Recommendations: Delicious Reads
From Bookshelf to Kitchen: Best Cookbooks for your Foodie Friends
Thanks to the brilliant idea of my good friend Brittany who said I should write book gift guides, and the equally brilliant idea of my good friend Nathalie who said I should write listicles, I am starting a series where I write themed gift guide lists. And what better way to kick things off than with one of my favourites: cookbooks. Not that I’m a big cook, but I do like to pretend, and I love adding to my collection of books that are slowly swallowing our apartment. January is the month of inspiration, to pick up hobbies, to learn to re-love yourself, and to kick yourself into gear. Or at least to rest for all of January and brainstorm all the aforementioned things. For me, this means gradually getting back into cooking.
Over the years, I’ve amassed quite the cuisine archive—mostly thanks to my parents, aunt, and uncle (thank you!). Since moving in with Marianne, that collection has doubled. She is truly the household chef, and as such, my parents love to give her cookbooks and food themed items as gifts and I simply cannot complain. I love a good cookbook, better yet, I love when someone cooks for me from a really good cookbook. I get to look at the pretty pictures and read the stories while Marianne tries out the recipes. But sometimes I take a crack at them too!
You’ll quickly notice that I have specific criteria for what makes a cookbook great. A simple way to capture this idea is something Marianne once told me: focus on the details, and the story becomes more relatable; start too broad, and it loses its personal touch. At the time, she was referring to focusing on specifics in my writing, but I think it applies to almost everything. The best cookbooks are simple, personal, and unafraid to experiment within their cuisine.
For me, the best cookbooks tell a story—whether through anecdotes, cultural history, or the journey behind each dish. They also need stunning photography; I don’t just want to read—I want to be inspired. I always put a cookbook back down if there are no photos. And, of course, the recipes should strike a balance between approachable and ambitious.
A cookbook is a deeply personal gift. Food is meant to be shared and savoured, talked about, eaten together, and choosing a cookbook you know someone will love is one of the best compliments you can give. Food tells stories of friendship, history, past, future, love, and balance. One thing that connects all of us is food. Everything can be hashed out over a good meal.
With that in mind, here are some of my all-time favourite cookbooks from our shelves and who in your life they might suit.
My Top 5 Cookbooks
Gohan by Emiko Davies
Now, I’m probably going to say this quite often, but Gohan is easily one of the most beautiful cookbooks I’ve ever seen. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted—from the gorgeous paper quality and illustrations to the heartfelt stories about Emiko Davies’ childhood and family. An Australian-Japanese food writer and photographer based in Tuscany, Davies brings a deep appreciation for tradition and storytelling to her work. Gohan is filled with love, nostalgia, and, of course, delicious recipes. And to top it off, her Italian husband is a sommelier, the definition of a dream team. If you’re ever in Tuscany, they opened Enoteca Marilu in 2023, where they host cooking classes, workshops, and run a natural wine bar! It is in San Miniato, right between Florence and Pisa.
This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves their cooking time to double as story time. With a rich history and a thoughtful, personal voice, it offers a mix of comforting, traditional, and experimental recipes, all while celebrating the wisdom and warmth of mothers and grandmothers in every dish. Davies focuses on Japanese home cooking, particularly the comforting, everyday meals that emphasize tradition, seasonality, and simplicity that she learned from her mother.
Falastin by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley
This cookbook completely blew me away. I stole it from my parents house it was so good (Mom, I know you’re reading this, please don’t make me give it back). With stunning photography and mouthwatering recipes, it seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary Palestinian dishes, all with a strong emphasis on home cooking, sharing, and everyday meals. If you cannot tell, I love home cooking and food shared between friends and family, and this cookbook is exactly that. Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley offer a beautiful window into Palestinian cuisine, celebrating its diversity and deep sense of community while exploring regional specialties from cities like Gaza to Bethlehem.
Falastin offers a stunning visual archive of Palestine, with beautiful photos of towns and landscapes as the authors travel, experiencing rich food culture. This is one of my favourite cookbooks, and it was heartbreaking to return to the recipes and stories, knowing that the places shown in those photos have been ravaged by conflict. It’s a stark reminder of the destruction that has befallen a land full of history, beauty, and life, making this cookbook not just a celebration of food but a testament to what has been lost.
This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves vibrant, flavourful dishes with a rich cultural history. Whether you're passionate about Palestinian cuisine, looking to expand your home-cooking repertoire, support Palestinian history, or simply enjoy cookbooks that tell a story, Falastin is a beautiful cookbook. There are two lines that stuck out from me from this cookbook: "“Recipes are like stories” and “Palestine weaves narrative and cooking into the fabric of its identity.” This is the perfect way to describe this cookbook.
Korean Home Cooking by Sohui Kim
This is Marianne’s cookbook, but I had to include it because it’s not only beautifully designed but also speaks to my deep love for Korean cooking. Korean cuisine is the ultimate comfort, from kimchi to crispy chicken wings, perfectly cooked eggs to rich, spiced broths. And, of course, my all-time favourite: tteokbokki.
Korean Home Cooking offers a wide array of recipes, each showcasing the heart and warmth of home-cooked Korean meals. The dishes are approachable yet deeply satisfying, with an emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients and balanced flavours. One recipe that stands out to me is a delicious short rib soup, which Marianne made for me after we had broken up forever ago. I won’t say it was the reason we got back together, but it definitely helped. The cookbook not only brings Korean flavours to life but also evokes a sense of home, making it a must-have for anyone who loves the comfort of cooking and food with soul.
This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves home-cooked meals with heart and soul. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking to deepen your knowledge of Korean flavours, Korean Home Cooking offers accessible, comforting recipes that will resonate with anyone who values the power of food to bring people together.
Florentine by Emiko Davies
Oh look, there she is again! After living in Tuscany for so long, Emiko Davies released Florentine, a cookbook that perfectly encapsulates the flavours and culture of Florence. My mom gifted me this cookbook before Marianne and I took our trip to Italy, and it quickly became a source of inspiration for many of our food adventures during our travels.
Davies beautifully captures the spirit of Florence, not just through its iconic dishes but by weaving in the rich history, personal anecdotes, and local traditions that make this city’s food so special. From hearty, rustic pastas to delicate pastries, Florentine brings the soul of Tuscan cuisine into your kitchen. The cookbook is filled with vibrant photography and detailed instructions, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. It’s not just a collection of recipes, but a journey through the food culture of one of the most beloved cities in Italy. It also has a city guide in the back!
This cookbook is best for anyone who loves Italian food, storytelling, and the beauty of cooking with seasonal, local ingredients. Whether you're craving the simplicity of a classic ribollita or the indulgence of a creamy cantucci, Florentine offers dishes that are perfect for recreating a taste of Tuscany, wherever you are.
Flavour by Ottolenghi
Flavour was one of the first cookbooks I ever owned, and it did not disappoint. Ottolenghi has become a household name for us—thanks to my mom, who owns nearly all his cookbooks and started my obsession. His recipes range from simple to intricate, always delivering on bold, unforgettable flavours.
This book helped spark my love for cooking because it made creating something refined feel achievable. I could whip up a dish that looked and tasted restaurant-worthy while still finding most of the ingredients at home. Ottolenghi brought the finesse and inspiration I was missing—his flavour palette is truly divine.
Focused entirely on vegetables, Flavour is so masterfully curated that, despite not being a vegetarian, I never once felt like anything was missing. The cookbook is divided into three sections—Process, Pairing, and Produce—each more insightful and exciting than the last.
This cookbook is perfect for vegetarians, those looking to master refined yet approachable dishes, or anyone eager to explore the process behind building bold flavour profiles. With strong influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves spices, fermentation, charring, and deeply rich ingredients.
Special Mention: The Hormone Type Cookbook by Madeline MacKinnon
This cookbook had to be included because, while it might not be the most extravagant cookbook out there, it is certainly a staple. As so many people are now discovering they have conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, PMDD, or other hormone-related issues, The Hormone Type Cookbook has proven to be an incredibly helpful resource. It’s packed with simple, yet delicious recipes that are easy to prepare, and each one is designed to help balance hormones and support overall wellness.
What sets this book apart is its thoughtful approach to diet, recognizing that every person’s hormonal needs are different. Whether you're looking to ease symptoms or just maintain a healthier hormonal balance, this cookbook offers a variety of recipes tailored to your needs. The book also includes a comprehensive guide at the beginning, helping readers understand which foods are best suited for different hormone imbalances.
From comforting breakfasts to nourishing dinners, The Hormone Type Cookbook offers tasty, nutrient-dense recipes that support both your body and your taste buds. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking to take a more mindful approach, with easy-to-follow recipes that make managing your hormones feel achievable and delicious.
Happy cooking!
xx,
Ciara
how about cooking at home with dad book or recipes from down under, who doesnt love a burger with egg, beetroot & pineapple.