In-depth cookery book reviews.

Spice: A Cook’s Companion by Mark Diacono

Spice: A Cook's Companion by Mark Diacono

In his previous book Herb: A Cook’s Companion, Mark Diacono wove together detailed advice on growing your own herbs (and handling store bought), with a selection of recipes that show off those herbs beautifully. In Spice: A Cook’s Companion he provides advice on how to source and blend spices well, and how to make the ... Read more »

Bowlful: Fresh and vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia by Norman Musa

Bowlful: Fresh and vibrant dishes from Southeast Asia by Norman Musa

Often I choose books that focus on a single cuisine but in the case of Bowlful by Norman Musa, I was drawn in by the promise of fresh and vibrant dishes from across Southeast Asia. Born in Penang,  Malaysia, experienced chef and author Musa has spent much of his life exploring the cultures and cuisines ... Read more »

Big Has Home by Hasan Semay

Cover Image of Big Has Home by Hasan Semay

Diversity in the world of cookery books is a good thing, a very good thing indeed. For decades, the UK food publishing world has been dominated by white authors. Writers of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds have struggled to get a seat at the table, and when they do, they’re often pigeonholed into titles tied ... Read more »

On The Himalayan Trail by Romy Gill

On The Himalayan Trail - Cover

I’m a little behind the curve getting my hands on this beautiful cookbook. On the Himalayan Trail: Recipes and Stories from Kashmir to Ladakh by Romy Gill was published by Hardie Grant in April since when it’s received great feedback from keen cooks. Gill, who was awarded an MBE in 2016, is a British-Indian chef, food ... Read more »