Best Chinese Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2025

The Wok: Recipes and Techniques is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves cooking with a wok. The author, J. Kenji López-Alt, provides a science-based approach to cooking that is both informative and easy to understand. With over 200 recipes and more than 1,000 color photographs, this book is a comprehensive guide to cooking with a wok. López-Alt covers everything from the mechanics of a stir-fry to the science behind beloved dishes like Beef Chow Fun and fried rice. The Wok is a groundbreaking contribution to our understanding of wok cooking that will inspire a new generation of home cooks to embrace the wok.

The Woks of Life is a cookbook that shares 100 Chinese recipes from a family behind the popular blog. The book includes traditional Chinese dishes and cultural backstory, as well as tips and tricks, explanations of essential tools, and insight on game-changing Chinese cooking secrets. The recipes range from Mini Char Siu Bao to Spicy Beef Biang Biang Noodles and Salt-and-Pepper Fried Oyster Mushrooms. The book is a great inspiration for those who are new to Chinese cooking or have a pantry stocked with bean paste and chili oil. The Woks of Life is a unique cookbook that tells the story of a family through food.

The Korean Vegan Cookbook: Reflections and Recipes from Omma's Kitchen is a debut cookbook from Joanne Lee Molinaro, the home cook and spellbinding storyteller behind the online sensation @thekoreanvegan. She shares a collection of her favorite Korean dishes, some traditional and some reimagined, as well as poignant narrative snapshots that have shaped her family history. Joanne is an expert in veganizing dishes, especially Korean food, and a soothing storyteller. The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a rich portrait of the immigrant experience with life lessons that are universal. It celebrates how deeply food and the ones we love shape our identity. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore Korean cuisine and veganism.

The Vegan Chinese Kitchen is a cookbook that offers over 100 plant-based recipes that showcase traditional and modern Chinese vegan cuisine. Author Hannah Che shows readers how nearly every dish in the Chinese repertoire can be made meatless, using umami-rich ingredients that have been used for centuries in Buddhist temple kitchens. The book features stunning photography, stories, and recipes that are both nourishing and irresistible. The Vegan Chinese Kitchen is a must-read for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike who want to explore a world of flavors and ingredients.

Mooncakes & Milk Bread is a comprehensive cookbook by Kristina Cho, featuring sweet and savory recipes inspired by Chinese bakeries. The book covers classic recipes with fresh and uncomplicated interpretations for modern bakers, including baked buns, steamed buns, Chinese breads, cookies, cakes, dumplings, breakfast dishes, and drinks. Cho also provides tips and tricks for perfecting each recipe, making this book ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. The book has been named one of the 10 Best Cookbooks of 2021 by San Francisco Chronicle and is highly recommended for all home bakers and anyone who enjoys Chinese food.

Home Is Where the Eggs Are is a delightful cookbook by Molly Yeh, the host of Food Network's Girl Meets Farm. The book is filled with cozy recipes that are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight meal or a celebration. Molly's cooking is inspired by her Chinese and Jewish heritage, her time in New York, her husband's Scandinavian roots, and their sugar beet farm in Minnesota. The recipes are easy to follow and include prep-ahead, freezing, and substitution tips. Home Is Where the Eggs Are is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves delicious and comforting food.

Tenderheart is a cookbook that celebrates the author's Chinese heritage and the love of vegetables passed down from her father. Hetty Lui McKinnon shares over 180 flavorful, vegetarian recipes based on 22 essential fruits and vegetables. The book is also a memoir through recipes that tells the story of her family and upbringing. Tenderheart offers a balance between fresh and exciting, and cozy and approachable dishes that will delight any food lover. The book is a unique combination of delicious recipes and heartwarming stories that will inspire readers to appreciate the beauty and versatility of fruits and vegetables.

Win Son Presents a Taiwanese American Cookbook is a modern and flavorful guide to cooking Taiwanese-American food. Written by Josh Ku, Trigg Brown, and Cathy Erway, the book features 100 creative and accessible recipes that celebrate the cuisine of Taiwan and its ever-simmering pot of creative influences. The book includes classic dishes and well-known favorites, as well as new dishes with brazen twists that are fun, flavorful, and decidedly American-born in style. The book is praised by top chefs, including Tom Colicchio, Eddie Huang, and Claus Meyer. Overall, this cookbook is a celebration of Taiwanese culture and cuisine, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese cooking and food and wine books.

The Food of Sichuan by Fuchsia Dunlop is an updated version of her landmark book on Sichuan cuisine, Land of Plenty. This cookbook provides over 200 recipes and stunning photographs, accompanied by a culinary and cultural history of the region. Home cooks can recreate classics such as Mapo Tofu, Twice-Cooked Pork, and Gong Bao Chicken. The book has been praised by multiple publications and experts in the food industry. The Food of Sichuan is an essential addition to any cookbook collection, offering both poetic and practical advice to novices and experts alike.

The Xi'an Famous Foods cookbook is a long-awaited addition to any foodie's collection. It not only reveals never-before-published recipes but also shares the untold story of this iconic New York restaurant's rise to fame. From heavenly liang pi noodles to cumin lamb over hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles, this cookbook is a must-have for fans of the restaurant and those looking to explore the vibrant cuisine and culture of Xi'an. The book has received high praise from food critics and chefs alike, and for good reason. It's a well-designed item that delivers on its promise of bringing the flavors of Western China to home cooks.