Best Indian Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2026

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.

Dishoom: The first ever cookbook from the much-loved Indian restaurant is a love letter to Bombay told through food and stories. The book shares the secrets to their much sought-after Bombay comfort food, including their legendary black daal, bacon naan roll, okra fries, and more. The book also takes readers on a day-long tour of south Bombay, peppered with much eating and drinking. The book's beautiful photography and storytelling will transport readers to Dishoom's most treasured corners of Bombay. Overall, this cookbook is a total delight that immerses readers in the subject thoroughly and lovingly, making it a must-have for Indian cooking and food enthusiasts.

Indian Flavor Every Day: Simple Recipes and Smart Techniques to Inspire: A Cookbook is the perfect introduction to Indian cuisine for home cooks. Written by Julia Child Best First Book Award winner Maya Kaimal, this cookbook offers 80 easy-to-follow recipes and guidance to help readers incorporate rich, complex Indian flavors into their everyday cooking. The book features foundational flavor-building methods, versatile ingredients, and simplified classic dishes that are perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. With a focus on minimal time and essential ingredients, Kaimal proves that Indian flavors can be woven into meals with delicious ease. Overall, this cookbook is an excellent addition to any kitchen and a must-have for anyone interested in Indian cooking.

Indian-Ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family is a delightful cookbook that celebrates the fusion of Indian and American cuisine. Written by food writer Priya Krishna, the book features her mother's "Indian-ish" recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. The book also includes funny and relatable stories about the Krishna family, accompanied by original illustrations. With a foreword from Padma Lakshmi, this cookbook is a must-have for those who love to cook and want to explore a new culinary world.

The Diabetic Cookbook for Beginners offers 1500-days of simple and easy recipes to manage prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The book is perfect for beginners and busy people who want to make the switch to a healthier diet without spending too much time in the kitchen. The recipes use affordable and easy-to-find ingredients, and the 28-day meal plan helps readers stay on track. The book also includes nutritional information and glycemic index to help readers make informed decisions about their food choices. Overall, this cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to make healthier choices without compromising on taste.

The Indian Cooking Course: Techniques - Masterclasses - Ingredients - 300 Recipes is a comprehensive guide to Indian cooking that covers a wide range of dishes and provides insights into ingredients, techniques and step-by-step masterclasses. It explores the authentic, healthy and lesser-known Indian recipes and offers a vivid overview of India's colourful traditions and geographical differences. The book also includes advice on the building blocks of Indian cuisine, such as how to make a basic curry and how to cook the perfect rice. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in learning traditional Indian cooking based on the principles of good health and Ayurveda.

The Chutney Life: 100 Easy-to-Make Indian-Inspired Recipes is an inspiring cookbook that breaks down the intricacies of Indian cooking into accessible recipes for all home cooks. Written by Palak Patel, the founder of the popular lifestyle brand and blog, The Chutney Life, this book provides fresh, inventive, and irresistible recipes that celebrate the Indian food Patel grew up eating. Busy moms and curious cooks alike will find new, exciting flavors here, inspired by souvenirs of Patel’s travels, makeovers of classics, and Indian remakes of favorites. The book is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the flavors and spices of Indian cuisine.

Plant-Based India: Nourishing Recipes Rooted in Tradition by Dr. Sheil Shukla is a stunningly photographed cookbook that celebrates Indian cuisine with over 100 completely vegan recipes. The author's mission to reinvent classic vegetarian dishes of his heritage using plant-based nutrition is evident in each recipe. From spiced vegetable dishes to legume stews, flatbreads, rice dishes, and more, the book presents nourishing ingredients at their seasonal best. The New York Times, NPR Books We Love, and Food Network have all recognized this book as one of the best cookbooks of 2022. Plant-Based India is a must-have for anyone looking to explore Indian cuisine in a new and healthy way.

Ayurveda for Women: The Power of Food as Medicine with Recipes for Health and Wellness is an excellent guide for women seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. The author, Emily L. Glaser, offers a comprehensive overview of Ayurveda principles and how to integrate them into daily life. The book includes an encyclopedia of traditional Ayurveda recipes and remedies for a wide range of health issues. What makes this book unique is its focus on food as medicine, with helpful menus and simple, seasonal recipes designed for each woman's unique energetic balance. Overall, this is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in using natural remedies to improve their health.

Made in India: Recipes from an Indian Family Kitchen is a vibrant cookbook that introduces readers to the fresh, simple, and flavorful food that Meera Sodha grew up eating every day. With over 130 delicious recipes collected from three generations of her family, Sodha's food is surprisingly quick and easy to make, unlike the fare you get at your local Indian takeout joint. From hot chapatis to street food, fragrant curries to colorful side dishes, and mouthwatering desserts, this book will change the way you cook, eat, and think about Indian food forever. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves Indian cuisine or wants to try something new in the kitchen.