Scrolling through recipes online may be convenient, but there’s something about picking up a beautifully written cookbook filled with stunning photography and illustrations to serve up some much-needed kitchen inspiration. Here’s our round-up of some of the best new releases to get you cooking with a newfound confidence today.
Cooking: Simply and Well, for One or Many, Jeremy Lee
Celebrated Scottish chef Jeremy Lee’s debut cookbook is a wonderful compendium of recipes to try at home whether you’re cooking for one or for many. The Dundee-born chef shares witty anecdotes revolving around food and how his mother’s cooking inspired his dishes at the popular Quo Vadis in Soho, London. This is very much a book about the pleasures that can be found from spending time in the kitchen. Kinokuniya
Is this a cookbook?: Adventures in the Kitchen, Heston Blumenthal
Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal may be known for his avant-garde molecular gastronomy but his latest book serves up uncomplicated recipes that even novices can dive into confidently. Blumenthal reveals insights, musings and tips and tricks alongside 70 doable recipes. Expect some unusual pairings that will open your eyes to a whole new world of cooking, from popcorn chicken made with real popcorn to a surprisingly refreshing pairing of banana and parsley smoothie. Paired with beautiful illustrations by Dave Mckean, this is a book you’ll go to time and time again for inspiration and entertainment. Kinokuniya
Trap Kitchen: Mac N’ All Over the World, Bangin’ Mac N’ Cheese Recipes from Around the World, Malachi Jenkins and Roberto Smith
Former gang members turned chefs Malachi “Spank” Jenkins and Roberto “News” Smith are back with a new cookbook featuring 50 recipes highlighting their signature Trap Mac n’ Cheese. The universal dish is given a spin in 50 recipes inspired by different regions around the world. Here, you’ll find simple recipes such as the Classic Mac to the Straight Outta Canada Poutine Mac and the decadent Texas Brisket Mac. But it’s more than just a book about Mac n’ Cheese, the story charts the duo’s journey from humble beginnings to going against the odds to follow their dreams and passion. Any cookbook with a foreword by Snoop Dogg is also bound to be fascinating. Amazon
Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed a Healthy Obsession, Jess Damuck
Who said salads are boring? This new cookbook by food stylist and recipe developer (and Martha Stewart’s personal salad chef), Jess Damuck proves that the possibilities are endless when it comes to salads. From playful combinations to pretty styling, Damuck shows how combining certain ingredients could liven up an otherwise bland dish. Try the Citrus Breakfast Salad and the Roasted Grapes, Ricotta, Croutons and Endive salad recipes for a whole new way of enjoying your greens. Kinokuniya
Noma 2.0: Vegetable, Forest, Ocean, Rene Redzepi
You may have heard the news that Noma, rated as one of the world’s best restaurants, will be closing its doors in 2024. This hefty volume will hopefully help to fill the void the fine dining world will be missing when that happens. The Noma 2.0 title refers to the establishment’s reinvention in 2018 when it reopened its doors after a two-year closure. This book pushes the boundaries of every single ingredient whether it’s the lobster with fragrant summer flowers or the sea urchin and pumpkin. Filled with beautiful photographs, this is one for serious foodies and art lovers. Kinokuniya
Good & Sweet: A New Way to Bake with Naturally Sweet Ingredients, Brian Levy
Sweet treats that are good for you? Yes, it’s possible. Ingeniously using fruit in the form of juice, dried or fermented as natural sweeteners, pastry cook Brian Levy serves up 100 sweet treats without using any refined sugar. This is a dessert cookbook unlike any other. Expect tantalising recipes such as Chestnut Ricotta ice cream, sticky toffee pudding and pistachio-studded peach galette. These are recipes that certainly don’t compromise on flavour. Amazon
Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka, Cynthia Shanmugalingam
British Sri Lankan author Cynthia Shanmugalingam weaves a beautiful and delicious story on her Sri Lankan roots. Recipes such as coconut dal hoppers, slow-cooked Jaffna lamb curry and vegan-friendly recipes such as the cashew nut curry are combined with stunning photography showing Sri Lanka’s past and present. Readers are taken on a delightful journey through Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and its mix of cuisines from Javanese, Arab, Portuguese, Malay, Indian, Dutch and British influences. Kinokuniya
Simply Japanese: 100 Authentic Recipes for Easy Home Cooking, Maori Murota
Minimal and straight to the point, Simply Japanese features 100 authentic, easy-to-do recipes at home. The Japan-born, France-based author Maori Murota provides in-depth instructions on the ingredients and tools needed to prepare staple dishes served in most Japanese homes. There are also plant-based recipes for those who enjoy Japanese food but have trouble finding vegan-friendly options. Kinokuniya
The Korean K-Drama Cookbook: Make the Dishes Seen in Your Favourite TV Shows, Choi Heejae
There’s something wonderful about the way Korean dramas have a way of influencing the way we eat. This cookbook wants you to eat like your favourite K-Drama TV stars by replicating recipes seen in popular shows such as the spicy noodles in black bean sauce on Hospital Playlist, the spicy braised tofu as seen on Was It Love and the dishes seen on shows such as Itaewon Class, Crash Landing on You and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and many more. Kinokuniya
Sambal Shiok: The Malaysian Cookbook, Mandy Yin
Chef and owner of London’s much-loved Malaysian restaurant, Sambal Shiok, Mandy Yin presents over 90 recipes featuring signature dishes from her restaurant such as Malaysian fried chicken, prawn fritters, signature curry laksa and many more. Malaysians at home and abroad will find it helpful to learn of the basic pantry ingredients such as lemongrass, shrimp paste and santan which are staples of Malaysian cooking. Kinokuniya
