10 Must-Have AAPI Cookbooks for Your Collection

Exceptional cookbooks transcend mere recipe collections; they offer intimate reflections, revealing how individuals connect with their surroundings through unique dishes. As Anthony Bourdain once noted, 'Food, culture, people, and landscape are deeply intertwined.' Exploring a culture's culinary narrative provides profound insights into its people.

To delve deeper into the richness of Asian cuisine and culture during AAPI Heritage Month, here are 10 enlightening cookbooks penned by diverse authors.

1. The Asian Grandmothers Cookbook // Patricia Tanumihardja

The saying 'just like grandma used to make' holds a special place in culinary traditions. In this cookbook, Patricia Tanumihardja gathers timeless recipes from Asian grandmothers—spanning Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Thai, and Indian cultures—while sharing the heartfelt stories of the women behind these dishes. These recipes, handed down through generations, highlight a diverse array of flavors. Additionally, the book features a comprehensive glossary to guide those unfamiliar with the ingredients required for each recipe.

2. East: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Beijing // Meera Sodha

Whether you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or simply want to explore more plant-based meals, Meera Sodha's cookbook offers a wealth of inspiration. Drawing from various Asian culinary traditions, it features dishes like kimchi pancakes, flavorful curries, and unique desserts such as salted miso brownies.

3. The Chinese Cook Book // Shiu Wong Chan

Shiu Wong Chan penned this cookbook in the early 20th century to introduce Chinese culinary traditions to an audience unfamiliar with them. The book blends genuine Chinese recipes with Westernized adaptations, featuring dishes like chop-suey, Chinese frankfurters, and the intriguingly named 'Food of the God of Law Horn' [PDF].

4. Maangchi's Big Book of Korean Cooking // Maangchi

Known as 'YouTube’s Korean Julia Child' by The New York Times, Maangchi shares the essentials of Korean cuisine with her audience of over 5 million subscribers. This cookbook highlights her favorite dishes, ranging from vegan Buddhist meals to homemade rice liquor and creative street food, showcasing the diversity and energy of Korean culinary traditions. It also includes a section on cooking techniques applicable to every recipe.

5. Mister Jiu's in Chinatown // Brandon Jew

Brandon Jew, the chef behind the Michelin-starred Mister Jiu’s, blends the foundations of Chinese cooking, its influence on Western cuisine, and his personal family heritage in this heartfelt cookbook. Inside, you’ll discover recipes for dishes like orange chicken wings, liberty roast duck, traditional dumplings, and more.

6. Vietnamese Food Any Day // Andrea Nguyen

Andrea Nguyen, drawing from decades of expertise and personal experiences, brings the true essence of Vietnamese cuisine to your kitchen. Nguyen offers practical advice for preparing Vietnamese dishes using everyday ingredients, eliminating the need for specialty stores. Discover how to create dishes like banh mi, chili garlic chicken wings, and no-churn Vietnamese coffee ice cream, among others.

7. Coconut & Sambal // Lara Lee

Explore the rich culinary traditions of Indonesia with chef and food writer Lara Lee. Featuring over 80 recipes, Lee employs straightforward methods and easy-to-find ingredients to narrate the story of Indonesian food. Coconut & Sambal also weaves in historical anecdotes and stunning travel photography, sparking a sense of wanderlust.

8. Japanese Home Cooking // Sonoko Sakai

In Japanese Home Cooking, Sonoko Sakai, a renowned food writer and cooking instructor, shares essential ingredients, techniques, and over 100 recipes suitable for cooks of all skill levels eager to bring Japanese flavors into their homes. Alongside recipes and cooking tips, the book includes captivating photo essays highlighting individuals in California and Japan dedicated to preserving traditional culinary practices.

9. I Am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook // Nicole Ponseca and Miguel Trinidad

Nicole Ponseca, a San Diego native, relocated to New York to work in advertising but soon found herself longing for the authentic Filipino flavors of her upbringing. This led her to open two restaurants, Maharlika and Jeepney, and co-author a cookbook that captures the essence of Filipino cooking. While many recipes reflect the Chinese, Mexican, and Middle-Eastern influences integral to Filipino cuisine, others are distinctly regional.

10. Milk & Cardamom // Hetal Vasavada

Hetal Vasavada, a former MasterChef contestant and creator of the blog Milk & Cardamom, channels her Indian-American heritage to craft delightful desserts bursting with bold flavors. This cookbook is perfect for dessert enthusiasts eager to explore innovative twists on classic sweets and pastries.