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In this comprehensive guide to the best Thai cookbooks, we will explore the 21 most popular titles to help you make authentic Thai food at home.
Thai cuisine is a delicious, healthy, and popular choice for home cooking. The use of fresh ingredients, vibrant spices, and herbal flavors creates dishes that are both flavorful and healthful.
With a little effort and the right resources, you can bring the flavor of Thailand into your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
- What are our Top 5 Best Thai Cookbooks?
- 1. Thai Food by David Thompson
- 2. 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die by Jet Tila
- 3. Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes From the Thai Home Kitchen by Leela Punyaratabandhu
- 4. The Pepper Thai Cookbook: Family Recipes from Everyone’s Favorite Thai Mom by Pepper Teigen
- 5. Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine With Authentic Recipes to Make at Home by Pailin Chongchitnan
- More of the Best Thai Cookbooks for Authentic Thai Food
- 6. The Principals of Thai Cookery by Chef McDang
- 7. Pok Pok: Food and Stories From the Streets, Homes and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand by Andy Ricker
- 8. Thai Street Food: Authentic Recipes, Vibrant Traditions Cookbook by David Thompson
- 9. The Food of Northern Thailand by Austin Bush
- 10. Bangkok: Recipes and Stories From the Heart of Thailand by Leela Punyaratabandhu
- 11. Cooking With Poo by Saiyuud Diwong
- 12. Thailand: The Cookbook by Jean-Pierre Gabriel
- 13. Rosa’s Thai Café: The Cookbook
- 14. Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand by Nuit Regular
- 15. Pok Pok: The Drinking Food of Thailand by Andy Ricker
- 16. Hawker Fare: Stories and Recipes from a Refugee Chef’s Isan, Thai and Laos Roots by James Syhabout
- 17. Night and Market: Delicious Thai Food to Facilitate Drinking and Fun-Having Amongst Friends by Chris Yenbamroong
- What are the Best Thai Vegetarian Cookbooks?
- Summary of Best Thai Cookbooks for Authentic Thai Food
- More Best-of Cookbook reviews
What are our Top 5 Best Thai Cookbooks?
1. Thai Food by David Thompson
David Thompson’s Thai Food is widely considered to be the definitive guide to Thai cuisine. Thompson provides readers with an intimate look at the complex culinary traditions of Thailand, and through a combination of traditional recipes and modern interpretations, Thompson showcases the immense diversity of Thai cuisine.
He also offers insight into the history and culture of Thailand, providing readers with a richer understanding of the dishes they are preparing.
In addition to this, Thompson’s restaurant, Nahm, received a Michelin Star in 2002, a first for a Thai restaurant in Europe.
This cookbook is my ‘Top Pick’ of the 21 Best Thai Cookbooks.
Who is it for? – Those looking for an all-in-one exhaustive resource on Thai cooking.
2. 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die by Jet Tila
The cookbook 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die is a comprehensive guide to all things Thai cuisine. It includes both classic and modern recipes, as well as helpful tips on how to best execute each dish.
The book is divided into sections based on different types of dishes, such as curries, noodles, seafood, plant-based, and traditional Thai desserts.
With step-by-step instructions and beautiful photography, this cookbook makes it easy for anyone to create stunning Thai dishes at home.
Who is it for? – Those looking for the latest best-selling Thai cookbook with delicious recipes that are attainable to the home cook.
3. Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes From the Thai Home Kitchen by Leela Punyaratabandhu
In her cookbook Simple Thai Food, Leela Punyaratabandhu provides readers with a glimpse into the classic recipes of Thai home cooking.
The book is divided into sections based on courses, and each recipe includes clear instructions and beautiful color photographs. In addition to traditional dishes such as Pad Thai and Massaman Curry, the book also features lesser-known gems such as Grilled Banana-Wrapped Sticky Rice and Tamarind-Glazed Fried Chicken. With its focus on accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques, Simple Thai Food is an ideal introduction to the world of Thai cuisine.
Who is it for – Those looking to cook quick weeknight meals or casual dinner parties
4. The Pepper Thai Cookbook: Family Recipes from Everyone’s Favorite Thai Mom by Pepper Teigen
The Pepper Thai Cookbook is a collection of family recipes from model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen’s mother, Pepper. The book includes a wide variety of traditional Thai dishes, as well as some that are more modern interpretations.
One of the things that makes this cookbook so special is the personal stories and anecdotes that Pepper shares alongside each recipe.
These stories help to paint a picture of Thailand and its people, and they give readers a glimpse into the life of Pepper herself. In addition to the delicious recipes and interesting stories, The Pepper Thai Cookbook also includes beautiful photographs that will make your mouth water.
Who is it for? – Those looking for some new and playful Thai recipes and also wanting a sneak peek inside the famous family.
5. Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine With Authentic Recipes to Make at Home by Pailin Chongchitnan
In her cookbook Hot Thai Kitchen: Demystifying Thai Cuisine With Authentic Recipes to Make at Home, Pailin Chongchitnan provides readers with a comprehensive guide to recreating their favorite Thai dishes in the comfort of their own kitchen.
Pailin, who is of Chinese-Thai descent, spent much of her childhood living in Thailand and Singapore, and eventually settled in Canada, where she now runs a successful YouTube cooking channel by the same name as her cookbook.
In Hot Thai Kitchen, Pailin shares over 100 of her favorite recipes, all of which have been tested and approved by her large and loyal following of fans. From mouthwatering starters like mango salad and coconut shrimp soup, to classic mains such as pad thai and massaman curry, there is something for everyone in this essential guide to Thai cuisine.
Who is it for? Those looking to connect online with Pailin as there are QR codes to video tutorials placed throughout the book.
More of the Best Thai Cookbooks for Authentic Thai Food
6. The Principals of Thai Cookery by Chef McDang
Next in our list of 21 best Thai cookbooks, The Principals of Thai Cookery is written by Chef McDang. The book covers the basics of Thai cuisine, including ingredients, cooking techniques, and common dishes.
Chef McDang also provides his own unique twists on traditional recipes, making The Principals of Thai Cookery an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of Thai food. In addition to being a great cookbook, The Principals of Thai Cookery is also a beautiful book. It features full-color photos of ingredients, finished dishes, and Thailand itself.
7. Pok Pok: Food and Stories From the Streets, Homes and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand by Andy Ricker
Pok Pok: Food and Stories From the Streets, Homes and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand, offers readers a window into the vibrant and diverse world of Thai cuisine.
Andy Ricker, the award-winning chef behind the Pok Pok restaurant chain, traveled throughout Thailand to compile this collection of recipes and stories.
The result is a book that captures the essence of Thai food, from humble street-food vendors to Michelin-starred chefs.
In addition to showcasing traditional dishes like pad Thai and green curry, Pok Pok also features lesser-known dishes like khua Kling (a dry curry from southern Thailand) and gaeng som (a sour soup from the northeast).
With its colorful photos and Ricker’s engaging writing style, Pok Pok is sure to inspire readers to explore the delicious world of Thai cuisine.
8. Thai Street Food: Authentic Recipes, Vibrant Traditions Cookbook by David Thompson
Thai Street Food is a cookbook by David Thompson that offers a unique look at the vibrant traditions of Thai cuisine. Through a series of recipes and photos, the book provides readers with a glimpse into the daily lives of Thai street food vendors.
The dishes featured in the book are reflective of the diversity of Thai culture, with influences from both the country’s rural and urban areas.
In addition to traditional staples like pad thai and coconut curry, the book also includes less familiar dishes such as grilled fish balls and fried bugs.
Of the best Thai cookbooks, this is my favourite street food guide.
Whether you’re looking to expand your repertoire of Thai dishes or simply want to learn more about this vibrant cuisine, Thai Street Food is an essential guide.
9. The Food of Northern Thailand by Austin Bush
The Food of Northern Thailand is a cookbook like no other. For one thing, it focuses on the food of a specific region: Northern Thailand. This allows the reader to get a real sense of the unique flavors and ingredients that characterize this part of the world.
But more than that, The Food of Northern Thailand is written by Austin Bush, an expert on Thai cuisine who has spent years living in and exploring the country.
As a result, his book is not only packed with delicious recipes but also provides fascinating insights into the culture and history of Thai food.
10. Bangkok: Recipes and Stories From the Heart of Thailand by Leela Punyaratabandhu
Bangkok: Recipes and Stories From the Heart of Thailand is written by acclaimed chef Leela Punyaratabandhu, offering a rare glimpse into the culture and cuisine of Bangkok.
From tantalizing starters to traditional curries and desserts, the book features over 100 recipes that will delight both novice and experienced cooks.
But the cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is also a love letter to the city of Bangkok. Through her stories and photos, Leela captures the vibrancy and spirit of this unique place.
11. Cooking With Poo by Saiyuud Diwong
Khun Poo’s ‘Cooking with Poo’, is an award-winning cookbook of Thai recipes and stories from her community in the Klong Toey Slum.
The cookbook, with gorgeous photos taken in and around her kitchen, has sold over 17,000 copies and further purchases of the book and other merchandise, such as the ‘I cooked with POO and I liked it’ aprons, will help support the local community in the Klong Toey slum.
12. Thailand: The Cookbook by Jean-Pierre Gabriel
Jean-Pierre Gabriel’s Thailand: The Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to the cuisine of Thailand. Gabriel, who has lived and worked in Thailand for over 20 years, provides an exhaustive overview of Thai ingredients, cooking methods, and popular dishes.
He also includes helpful tips on how to best enjoy Thai food, such as how to use chopsticks and how to properly say “thank you” in Thai.
With over 400 recipes ranging from simple soups and stir-fries to more complex curries and noodle dishes, Thailand: The Cookbook is an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the culinary traditions of this vibrant southeast Asian country.
13. Rosa’s Thai Café: The Cookbook
Rosa’s Thai Café: The Cookbook is a collection of recipes from the popular London restaurant of the same name. The book features over 100 recipes, each of which has been developed and tested by Rosa’s team. The recipes are organized into chapters by type of dish, making it easy to find the perfect meal for any occasion.
Highlights include traditional Thai favourites like green curry and pad thai, as well as less well-known dishes such as kaeng som and khao soi.
14. Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand by Nuit Regular
Kiin: Recipes and Stories from Northern Thailand is a cookbook like no other. The book is divided into two sections, the first of which is devoted to recipes. The second section contains stories about the food and culture of Northern Thailand, written by locals.
The combination of recipes and stories makes Kiin an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring the cuisine of this region.
The recipes in Kiin are organized by course, and each one includes a photo of the finished dish. The ingredients are listed in both metric and imperial measurements, making it easy to follow the recipes regardless of where you live.
The instructions are clear and concise, and they are accompanied by helpful tips from the author. One of my favorite features of this cookbook is the “substitutions” section, which offers suggestions for adapting the recipes to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
The stories in Kiin offer insight into the culture and history of Northern Thailand. They range from personal tales about growing up in the region to accounts of traditional festivals and customs. These stories provide context for the recipes, and they will give readers a deeper understanding of the food and culture of Northern Thailand.
I would highly recommend Kiin to anyone interested in exploring the cuisine of Northern Thailand. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a complete novice, this cookbook will provide everything you need to make authentic Thai dishes at home.
15. Pok Pok: The Drinking Food of Thailand by Andy Ricker
Pok Pok is more than just a cookbook–it’s a love letter to the vibrant street food of Thailand. Andy Ricker, the author and proprietor of the Pok Pok restaurant empire, has spent years perfecting his craft, and it shows in the pages of this book.
From traditional favorites like pad thai and mango sticky rice to more exotic fare like yam khai dao (fried egg salad) and kaeng phet pet yang (grilled duck curry), there’s something for everyone in Pok Pok.
And of course, no Thai feast would be complete without a selection of refreshing beverages. The book includes recipes for all manner of cocktails, from familiar classics like the mojito to more unusual creations like the tamarind whiskey sour.
16. Hawker Fare: Stories and Recipes from a Refugee Chef’s Isan, Thai and Laos Roots by James Syhabout
James Syhabout was born in a refugee camp in Thailand to Laotian parents who had fled the communist regime. When he was three, his family settled in Oakland, California.
Despite growing up in a tough neighborhood, Syhabout found his passion in cooking and went on to train at some of the world’s best restaurants.
In 2010, he opened his own restaurant, Hawker Fare, which pays homage to the street food of his childhood. The restaurant was an instant hit, and in 2016, Syhabout published a cookbook by the same name.
The book tells the story of his life and includes recipes for some of Hawker Fare’s most popular dishes.
With its tantalizing mix of flavors and textures, Hawker Fare is a celebration of the cuisine of Southeast Asia and a reminder that home can be found in the most unlikely of places.
17. Night and Market: Delicious Thai Food to Facilitate Drinking and Fun-Having Amongst Friends by Chris Yenbamroong
Chris Yenbamroong’s Night and Market is more than just a cookbook – it’s a guide to having fun with your friends. The book is filled with delicious Thai recipes that are perfect for sharing, along with helpful tips on how to pair them with wine and beer.
And for the record, if you are wondering what wine to drink with Thai food, Chris suggests Chenin Blanc as the drink with ‘pretty much anything’ wine.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for some new ideas for your next potluck, Night and Market has you covered.
What are the Best Thai Vegetarian Cookbooks?
Vegetarian Thai cooking is a great way to experience the flavor and essence of Thai cuisine without meat. Vegetables such as eggplant, bamboo shoot, and mushrooms can be used to create versions of classic Thai dishes that are just as delicious as their meat-based counterparts.
And since Thai food is typically cooked with fresh ingredients, it can be a healthy and nutritious option for mealtime. These vegetarian options are on our list of best Thai cookbooks.
18. Rosa’s Thai Café: The Vegetarian Cookbook
Thai food is world-renowned for its intense flavors, and Rosa’s Thai Café: The Vegetarian Cookbook offers visitors a chance to experience these flavors without meat.
The cookbook features over 100 recipes, all of which are vegetarian or can be easily adapted to be vegetarian. In addition to traditional Thai dishes, the book also includes Western favorites that have been given a Thai twist.
19. Thai Vegetarian and Vegan Cookbook by May Kaidee
Thai food is known for its intricate flavors and hearty ingredients, but it can also be surprisingly vegan-friendly. That’s where Thai Vegetarian and Vegan Cookbook comes in.
This cookbook, written by May Kaidee, offers a wide range of vegan-friendly Thai recipes, from soups and salads to stir-fries and curries.
The dishes are all relatively simple to make, but they pack a flavorful punch. And best of all, they’re healthy and nutritious, making them perfect for home cooks who want to eating well.
20. Maenam: A Fresh Approach to Thai Cooking by Angus An
Angus An has been cooking and exploring Thai cuisine for more than 20 years, having taken a shine while working at Nahm, the London-based restaurant of David Thompson.
In this cookbook, Chef Angus An takes you on an exploration into Thai cuisine and shows how to blend traditional tastes with local inspirations.
21. KinThai: Modern Thai Recipes to Cook at Home by John Chantarasak
John Chantarasak’s cookbook KinThai: Modern Thai Recipes to Cook at Home is a contemporary guide to preparing authentic Thai cuisine. The book includes over 100 recipes, ranging from traditional favorites like Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup to more unique dishes such as Spicy Basil Chicken and Tamarind-Glazed Salmon.
With clear instructions and beautiful photography, the cookbook makes it easy to create restaurant-quality Thai food at home.
In addition to being a valuable resource for cooks of all experience levels, KinThai is also a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of Thailand.
From the flavorful ingredients used in each dish to the stories behind the recipes, Chantarasak’s cookbook provides an immersive and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in exploring the world of Thai cuisine.
Summary of Best Thai Cookbooks for Authentic Thai Food
The above post discusses the best Thai cookbooks, both for those looking to cook traditional Thai dishes and for those interested in vegetarian or vegan options. Whichever cookbook you choose, you’re sure to find recipes that are both delicious and easy to follow.
More Best-of Cookbook reviews
Enjoyed this list of best Thai cookbooks? Maybe you’ll enjoy the following reviews:
