7 Best Bengali Cookbooks to Satiate your Bong Taste Buds
If you’re a fan of Bengali cuisine, you know that it’s more than just food – it’s a celebration of culture, history, and tradition.The taste of bold spices, the aroma of fresh herbs, and the texture of perfectly cooked rice all come together to create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors, that will keep you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, having the right cookbook can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet to bring you the seven best Bengali cookbooks that will help you satisfy your Bong taste buds.
So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors and textures of Bengali cuisine. From classic family recipes to modern takes on traditional dishes, these cookbooks are sure to inspire you to create your own delicious Bengali meals at home.
List of the Best Bengali Cookbooks 2023

1. Bangla Ranna: The Bengal Cookbook
Author: Minakshie Dasgupta

About the author:
She is a renowned food critic and writer who has dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the rich culinary heritage of Bengal. Gupta is a highly respected figure in the Indian food industry, having written extensively on Bengali cuisine for various publications.
What makes the book special:
The Bangla Ranna: The Bengal Cookbook is ranked as one of the Best Bengali recipe books Gupta’s recipes are carefully curated to showcase the diverse flavors and textures of Bengali cuisine, from the bold and spicy curries to the delicate and fragrant desserts. The book also features insightful commentary and historical context, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in the culture and traditions of Bengal.
Must-try recipes:
A few must-try recipes from the book include the classic Fish Curry with Mustard Paste, the comforting Mutton Rezala, and the indulgent Rasgulla, a popular Bengali dessert made from cheese and syrup.
2. Bong Mom’s Cookbook
Author: Sandeepa Mukherjee Datta

About the author:
The author is an Indian-American blogger, food writer, and recipe developer who grew up in Kolkata and now resides in New Jersey, USA. She started her blog in 2006 to share her family recipes and food experiences with the world.
What makes the book special:
What sets this Bong Mom’s cookbook apart is the author’s personal touch and her ability to demystify Bengali cuisine for a wider audience. The recipes are written in a clear and concise manner, making them accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. Whether you’re looking to recreate classic Bengali dishes like Shukto or try something new like Egg Devil, Bong Mom’s Cookbook has something for everyone to enjoy.
Must-try recipes:
Cholar Dal, Macher Jhol, and Mishti Doi.
3. Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals
Author: Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals

About the author:
She is an accomplished food writer and historian who is well-known for her writing on Bengali cuisine. Banerji was born in Calcutta, India and later moved to the United States, where she pursued a career in writing and journalism.
What makes the book special:
The Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals is ranked as one of the best Bengali recipe books which presents a wide range of traditional recipes that are specific to particular seasons and festivals, each with their own unique flavors and ingredients. It offers an insightful look into the culinary traditions of Bengal and the cultural significance of food in the region.
Must-try recipes:
Shorshe Ilish, and Puli pitha.
4. Bangla Gastronomy: The journey of Bengali food
Author: Ananya Banerjee

About the author:
Ananya Banerjee is a globetrotter, acclaimed painter, commerce graduate, lawyer, and food entrepreneur. She is also a regular food curator for corporates and hotels across the globe. With a strong passion for all things food, Ananya shares her culinary skills through two popular YouTube channels, ‘Ananya Banerjee’ and ‘Ananya-r Rannaghor’, and a 24/7 pay-tv Tata Sky Active cooking channel.
Apart from establishing her own line of Indian and international gourmet products, Ananya has also authored two cookery books ‘Planet Gastronomy’ and ‘Bangla Gastronomy’. She was also recently awarded ‘Best Home-Chef in Bengali Cuisine’ and ‘Masterchef of India’ by The Food Bloggers’ Association of India (FBAI).
What makes the book special:
The Bangla Gastronomy: The journey of Bengali food book is special not just because it is an authentic Bengali cookbook but also because of the wide variety of authentic Bengali recipes, but also offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and historical significance of each dish. The book is divided into sections that explore the different regions of Bengal and their distinctive culinary traditions, with each recipe accompanied by interesting anecdotes and stories.
Must-try recipes:
Chingri Malai Curry (prawn curry), Baked Rosogolla, and Phool Kopir Shingara (cauliflower samosa).
5. My Bangladesh Kitchen: Recipes and Food Memories from a Family Table
Author: Saira Hamilton

About the author:
Saira Hamilton, is a London-based food writer and cook who was born in Bangladesh. Hamilton draws on her childhood memories and family recipes to present a stunning collection of Bengali dishes that are both comforting and flavourful.
What makes the book special:
My Bangladesh Kitchen is one of the best authentic Bengali cookbooks and even received the ‘Best Asian Cookbook’ at the Gourmand International Cookbook Awards in 2020. The book contains 100 recipes, ranging from traditional family recipes, everyday classics, street snacks, celebration food, and regional specialities. All the recipes are also accompanied by vibrant photographs of the dishes and an informative guide that describes the ingredients and cooking techniques.
Must-try recipes:
Vermicelli Milk Pudding, Lamb Curry, Beef Curry with Shatkora Fruit, and Lentils with Mango.
6. Pumpkin Flower Fritters and Other Classic Recipes from a Bengali Kitchen
Author: Renuka Devi

About the author:
Renuka Devi Choudhurani was born to a conservative Bengali household in 1910. She was married off at the young age of ten into a zamindari family, where her culinary journey began. She learnt authentic Bengali recipes from her father-in-law, specialist cooks, and wandering bawarchis.
What makes the book special:
This timeless cookbook is a treasure trove of over 700 traditional Bengali recipes, carefully collected and recorded by Renuka Devi. From delectable starters to delectable desserts, this two-volume masterpiece features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryanis and dals that have graced the plates of legends like Sarojini Naidu and Jawaharlal Nehru. Originally written in Bangla, this culinary gem has now been translated into English, bringing the magic of Bengali cuisine to a wider audience.
Must-try recipes:
Bhaja Moong Dal with Orange, Pumpkin Flower Fritters, and Macher Jhol (Fish curry).
7. Oh! Calcutta Cookbook
Author: Anjan Chatterjee

About the author:
He is a well-known restaurateur and hospitality industry veteran in India. He is the founder of the Specialty Restaurants Group, which operates several popular restaurant chains across India, including Oh! Calcutta, Mainland China, and Sigree. He worked with several international hotel chains before setting up his own restaurant chainHis passion for cooking and his commitment to excellence have made him a respected figure in the Indian culinary world., which quickly gained popularity for its focus on regional Indian cuisine, particularly Bengali cuisine.
What makes the book special:
The Oh! Calcutta cookbook features a wide range of recipes that reflect the diversity and complexity of Bengali cooking. What makes this book special is its emphasis on authentic Bengali flavors and techniques, presented in a way that is accessible to home cooks.
Must-try recipes:
Doi Maach (fish cooked in yogurt gravy) and Jhinge Aloo Posto (ridge gourd & potatoes with poppy seeds)
FAQs
- What are some of the best Bengali cuisine cookbooks?
“Bangla Ranna: The Bengal Cookbook”, “Bong Mom’s Cookbook”, “Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals”, “Bangla Gastronomy: The journey of Bengali food”, and “My Bangladesh Kitchen: Recipes and Food Memories from a Family Table” are some of the best Bengali cuisine cookbooks.
- What should you consider when selecting a Bengali recipe book?
When selecting a Bengali recipe book, you should look for books with clear instructions and easy-to-find ingredients. You should also consider the author’s expertise, and look for cookbooks that offer a range of classic and modern recipes to help you get a taste of all versions.
- Do Bengali cookbooks include recipes for desserts and snacks?
Yes, Bengali cookbooks include recipes for desserts and snacks.
- Can I find recipes for popular Bengali dishes in these cookbooks?
Yes, you can find recipes for popular Bengali dishes in these cookbooks.
- Are there any Bengali cookbooks that focus on healthy cooking?
Yes, there are several Bengali cookbooks that focus on healthy cooking. Some examples include “Bangla Rannar Boi” by Siddiqa Kabir, which includes a section on healthy cooking, and “Bengali Cooking: Seasons and Festivals” by Chitrita Banerji, which includes healthy recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Sign Up Today
Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest info.