15 Best Indian Cookbooks for Authentic Indian Cuisine

From classic favorites to regional delicacies, India’s culinary landscape is vast and varied—and it can be difficult to find the right resources if you don’t know where to look. That’s why we’ve created a list of the 15 best Indian cookbooks to help take your cooking knowledge from novice to master in quick order.

With these books as your guides, you’ll quickly become confident in making every type of dish, ranging from Butter Chicken to Mysore Masala Dosai.

Read on for our comprehensive round-up showcasing the top 15 must-have cookbooks for any ambitious home cook looking to explore delicious and authentic Indian flavors.

Best Indian Cookbooks for Delicious Indian Food

Our Top Pick!

Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen by Meera Sodha

‘Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen’ by Meera Sodha is a heartwarming and delightful culinary journey that beautifully captures the essence of Indian home cooking. Meera, whose culinary roots span three generations, serves up an exquisite feast of over 130 recipes.

Sodha’s writing style is personable and engaging, making you feel as though you’re in the kitchen alongside her, learning family secrets. She takes traditional Indian recipes and adapts them to modern kitchens without losing their authenticity.

The cookbook covers a broad spectrum of recipes, from curries and naan to raita and chili paneer, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Each recipe is meticulously detailed, making it accessible to novice and seasoned chefs alike.

What sets this book apart is its authenticity. It doesn’t aim to westernize or simplify Indian cuisine but instead celebrates its complexity and diversity.

This Indian cookbook will take you on a journey through Indian cookery, covering your favorite recipes usually enjoyed at the best Indian restaurants.

The Indian Cooking Course: Techniques – Masterclasses – Ingredients – 300 Recipes by Monisha Bharadwaj

Monisha Bharadwaj’s ‘The Indian Cooking Course: Techniques – Masterclasses – Ingredients – 300 Recipes’ is a veritable treat for anyone interested in learning the art of Indian cooking and cuisine.

Bharadwaj, an acclaimed food historian and chef, takes readers on a culinary journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines. From Kashmiri to Goan, each chapter introduces the reader to a new region and its traditional dishes. Recipes range from simple dals and curries to complex biryanis and bhaturas.

This comprehensive Indian cookbook is a treasure trove of over 300 authentic and lesser-known Indian recipes. The recipes are well-detailed and easy to follow, making them accessible for beginners yet intriguing enough for seasoned cooks.

Bharadwaj’s cooking style is rooted in traditional Indian methods, with a keen focus on health and the principles of Ayurveda. This holistic approach sets the book apart, offering readers a collection of recipes and a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind Indian cooking.

Related: 8 Best Pakistani Cookbooks to Spice up Your Kitchen

Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family by Priya Krishna

Discover the vibrant and delicious world of “Indian-ish” cooking in this captivating book by food writer Priya Krishna. Filled with unique Indian-American creations, these recipes are not only easy to make but also clever, practical, and bursting with flavor.

From Roti Pizza to Tomato Rice with Crispy Cheddar and Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Green Pea Chutney, this book is a treasure trove of everyday Indian food that will satisfy your taste buds and ignite your culinary adventures.

This modern collection of recipes and stories offers a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine, blending traditional ingredients with new flavors and techniques.

With easy-to-follow instructions and mouthwatering photos, Indian-ish is a must-have addition to any cookbook collection, especially if you want to make delicious Indian dishes at home.

It’s no wonder that Indian-ish has quickly become one of the best Indian cookbooks out there.

The Curry Guy Bible: Recreate Over 200 Indian Restaurant and Takeaway Classics at Home by Dan Toombs

Indian cuisine has a reputation for being complex and difficult to recreate at home. But fear not because Dan Toombs has come to the rescue with his latest book, The Curry Guy Bible.

With over 200 recipes inspired by Indian restaurants and takeaway classics, home cooks can now whip up flavorful dishes that are authentic and delicious.

In this comprehensive guide, Toombs shares his expertise on the essential spices, techniques, and ingredients necessary for successful Indian cooking.

From quick and easy weekday meals to special occasion feasts, The Curry Guy Bible is the ultimate cookbook for anyone looking to master the art of Indian cooking.

Related: 21 Best Asian Cookbooks You Need to Try

Chaat: Recipes from the Kitchens, Markets, and Railways of India: A Cookbook by Maneet Chauhan and Jody Eddy

Indian food is known for its bold flavors, intricate blends of spices and rich history. Maneet Chauhan and Jody Eddy’s cookbook, Chaat: Recipes from the Kitchens, Markets, and Railways of India, is a must-have for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine.

The cookbook takes readers on a journey through the bustling streets of India, where vendors serve up delicious chaat, a type of savory street food.

With over 80 recipes, including chutneys, spice blends, and classic dishes like samosas and pakoras, this cookbook is a treasure trove for those looking to experiment with Indian flavors in their own kitchen.

From beginners to experienced chefs, Chaat is the perfect guide to exploring and mastering the art of Indian cooking.

Dishoom: The first-ever cookbook from the much-loved Indian restaurant by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, et al.

Indian cookbooks continue to take over the culinary world, and a new addition to the lineup is quickly becoming a favorite among food lovers.

The Dishoom cookbook, penned by Shamil Thakrar and Kavi Thakrar, is making waves with its authentic Indian recipes and vivid storytelling.

The book takes readers on a journey through the beloved Dishoom restaurant, highlighting the inspiration behind the dishes and showcasing the incredible flavors of India.

Home cooks can now recreate these delicious and comforting meals in their own kitchens, bringing a taste of the restaurant into their homes.

Related: 11 Cookbooks for Men to Conquer the Kitchen

Indian Instant Pot® Cookbook: Traditional Indian Dishes Made Easy and Fast by Urvashi Pitre

For those who love Indian food but find it intimidating to attempt cooking traditional dishes at home, Urvashi Pitre’s Indian Instant Pot® Cookbook is the perfect solution.

With clear and easy-to-follow instructions, Pitre has made it possible for anyone to create flavorful Indian dishes quickly using the Instant Pot®.

From fragrant curries to tender biryanis, the recipes in this cookbook are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons and explore the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

Related: 10 Best Vegetarian Indian Cookbooks

Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen: Traditional and Creative Recipes for the Home Cook by Richa Hingle

Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen is a must-have cookbook for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills in traditional Indian recipes. Author and chef Richa Hingle has curated an impressive collection of recipes that are not only authentic but also vegan-friendly.

From classic dishes like Vegetable Biryani and Jalebi to more unique creations like Kung Pao Chickpeas and Spicy Soy-free Chaat, Hingle’s cookbook invites home cooks to explore the complexity and richness of Indian cuisine in a whole new way.

With clear instructions and stunning photos, this cookbook is the perfect addition to any kitchen, whether you are an experienced cook or just beginning to experiment with new flavors.

Related: 13 Best Soup Cookbooks to Spice up Your Kitchen

Indian Flavor Every Day: Simple Recipes and Smart Techniques to Inspire: A Cookbook by Maya Kaimal

With its vibrant colors and intricate flavors, traditional Indian cuisine is a world of its own. Maya Kaimal’s cookbook, “Indian Flavor Every Day: Simple Recipes and Smart Techniques to Inspire” brings all the magic of Indian cooking to your kitchen.

This cookbook provides a variety of traditional Indian recipes that are easy enough for everyday cooking yet flavorful enough to leave an impression.

Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned pro, Maya Kaimal’s cookbook offers a fantastic way to introduce a burst of new exotic flavors to your daily menu.

At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka: A Cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey

Indian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and spices that have been passed down through generations.

No one understands this better than Madhur Jaffrey, an accomplished actress and cookbook author who has dedicated her life to sharing traditional Indian recipes with the world.

In her latest offering, “At Home with Madhur Jaffrey”, she invites readers on a culinary journey through the Indian subcontinent, featuring dishes from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as well.

From savory curries to crispy snacks, her cookbook is a treasure trove of simple but delectable recipes that are perfect for everyday cooking.

Related: 10 Best Curry Cookbooks From Around the World

Classic Indian Cooking by Julie Sahni

Julie Sahni’s Classic Indian Cooking guides the flavorful and intricate cuisine of traditional Indian recipes. This book offers insight into the vast range of Indian spices, cooking techniques, and regional specialties that have been passed down for generations.

Sahni’s approach to cooking is informative and inspiring, enticing readers to try their hand at dishes such as chicken curry or dal makhani. With a focus on simple yet authentic recipes, Classic Indian Cooking captures the essence of Indian cuisine while providing a taste of its culture and history.

Thali: A Joyful Celebration of Indian Home Cooking by Maunika Gowardhan

Thali, an exemplary representation of the celebration of Indian home cooking, is a treat for the eyes and taste buds alike. Created by Maunika Gowardhan in her latest cookbook, Thali, the dish offers a colorful and harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Though seemingly simple, each ingredient has a profound impact on the overall dish, creating a symphony of flavors.

From the sweet and sour notes of tamarind to the complex aromas of ghee, Thali perfectly embodies the culture and traditions that have shaped Indian cuisine.

Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn [A Cookbook] by Chitra Agrawal

If you want to spice up your kitchen with some new flavors, Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn is your cookbook.

Written by Chitra Agrawal, this book takes you on a journey through India’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape. With over 80 delicious recipes, you’ll discover new ways to prepare vegetables and spices, creating dishes that burst with flavor and color.

This cookbook has something for everyone, from masala dosa to spicy eggplant curry.

Each recipe celebrates India’s vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage and will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangalore, Mumbai, and beyond.

The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook: Authentic Flavors and Modern Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker by Archana Mundhe

Are you a lover of Indian cuisine and looking for a way to bring it into your modern, fast-paced lifestyle?

Look no further than The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Archana Mundhe. With an array of authentic recipes and modern twists on classic dishes, this cookbook is designed to help you seamlessly blend the traditional tastes of India with the speed and convenience of an electric pressure cooker.

From aromatic curries to flavorful biryanis, this cookbook has something for every palate and skill level.

Indulge in bold, vibrant flavors without sacrificing time or effort.

Rick Stein’s India: In Search of the Perfect Curry: Recipes from My Indian Odyssey by Rick Stein

If you love to explore different cultures and cuisines, then Rick Stein’s India: In Search of the Perfect Curry: Recipes from My Indian Odyssey is a must-read.

Through his journey across India, Rick Stein discovers the true essence of Indian cuisine and brings back a treasure trove of authentic recipes that will tingle your taste buds.

From the tangy samosas to the creamy butter chicken, the book is a collection of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Along with delectable recipes, Stein’s book also offers a glimpse into India’s vibrant colors and diverse cultures. It’s a culinary journey that promises to take you on a flavorful ride across the country.

Summary of Best Indian Cookbooks

If you’re looking for delicious Indian dishes that you can make at home, these are the best cookbooks to get you started. From easy Indian recipes to traditional family favorites, you may even come across the hidden curry secret of the perfect Chicken Tikka Masala.

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