This book guides you in making traditional Indian favourites such as curries, dals, and sabzis without the fuss. The cherry on top? You’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping – making it an ideal cookbook for newcomers to Indian cuisine and those looking to avoid lengthy and intricate recipes.
Must-try recipes:
Smokey Mashed Eggplant and Fish Curry.
3. Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen

Author: Richa Hingle
About:
Enjoying nourishing dishes crafted from local ingredients was more than just a routine – it embodied a lifestyle. As time went on, Richa found herself inspired by her upbringing. This motivation led her to create cookbooks and blogs centred around vegan cuisine, all meant to be shared with her loved ones.
What makes the book special?
Richa’s Indian cookbook presents a collection of over 150 delectable recipes that not only embrace veganism but also deliver incredible flavours.
Inside, you’ll discover a diverse range of dishes, spanning dals, curries, snacks, flatbreads, and savory breakfast options. What sets this cookbook apart is its deep connection to India’s cultural tapestry, regional cooking styles, and local ingredients.
Must-try recipes:
Mango Tofu Curry, Gobi Musallam, Street Style Tempeh Wraps, Avocado Naan and Burfi.
4. Made In India: Recipes From An Indian Family Kitchen
Author: Meera Sodha
About:
Crafted by home chef Meera Sodha, “Made in India” stands out as one of the the best Indian cookbooks and earned the esteemed recognition of being named ‘Book of the Year’ by The Times. Her subsequent Indian cookbook, “Fresh India,” successfully garnered the title of ‘Best New Cookbook’ from Observer Food in 2017.
What makes the book special?
What sets apart Meera’s Indian recipe book is its collection of fresh, uncomplicated, and delicious meals. These recipes have been handed down through generations, making this diverse Indian cookbook a treasure trove with more than 130 distinct dishes. From snacks and street food to savoury treats, it’s all included.Overall, it’s a complete manual for cooking, complete with beautiful images and step-by-step instructions that even kitchen beginners can easily follow.
Must-try recipes:
Beet and Feta Samosa, Wild Mushroom Pilau, and Chicken Marinated in Pickled Spices.
5. Indian-Ish: Recipes And Antics From A Modern American Family

Author: Priya Krishna
About:
During her upbringing in Texas, Priya Krishna, a young Indian, faced the challenge of blending her Indian and American identities. Her book “Indian-ish” is ranked as one of the best Indian cookbooks of all time. It reflects her culinary adventure as an Indian-American. Beyond crafting one of the finest Indian cookbooks, Priya also works as a food journalist at the New York Times. Notably, she earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
What makes the book special?
If you’re a regular, practical Indian cook who loves preparing uncomplicated Indian meals, then this cookbook is perfect for you! The recipes are simple to understand, don’t demand excessive preparation time, and are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Must-try recipes:
Dashi Toast, Roti Pizza, and Saag Feta.
6. India: Cookbook
Author: Pushpesh Pant
About:
Pushpesh Pant wears many hats – he’s a cookbook writer, recipe columnist, and an expert in Indian cuisine. He currently serves as a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. With more than twenty years of dedicated effort, he has gathered authentic Indian recipes handed down through generations and shared by culinary experts. These treasures were meticulously brought together to form his renowned cookbook titled ‘India’.
What makes the book special?
If you’re seeking an all-encompassing manual to create mouthwatering and richly flavored Indian cuisine, this cookbook stands as your ultimate companion. Encompassing more than 1000 recipes spanning across various categories including bread, curries, snacks, and desserts, this culinary guide encapsulates every facet of the nation’s diverse culinary tradition.
Must-try recipes:
Bagarkhani Roti (sweet bread seasoned with poppy seeds, raisins, and cardamom), Goan Prawn Curry, and Tamatar Ka Achar.
7. The Indian Cooking Course

Author: Monisha Bharadwaj
About:
In addition to being a decorated author and a skilled chef, Monisha Bharadwaj has graced numerous TV and Radio platforms, including appearances on shows like Radio 4’s ‘The Food Program’ and BBC’s ‘Food and Drink’. She’s the brains behind London’s cooking school, “Cooking With Monisha”.
What makes the book special?
Covering everything from rice to meat, vegetables, snacks, grills, chutneys, lentils, beans, desserts, and beverages, Monisha leaves no aspect of Indian cuisine unexplored. Thewholesome and genuine Indian recipes book also offers valuable knowledge about the diverse ingredients employed in Indian cooking, traditional cooking methods, and much more.
Must-try recipes:
Chicken Korma, Vindaloo, and Samosas.
8. Madhur Jaffrey’s Instantly Indian Cookbook:

Author: Madhur Jaffrey
About:
Madhur Jaffrey is a multifaceted personality, excelling as a TV chef, celebrated cookbook author, and even an acclaimed actress. Her culinary expertise has yielded numerous cookbooks, several of which have earned her the esteemed James Beard Award. Beyond this, she has been honoured with the Bert Greene Award for Food Journalism and the Silver Bear Award in the ‘Best Actress’ category at the Berlin Film Festival.
What makes the book special?
If have an Instant Pot and are searching for delightful Indian recipes to spark your culinary creativity, Madhur Jaffrey’s book is the ultimate destination. Featuring more than 70 classic recipes, this cookbook is a beginner’s dream come true. The clear instructions, uncomplicated dishes, and bold flavours are just a few factors that have earned this book its well-deserved spot on our list!
Must-try recipes:
Kashmiri-style Kale, Goan-style Clams, and Apple Raita.
9. Masala Lab

Author: Krish Ashok
About:
An electronic engineer and a science nerd, Krish Ashok isn’t a professional chef. Yet, he uses scientific principles and methodologies to cook dishes that are truly one of a kind.
What makes the book special?
If you’re a science enthusiast who’s curious about the intricate science of cooking, then you’re going to really enjoy Masala Lab. With the aim of turning your kitchen into a fun culinary lab, Ashok simplifies ingredients and recipes to help you grasp the fundamentals of cooking Indian dishes. Once you finish reading this book, you’ll definitely feel more confident in your cooking skills! Thoroughly researched and extensively tested, this Indian cookbook is a must-have for every kitchen!
Must-try recipes:
Biryani and authentic Indian curries.
10. The Flavour Equation

Author: Nik Sharma
About:
Nik Sharma is a molecular scientist, blogger, author, and photographer, known for James Beard-nominated cookbook ‘The Flavour Equation’.
What makes the book special?
The Flavour Equation has been recognized as one of the top cookbooks of 2020 by prestigious sources including Forbes, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Eater, Food & Wine, and CNN Travel. This truly showcases the book’s exceptional value. The Flavour Equation presents a cookbook grounded in science, offering readers a fresh approach to cooking centred on sensation and taste. It demonstrates how everyday ingredients such as herbs, rice, flour, and spices can be transformed into delightful culinary creations.
Must-try recipes:
Honey Turmeric Chicken Kebabs, Coconut Milk Cake, and Roasted Tomato and Tamarind Soup.
FAQs
- What is the most authentic Indian food cookbook?
The best Indian cookbooks of all time vary based on personal preferences, but “Indian-ish” by Priya Krishna and “660 Curries” by Raghavan Iyer are often considered authentic.
- Which is the oldest cookbook in India?
“Pakadarpanam” is one of the oldest known cookbooks in India, dating back to around the 15th century.
- What is the most popular cookbook ever sold?
“Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child is one of the most popular and best-selling cookbooks of all time.
- Which is the world first cookbook?
“Apicius,” a Roman cookbook from the 4th or 5th century, is often considered one of the world’s earliest cookbooks.
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