10 books for culture-craving home cooks

10 books for culture-craving home cooks

Bring international flair to your kitchen -- and your cooking -- with the best books for culinary globe-trotting.
Updated:
2009-10-18 20:13
Published:
2006-04-05 00:00
By 
Natalie Bahadur

From Vietnam to Jamaica

Food and travel -- they're two of life's greatest pleasures. But often, we're too busy to plan exotic vacations, which means we find ourselves daydreaming about the places we would go, the things we would do and yes, the food we would eat -- if only we could! If travel doesn't fit into your plans, you can still enjoy the flavourful fare of some of the world's finest cuisines, all in your own kitchen. These fabulous cookbooks dish up easy recipes for tasty meals you can make at home.

1. Feast of Flavours from the Vietnamese Kitchen
(Green Frog Publishing, 2005)
According to the introduction of this cookbook, the key to delicious Vietnamese dishes lies in obtaining "the freshest possible ingredients because many, especially vegetables, are eaten raw or lightly cooked." Common cooking techniques include boiling, stewing, steaming and stir-frying, which means that the ingredients maintain their flavour while still being prepared healthily.
Recipes to try: Vietnamese Beef Stew, Steamed Fish with Fermented Soy Beans, Pumpkin Soup with Coconut Milk

2. The Food of France: A Journey for Food Lovers
(Whitecap Books, 2005)
If the thought of freshly baked croissants and Camembert that melts in your mouth makes your taste buds tingle, this is the cookbook for you. Exploring the world of French delicacies, this gorgeous cookbook serves up recipes that will make you feel like you're sitting in a Parisian café. Not only does this book offer a wealth of gastronomic pleasures, it's also a resource rich with description and information on the history of various French foods. Plus, a glossary of French food and cooking at the back of the book ensures you're well educated before you begin your foray into French fare.
Recipes to try: Steak au Poivre, Baked Trout with Fennel and Capers, Vegetable Terrine with Herb Sauce

3. The Food of Thailand: A Journey for Food Lovers
(Whitecap Books, 2003)
In recent years, Thai cuisine has exploded in popularity in many of the world's urban centres. It's no surprise! Thai food is fresh, healthy and full of intriguing flavours. Take, for example, the perfect union of chicken and papaya, or the subtly splendid combination of pumpkin with chili and basil. These interesting pairings make Thai cuisine a truly marvellous culinary adventure and you'll find all of this and so much more in this delightful cookbook.
Recipes to try: Sliced Steak with Hot and Sour Sauce, Jungle Curry with Prawns, Stir-Fried Broccoli with Oyster Sauce

4. Sicily: A Way of Life in 50 Recipes
(Green Frog Publishing, 2003)
Italian cuisine is so much more than pizza and spaghetti with meatballs. This wonderfully photographed cookbook is full of facts about Italy's history, culture and lifestyle and seamlessly weaves each recipe into its informative narrative. For example, you'll not only find a recipe for mouthwatering pasta tossed in fresh olive oil, but you'll also discover the secrets of olive oil tasting and learn how to choose one that's of the highest quality.
Recipes to try: Sicilian Squid, Veal Escalopes with Marsala, Stuffed Rice Balls

5. The Real Taste of Jamaica
(Warwick Publishing, 2000)
You may be unfamiliar with many of the terms and ingredients referred to in this cookbook, but peruse the "A-Z of Jamaican Cuisine" glossary at the front of the book and you'll get a crash course on everything you need to know before you delve in with both hands! Many of the recipes feature a "Cook's Tip" and there are more helpful hints located at the back of the book to help you get your recipe just right the first time.
Recipes to try: Chicken Salad in Pineapple Shells, Jamaican Pepperpot Soup, Sweet Potato Pudding

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5 more great cookbooks, from China to Italy

6. Chinatown: Sweet, Sour, Spicy, Salty
(Whitecap Books, 2005)

When you think of Chinese food, you may ponder tasty chicken balls, flavourful fried rice and chow mein. But there's so much more to savour. As the name of this book suggests, Chinese cuisine is an exotic mixture of sweet, sour, spicy and salty flavours -- each a delight to the palate. Combining fresh produce and an intoxicating assortment of herbs, the recipes in this cookbook are sure to become family favourites.
Recipes to try: Seared Kingfish with Orange and Chilli Oil, Beef and Black Bean Casserole, Steamed Eggplant with Vinegar and Garlic

7. India's Vegetarian Cooking: A Regional Guide
(Kyle Cathie Limited, 2006)
You'll salivate as you thumb through the pages of this vibrant and colourful cookbook. Compiled by Monisha Bharadwaj, an award-winning author and food writer, this cookbook serves up cultural delicacies from the northern, eastern, southern and western regions of India. In the book's introduction, you'll find a short history of vegetarianism in India, plus you'll learn about the essentials of Indian vegetarian cooking.
Recipes to try: Cauliflower and Potatoes in Spices, Bamboo Shoots in Coconut Milk, Stewed Apricots with Cream

8. The Australian Women's Weekly Cooking Class Greek: Step-by-Step to Perfect Results
(ACP Books, 2005)
Garlic, lemons, olive oil, herbs and spices -- these are just some of the appetizing ingredients commonly used in Greek cuisine. There's a full-page photo of each dish in this book, plus step-by-step photo instructions to make preparation a snap. Every recipe is tested three times by the Australian Women's Weekly test kitchen to ensure the best results.
Recipes to try: Greek Sausages in Tomato Sauce, Pork and Quince Casserole, Cold Lentil Salad

9. The Australian Women's Weekly Cooking Class Middle Eastern: Step-by-Step to Perfect Results
(ACP Books, 2005)
Middle Eastern cuisine is a mélange of flavours and ingredients from Lebanon, Morocco and Turkey, to name a few. While each of these countries enjoys delicious and distinctive fare unique to their region, this cookbook presents a wonderful cross-section, bringing together the best of each. Using tangy ingredients like coriander, saffron and vanilla beans, you're sure to find a recipe that satisfies both your sweet tooth and your savoury tooth!
Recipes to try: Figs in Honey and Port Wine, Spicy Tomato Coriander Prawns, Minted Veal with Baby Squash

10. Biba's Taste of Italy: Recipes from the Homes, Trattorie and Restaurants of Emilia-Romagna
(HarperCollins, 2001)
This cookbook features hundreds of delectable recipes, but it also provides a historic perspective on the influences other cultures have played on the now-popular foods of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy. Foods such as prosciutto di Parma, Modena's aged balsamic vinegar and mortadella are only a few that have made their way into many North American kitchens. Take a look through this wonderful collection of recipes and find out how you can create delectable, authentic dishes the next time you feel like a little Italian.
Recipes to try: Lasagne, Italo's Pasta and Bean Soup, Spaghettini with White Clam Sauce

Do you have more cookbook suggestions? Share them with other readers in our forums!

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