Best African Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2026

The Gullah Geechee Home Cooking cookbook by Emily Meggett is a must-have for anyone interested in the history and cuisine of the Gullah Geechee people. As the matriarch of Edisto Island, Meggett shares not only her delicious and seasonal recipes but also her family's history dating back to the 19th century. Her dishes are a testament to the syncretism of West African and American cultures that make the Gullah Geechee community unique. This cookbook is an excellent addition to any food lover's collection, providing a glimpse into a lesser-known African American cuisine.

The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family with over 100 Recipes is an amazing cookbook that celebrates the Gullah/Geechee culinary traditions of Kardea Brown’s family. The book features over 125 original mouthwatering recipes, accompanied by gorgeous four-color photos. Kardea shares her multi-generational “passed down” recipes and innovative takes on Gullah classics with home cooks everywhere. Filled with more than 100 mouth-watering recipes for starters, main courses, sides, desserts, and more, The Way Home brings a taste of the Lowcountry South home, offering flavors that are unique and delicious. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves soul food cooking or just wants to try something new.

On the Curry Trail: Chasing the Flavor That Seduced the World is an enlightening journey across the globe to explore the origins of curry and the signature, essential curries of each region. With 50 recipes, the book delves into the story of curry, embracing the many interpretations and definitions of this beloved dish. From history and lore to anecdotes and familial remembrances, Raghavan Iyer's book makes the flavors of these scintillating curries accessible to the everyday home cook. Overall, this is a must-have for every home cook who loves Indian cuisine and wants to explore the world of curry in depth.

Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora [A Cookbook] is an exceptional tribute to Black culinary ingenuity, capturing the voices of the African Diaspora through the lens of food. With contributions from over 100 Black cultural luminaries from around the world, the book explores the interweaving of food, experience, and community through moving essays, arresting artwork, and delicious recipes. The book's unique approach, including original poetry, essays, and stunning artwork, makes it a joyful celebration of Black culture and a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of food and identity.

Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed [A Cookbook] is a groundbreaking recipe book that takes you on an international food journey. The renowned chef and food justice activist, Bryant Terry, presents more than 100 new culinary combinations that will amaze vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. Drawing on his personal memories and history of food that has traveled from the African continent, Terry introduces innovative, plant-based global cuisine that is fresh, healthy, and forges a new direction in vegan cooking. This book is perfect for anyone interested in improving their well-being and building community around food.

Vegan Africa: Plant-Based Recipes from Ethiopia to Senegal is a culinary journey across Africa with over 70 naturally vegan recipes. Author Marie Kacouchia uses her years of cooking expertise and memories from her childhood in the Ivory Coast to create mouthwatering dishes from more than 15 countries. The book is packed with diverse vegan cuisine, including main courses, snacks, desserts, and drinks, all made with superfoods that are both delicious and nutritious. Whether you're new to African cuisine or a seasoned pro, Vegan Africa is a must-have for anyone looking to bring healthful and flavorful dishes to their kitchen.

The Gullah Geeche Cookbook is a collection of 365 traditional recipes that have been passed down for generations. Written by a 5th generation Gullah Geechee grandma, the book offers a glimpse into the history and culture of this ancient community. The author shares her personal experience of growing up in South Carolina and provides insights into what it means to be a true Gullah Geechee. The book features a variety of recipes, including meat, fish, seafood, beans, peas, rice, casseroles, salads, vegetables, bread, and preserving recipes. Overall, this cookbook is a must-read for anyone interested in African-American history and culture, and who wants to experience the unique flavors of Gullah Geechee cuisine.

Africana by Lerato Umah-Shaylor is a celebration of African cuisine and cultural diversity. This cookbook offers over 100 recipes from across the continent, with a modern twist and inventive style. From Spice Island Coconut Fish Curry to Harissa Leg of Lamb with Hibiscus, these recipes are bursting with flavor and will delight any home cook. What makes this book unique is the personal stories and experiences of the author, which are interwoven throughout the recipes. Overall, Africana is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of African cuisine.

In Bibi's Kitchen is a cookbook-meets-travelogue that offers a unique culinary experience by sharing flavorful recipes and stories of grandmothers from eight African countries that touch the Indian Ocean. The book presents 75 recipes and stories gathered from bibis from South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Eritrea. What sets this book apart is its ability to use food to teach readers about families, war, loss, migration, refuge, and sanctuary. With evocative photography and food styling, In Bibi's Kitchen is a must-have for anyone who loves African cooking and culture.

My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef: A Cookbook by Kwame Onwuachi is a celebration of the diversity of American food. With over 125 recipes, the book features dishes that reflect Onwuachi's family history, travels, and time spent in some of the best kitchens in the world. The book is part memoir, part cookbook, and part history of food, and is a deeply personal tribute to the food of the African Diaspora. The author's stories of his travels and the connections between food and culture add depth to this already impressive work. My America is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore the true diversity of American cuisine.