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Asian cuisine is popular worldwide for its intricate flavors and fragrant aromas. Though the term “Asian food” encompasses a wide range of dishes from different regions, some common elements unify the cuisine. These best Asian cookbooks are an excellent way to learn about these culinary traditions and create delicious meals at home.
One of the most important aspects of Asian cuisine is the use of fresh ingredients, spices, and herbs. From aromatic ginger to fiery chili peppers, Asian dishes often use various flavorful spices. Asian cookbooks can help home cooks find recipes that utilize fresh ingredients and incorporate herbs and spices into recipes and provide tips on where to find these ingredients,
Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to explore your ancestors’ culinary traditions, Asian cookbooks offer a wealth of information and delicious recipes.
Table of Contents
- Best Asian Cookbooks – My Top Picks!
- Best Chinese Cooking Books
- Best Vietnamese Cookbooks
- Best Thai Cookbook
- Best Indonesian Cookbook
- Best Malaysian Cookbook
- Best Korean Cookbook
- Best Vegetarian Asian Cooking Books
- Best Indian Cookbooks
- Best Japanese Cooking Book
- Best Filipino Cookbooks
- Best Burmese Cookbook
- Best Taiwan Cookbook
- Best Singapore Cookbook
- Best Sri Lankan Cookbook
- Summary of the Best Asian Cookbooks
Best Asian Cookbooks – My Top Picks!
These are my top picks for Asian cookbooks that cover much of the Asian region.
101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die: Discover a New World of Flavors in Authentic Recipes by Jet Tila
In his cookbook, 101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die, Jet Tila introduces readers to a world of flavors they may be unfamiliar with.
The book is divided into sections based on cuisines, such as Thai, Chinese, and Japanese. Each section includes a variety of recipes, from traditional dishes like pad thai, Laotian Larb Gai, and pho to more modern fusion dishes like Korean BBQ tacos.
The recipes are all authentically crafted, and the accompanying photos make each dish look mouthwateringly good.
In addition to providing readers with delicious Asian recipes, Tila also offers tips on creating authentic flavors in their own kitchen.
With its wealth of information and mouth-watering recipes, 101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die is an essential guide for anyone interested in exploring the world of Asian cuisine.
Who is this Asian cookbook for? Those wanting one great resource for pan-Asian cooking.
Related: What is Pan Asian Food?
The Complete Asian Cookbook by Charmaine Solomon
Charmaine Solomon’s The Complete Asian Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to the cuisines of the Far East.
Solomon, who was born in Sri Lanka and has lived in Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand, draws on her vast experience to provide readers with an authoritative look at the regional cooking styles of China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia.
The book includes over 1,000 recipes and detailed information on ingredients, equipment, and techniques.
Whether you’re an experienced cook looking to expand your repertoire or a novice just starting, The Complete Asian Cookbook is an essential kitchen companion.
Best Chinese Cooking Books
The Essential Wok Cookbook: A Simple Chinese Cookbook for Stir-Fry, Dim Sum, and Other Restaurant Favourites by Naome Imatome-Yun
The Essential Wok Cookbook is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make authentic Chinese food at home.
The book starts with a helpful introduction to the basics of wok cooking, including choosing the right wok and stocking your pantry with essential ingredients. From there, it dives into a wide range of recipes, covering everything from stir-fries and dim sum to soups and desserts.
Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced hand, you’ll find plenty of recipes to suit your needs. And best of all, each recipe includes clear instructions and beautiful photographs, so you can be confident that your dish will turn out just like it does in the restaurant.
Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple by Chris Toy
Chris Toy’s Easy Chinese Cookbook: Restaurant Favorites Made Simple is a guide to recreating popular Chinese dishes in the comfort of your own home.
From Chinese restaurant dishes like General Tso’s Chicken to more sophisticated fare like Peking Duck, this cookbook provides easy-to-follow instructions for making all your favorite Chinese dishes.
With over 100 recipes included, there is something for everyone in this cookbook. In addition to traditional recipes, Chris Toy also includes tips and tricks for making your dishes more authentic.
Best Vietnamese Cookbooks
Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors by Andrea Nguyen
Food writer and cooking teacher Andrea Nguyen reveals the secrets to creating true, fresh Vietnamese flavors at home any day.
In her cookbook, Vietnamese Food Any Day, Nguyen provides an enticing array of simple yet flavor-packed recipes, demystifying the cuisine and proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal.
From pho and banh mi to spring rolls and crispy rice salads, Nguyen’s recipes are both approachable and authentic, allowing home cooks of all levels to bring the vibrant flavors of Vietnam to their tables any day of the week.
One of my favorite Asian cookbooks.
Related: 33 International Soups: Unlock The World’s Favorites
The Food of Vietnam by Luke Nguyen
Luke Nguyen’s The Food of Vietnam is a delicious and eye-opening exploration of the country’s cuisine.
Drawing on his experiences, the prominent chef Nguyen takes readers on a journey through the diverse regions of Vietnam, highlighting the unique flavors and ingredients that make up each area’s culinary tradition.
From the vibrant street food of Saigon to the rustic home cooking of the Mekong Delta, Nguyen offers an intimate look at the food of Vietnam and its people.
Filled with beautiful photography and mouthwatering recipes, The Food of Vietnam is a must-read for anyone interested in Asian cookbooks and Vietnamese cuisine.
Best Thai Cookbook
Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen by Leela Punyaratabandhu
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-follow Thai cookbook, look no further than Simple Thai Food by Leela Punyaratabandhu.
This cookbook features classic recipes from the Thai home kitchen that are sure to please your taste buds. Punyaratabandhu provides clear instructions and tips on making each dish, so even novice cooks can make authentic Thai food.
And with beautiful full-color photos accompanying each recipe, you’ll be inspired to start cooking right away.
Best Indonesian Cookbook
Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen by Lara Lee
In her debut cookbook, Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen, Lara Lee takes readers on a culinary journey to the heart of Indonesian cuisine.
The book features over 100 recipes that showcase the country’s vibrant and diverse cuisine, from traditional dishes like nasi goreng and rendang to modern twists on classics like coconut curries and sambal-spiced salads.
With beautiful photography and detailed instructions, the book is both a feast for the eyes and a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of Indonesian cooking.
Best Malaysian Cookbook
The Malaysian Kitchen: 150 Recipes for Simple Home Cooking by Christina Arokiasamy
The Malaysian Kitchen is one of the best Asian cookbooks that covers all the bases when it comes to Malaysian cuisine.
Author Christina Arokiasamy provides readers with 150 recipes that are simple to follow and can be easily replicated at home.
The book starts with an introduction to the basics of Malaysian cooking, including key ingredients and techniques. From there, it dives into various recipes for all the staples of Malaysian food, such as nasi lemak, rendang, and satay.
The recipes are clearly written and accompanied by helpful photos, making it easy for even novice cooks to produce delicious results. With The Malaysian Kitchen, home cooks can easily bring Malaysia’s vibrant flavors into their own kitchens.
Best Korean Cookbook
Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine by Maangchi and Martha Rose Shulman
Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine is a comprehensive cookbook that covers everything from traditional Korean dishes to modern fusion cuisine.
The book is co-authored by Maangchi, a well-known Korean cooking blogger, and Martha Rose Shulman, a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. Together, they bring over 100 recipes to life with beautiful photography and clear, step-by-step instructions.
Whether you’re looking to make a simple kimchi rice bowl or a lavish feast for guests, this book has you covered. And best of all, each recipe includes a helpful tips section that gives you insider knowledge on how to get the most flavor out of your ingredients.
With Maangchi’s Big Book of Korean Cooking: From Everyday Meals to Celebration Cuisine, you’ll be able to create delicious, homemade Korean food that everyone will enjoy.
Best Vegetarian Asian Cooking Books
Vegan Asian: A Cookbook: The Best Dishes from Thailand, Japan, China, and More Made Simple by Jeeca Uy
If you’re looking for a delicious and health-conscious way to enjoy Asian cuisine, look no further than VeganAsian: A Cookbook.
The book features a wide variety of vegan-friendly Asian recipes from across Asia, including Thailand, Japan, China, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a light soup or a hearty feast, you’ll find plenty of mouth-watering options.
Best of all, the recipes are simple to follow, so you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your diet, VeganAsian: A Cookbook is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Related: Food Travel: My Top 10 Tips for Planning a Food Trip
The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma’s Kitchen by Joanne Lee Molinaro
Joanne Lee Molinaro’s The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a beautiful collection of plant-based recipes that will please the whole family.
The book includes traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap and kimchi and more modern twists on classics like vegan bulgogi and japchae. What I love about this cookbook is that it celebrates vegan Korean cooking without compromise.
The recipes are hearty and flavourful, and the photos are stunning. Whether you’re looking for an informative guide to vegan Korean cuisine or want to add some new recipes to your repertoire, The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a must-have.
Best Indian Cookbooks
Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen by Meera Sodha
Meera Sodha shares recipes from her Indian family kitchen in her cookbook Made in India.
The dishes are inventive yet deeply traditional, and each one is cooked with love.
The book includes detailed instructions and beautiful photos, making it easy for even novice cooks to recreate Sodha’s dishes at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a feast for a special occasion, Made in India has something for everyone.
And best of all, Sodha’s recipes prove that healthy and delicious food can come from any culture.
The Indian Cooking Course: Techniques – Masterclass – Ingredients – 300 Recipes by Monisha Bharadwaj
The Indian Cooking Course is a comprehensive guide to the techniques, ingredients, and recipes of Indian cuisine.
Author Monisha Bharadwaj is a renowned authority on Indian food, and in this book, she shares her wealth of knowledge with home cooks.
The book begins with an overview of the different regions and styles of Indian cuisine, followed by a section on key ingredients. This is followed by a section on basic cooking techniques, such as tempering spices and making perfect rice.
With this foundation in place, the reader is then taken on a tour of the various dishes that make up Indian cuisine, from tandoori chicken to dal makhani.
With clear instructions and beautiful photos, The Indian Cooking Course is an essential guide for anyone who wants to explore the world of Indian food.
Indian Instant Pot Cookbook: Traditional Indian Dishes Made Easy and Fast by Urvashi Pitre
Urvashi Pitre offers readers a delicious and convenient way to enjoy Indian cuisine in her debut cookbook.
The book contains a wealth of recipes, ranging from familiar classics like Butter Chicken and Tikka Masala to lesser-known but no less delicious dishes like Karela Fry and Sarson Ka Saag.
Each recipe is designed to be cooked in an Instant Pot, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Best of all, the book includes detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure that even novice cooks can produce perfectly executed dishes.
Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of Dal Makhani or looking to spice up your dinner routine with some Chicken Vindaloo, this Asian cookbook has all the recipes you need to make authentic Indian cuisine at home.
Best Japanese Cooking Book
Japanese Soul Cooking: Ramen, Tonkatsu, Tempura, and More from the Streets and Kitchens of Tokyo and Beyond by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat
Japanese Soul Cooking is more than just a cookbook – it’s a love letter to the cuisine of Japan.
Authors Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat take readers on a culinary journey through the streets and kitchens of Tokyo, introducing them to traditional dishes like ramen, tonkatsu, and tempura.
Along the way, they provide helpful tips and advice for creating these dishes at home, making it easy for even novice cooks to enjoy the flavors of Japan.
With its mouth-watering recipes and beautiful photography, Japanese Soul Cooking is sure to become a kitchen staple for anyone who loves Japanese cooking and authentic Asian cuisine.
Related
Best Filipino Cookbooks
I am Filipino: And This Is How We Cook by Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad
Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad’s cookbook I am Filipino: And This Is How We Cook is a love letter to the food of the Philippines.
The authors draw on their experience as second-generation Filipinos to create a book that is both intimate and informative—divided into sections covering different regions, each with its own unique cuisine.
The recipes are organized by ingredients, making it easy to find something that appeals. The book is a feast for the eyes and palate with beautiful photographs and detailed instructions.
The perfect Filipino cookbook for your kitchen.
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook: Classic and Modern Filipino Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker by Tisha Gonda Domingo, Jeannie E Celestial, et al.
The Filipino Instant Pot Cookbook is a collection of classic and modern Filipino recipes adapted for the electric pressure cooker.
The recipes in this cookbook are designed to be quick and easy to prepare, using readily available ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a simple adobo recipe or a more elaborate dish like lechon kawali, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
Best Burmese Cookbook
Burma Superstar: Addictive Recipes from the Crossroads of Southeast Asia by Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy
Burma Superstar is a cookbook like no other. In it, Desmond Tan and Kate Leahy take readers on a culinary journey to the crossroads of Southeast Asia.
The book features a collection of recipes that are both easy to follow and delicious. From soups and salads to curries and noodles, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What makes Burma Superstar truly special, however, is its ability to transport readers to another place and time. Through its vibrant photos and tantalizing flavors, the book brings the sights and sounds of Burma to life.
Best Taiwan Cookbook
The Food of Taiwan: Recipes from the Beautiful Island by Cathy Erway
The Food of Taiwan: Recipes from the Beautiful Island is a book that celebrates the cuisine of Taiwan.
From humble street food to gourmet restaurant dishes, the book features a wide variety of recipes that are sure to please any palate.
The author, Cathy Erway, offers a unique perspective on Taiwanese food as she draws on her own experiences growing up in Taiwan and living in New York City.
In addition to recipes, the book provides readers with an insight into the history and culture of Taiwan.
Best Singapore Cookbook
The Food of Singapore: Simple Street Food Recipes from the Lion City [Singapore Cookbook, 64 Recipes] by Djoko Wibisono, David Wong, et al.
First Published in 2019, The Food of Singapore is a cookbook that showcases the vibrant and varied cuisine of the Lion City.
Featuring 64 recipes, it covers all the bases, from iconic street food staples like laksa and chili crab to more modern dishes like sambal eggplant and chicken rice.
Organized by meal type, the book includes sections on breakfast, snacks, main courses, and desserts.
In addition to Recipes, the book introduces Singaporean cuisine, with profiles of key ingredients and cooking techniques.
Best Sri Lankan Cookbook
Sri Lanka: The Cookbook by Prakash K Sivanathan and Niranjala M Ellawalla
Sri Lanka: The Cookbook by Prakash K Sivanathan and Niranjala M Ellawalla is a comprehensive guide to Sri Lankan cuisine.
It features over 200 recipes covering everything from staples like dhal and roti to more unusual dishes like lamprais and kottu.
With clear and concise instructions, the authors provide everything you need to recreate authentic Sri Lankan meals at home.
Summary of the Best Asian Cookbooks
I hope you found something to your tastes in the article covering a wonderful range of Asian cookbooks.
If you are looking for something more specific, try these country guides:
21 Best Thai Cookbooks for Authentic Thai Food
11 Vietnamese Cookbooks to add to Your Collection
8 Best Indonesian Cookbooks for Authentic Recipes
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