27 Best Cookbooks Travelers Will Love
- Updated: 11/11/2024
- Janice
Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves both travel and cooking—or perhaps for yourself? If wanderlust and a passion for food guide your adventures, you’re in the right place.
To create this ultimate list of travel-inspired cookbooks, I turned to 20+ travel experts for their top recommendations. These cookbooks showcase beloved cuisines from around the globe, offering recipes that let you explore the world’s flavors without leaving your kitchen. Enjoy this global tour that will inspire your culinary creativity, satisfy your curiosity, and help you discover the perfect cookbook for yourself or to gift a fellow travel and food enthusiast. Bon appétit!
Table Of Contents
Want to shop directly from my curated travel gift, hiking, and destination-based cookbook and reading lists? Visit my Amazon and Bookshop.org stores.
Cookbooks: By Region
Find the 27 travel cookbook recommendations organized by region below.
- Europe (12)
- Asia (6)
- Middle East & Africa (4)
- Americas (2)
Plus—one bonus global cookbook recommendation for food lovers who seek a best-of and entertaining collection of international recipes.
My Love for Food & Travel (Why I Made the List)
At every new destination, my husband and I discover delicious foods to bring home and incorporate into our cooking. Sometimes—it is ingredients like fresh sea salt from Gozo, Malta, or small-batch olive oils produced on a family-owned lemon farm on the Amalfi Coast.
Other times, it is full meals we ate and loved and try to replicate in our kitchen—like Belizean stewed chicken with Marie Sharp’s hot sauce enjoyed when in Belize, or slow-cooked tagines and fresh orange slices sprinkled with cinnamon while in Morocco. You never know when that unexpected dish, ingredient, drink, or taste will grab you.
My goal with this list? That these cookbook recommendations will take you on a tour of global flavors, giving you inspiration to try mouth-watering dishes and discover new-to-you-techniques from every corner of the world.
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12 Cookbooks from Europe
England & the UK: The Hairy Bikers' British Classics
Recommended by: Paulina from the UK Every Day
The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics is a fantastic book that offers a unique take on classic British dishes. The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers have been cooking together for many years and have a wealth of experience when it comes to creating delicious meals.
Their book is packed with recipes for all kinds of British classics, including among others, traditional Lancashire hotpot. One thing that sets this book apart is the Hairy Bikers’ approachable style. They write in a friendly, conversational tone that makes you feel like you’re cooking with friends in the kitchen.
If you enjoyed watching their TV series, you are sure to also love their amazing cooking book The Hairy Bikers’ British Classics.
France: Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Recommended by: Jenny of TheLuberonSpy.com
You probably know Julia Child (1912-2004) from her iconic PBS show “The French Chef,” where she signed off with a lively “Bon appétit!” But before TV fame, there was a cookbook that launched a thousand omelets (and home chefs): Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
This kitchen classic highlights methods and techniques with step-by-step illustrations (not boring, promise!). The writing is enjoyable and the descriptions are fun to read. There are even tips on how to eat an artichoke if you’ve never eaten it before, the “least tearful way” to peel small white onions, and what to remember if you’re a “neophyte wine drinker.”
You can choose from nearly 800 recipes across two volumes. Or stick to French classics such as coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and the yummy reine de saba. If you’d like to cook alongside the French Chef, you can watch Julia’s vintage black-and-white TV episodes on YouTube (@JuliaChildonPBS).
Georgia: Supra: A Feast of Georgian Cooking
Recommended by: Emily at Wander-Lush.org
It’s no secret that the country of Georgia is home to one of the world’s most underrated cuisines. In this tiny nation in the South Caucasus, food, wine, history, culture, and religion go hand in hand.
Penned by Georgian chef and author Tiko Tuskadze, Supra: A Feast of Georgian Cooking is the ultimate introduction to Georgian food. It explores the diverse influences that have touched the Silk Road nation throughout the ages—from Persian and Mongolian to Turkish and Russian—through stories, legends, and family anecdotes.
The book also includes more than 100 traditional Georgian recipes. From popular dishes such as khinkali ‘soup dumplings’ and khachapuri ‘cheese bread’ to more nuanced stews, soups, and sauces from the different regions. A must-read for anyone planning to visit Georgia, the heart of Supra is about family and tradition. It will leave you eager to experience the ritual of the Georgian supra (a large, lavish meal with copious amounts of wine and toasting) for yourself!
Ireland: The Irish Cookbook
Recommended by: Kaz at The Honeymoon Guide
The Irish Cookbook by JP McMahon delves into the culinary heritage of Ireland. This large tome by Phaidon, not only has a collection of 480 recipes but weaves together the tale of Ireland’s food heritage.
Ireland may not be known as a foodie destination, but in the last 20 years, a generation of Irish chefs and cooks have emerged, celebrating the bounty of Irish produce. McMahon, a Galway-based chef guides readers through a gastronomic journey, highlighting the connection between the Irish landscape and its food.
The book is a homage to the natural larder of Ireland, from the briny treasures of the Atlantic to the succulent meats grazed on the green fields of the Emerald Isle. Explore the traditional flavors that have shaped Irish tables and discover the wild unsung delicacies that dot the island. Then, experience Irish hospitality through The Irish Cookbook, one of the best cookbooks from around the world.
Ireland: The Irish Granny’s Pocket Farmhouse Soups
Recommended by Nick from The World Overload
The Irish Granny’s Pocket Farmhouse Soups is highly recommended for those looking to change their eating during the colder months. As in Ireland, most of the year is spent dealing with snow, rain, wind, and lower temperatures. So it’s best to learn some recipes to help keep you nice and cozy.
From this book, you are going to learn how the Irish farmer eats and lives on the farmland. The recipes follow the old-style tradition of what an older relative might have once made.
You will find the recipes contain much of the local fare Ireland is well known for. These include potatoes, barley, mutton, and cabbage, just to name a few. Making these soups doesn’t require a lot of flair or ingredients. They are simple and hearty, intended to get you through the winter and to enjoy sparingly in the summer. So, start prepping and get ready to savor a few of the best hearty Irish-inspired soups.
Italy: Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well
Recommended by: Lisa of I’m Learning Italian
Mr. Pellegrino Artusi, who lived between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, was the first to compile an encyclopedia of Italian cuisine. Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well dates back to the late 19th century and contains about 790 recipes.
The author’s merit is that he brought together under one title, the multitude of regional traditions, thus speaking first of a “national cuisine of Italy.”The approach is practical, directed at beginners, and contains healthy tips, reflections by the author, and popular sayings.
Here, you will find recipes for dishes like tortellini, ragù sauce, Tuscan cookies, simple soups, main courses, liqueurs, and desserts. Artusi wrote the book out of passion after leaving his employment in commerce. Yet his cookbook was so successful that today it counts around 50 editions and is the most widely read book in Italy along with Pinocchio.
Italy: Eating Rome: Living the Good Life in the Eternal City
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
The only thing you may do wrong reading this cookbook is doing so after a Rome trip. I accidentally did this and wish I read Eating Rome before I left. Loaned to me by a good friend and food writer, I loved this book.
The author, Elizabeth Minchilli, an American who married an Italian and settled to live and raise her children in Italy, shares her passion and deep knowledge of Italian food, along with amusing anecdotes and her connoisseur’s guide to Rome eateries.
You will find recipes at the end of each chapter that will inspire you for your upcoming vacation or will be perfect to cook during that post-trip period when you feel nostalgic for your favorite vacation foods. From the iconic Cacio e Pepe to decadent tiramisu—each chapter offers a culinary journey for any food lover.
Poland: Polish Foodies Cookbook
Recommended by: Karolina at PolishFoodies.com
If you want to learn how to cook authentic Polish food, the Polish Foodies Cookbook is the best book to buy! With nearly 200 authentic Polish recipes, you will have a variety of options to choose from. Photos and easy-to-follow directions conveniently accompany each recipe.
The author of the cookbook, Karolina Klesta, was born and raised in Poland, where she still lives. So, the recipes are as authentic as they can be!
Polish cuisine may be a bit overlooked compared to other foods from Europe. Though—you may be surprised and delighted to discover how truly delicious pierogi (Polish dumplings), bigos (sauerkraut stew), or red borscht (sour beetroot soup) can be!
Portugal: The Taste of Portugal: A Voyage of Gastronomic Discovery Combined with Recipes, History and Folklore
Recommend by: Sydney of SydneytoAnywhere.com
If you’re looking for the best Portuguese cookbook, look no further than The Taste of Portugal by Edith Vieira. An engaging introduction to Portuguese gastronomy, history, and folklore, it’s chock full of authentic recipes you can easily make at home.
Vieira, a native of Portugal, has a deep passion for her country’s rich culinary heritage. Her love and knowledge are evident in how she carefully guides readers through each recipe, from the hearty meat and rice dish, Feijoada à Portuguesa, to the iconic dessert, Pastel de Nata.
But this cookbook offers much more than a collection of simple recipes! It contains an entire journey through Portugal’s diverse agricultural landscape, detailing the importance of ingredients like piri-piri peppers from the southern region of Algarve or the history of Bacalhau, also known as salted cod.
You’ll learn about everything from centuries-old farming techniques that shape the uniquely Portuguese flavors and textures to the production of Portugal’s well-known port wine. The Taste of Portugal is a cookbook for all seasons with everything from light summer staples to Bolo Rei, or King Cake, the country’s Christmastime classic. Additionally, you’ll find seafood recipes of all kinds, including Cataplana de Marisco, Portugal’s version of paella frequently eaten in the Algarve in winter. The Taste of Portugal is a heartfelt homage to Portugal’s gastronomic history. It’s the perfect guide for traditional Portuguese recipes from every region of this small but mighty European country.
Romania: Tava: Eastern European Baking and Desserts From Romania & Beyond
Recommended by: Joanna of TheWorldinMyPocket.co.uk
Tava is a Romanian cookbook that introduces the reader to the traditional Romanian cuisine. It is written by Irina Georgescu and recalls many of the recipes from her native country of Romania.
The cookbook focuses on baking, both savory and sweet pies, doughnuts, cakes, and other staples of Romanian cuisine. In fact, the name of the book, Tava, translates as “The Tray”. The book is not just a cookbook. It also offers stories explaining different aspects of Romanian culture. The recipes are also very easy to follow and take you on a journey around the country.
The book doesn’t overlook one of the most delicious Romanian desserts, the papanasi recipe. This dessert consists of fried cheese balls topped with sour cherry jam and sour cream. It is a proper delight. Another great recipe is the curd cheese and golden raisins pie, which is so popular in Romania that it is made at least once a month in nearly every household.
Spain: 1,000 Spanish Recipes
Recommended by Sabine from Discover Spain Today
1,000 Spanish Recipes by Penelope Casas is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves cooking Spanish food. It’s like a treasure chest of recipes from all over Spain, not just the usual ones like paella and tortilla. The book includes a comprehensive collection of Spanish recipes paired with an in-depth exploration of the culinary traditions of Spain.
Apart from the typical Spanish cuisine, the book includes a vast array of regional specialties where Penelope Casas takes you on a culinary journey through Spain. The book includes recipes and short informative headnotes for tapas, stews, soups, Spanish omelets, and much more.
It is an essential resource for anyone interested in mastering the art of Spanish cooking and exploring the country’s culinary heritage.
Spain: Made in Spain: Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen
Recommended by: Samara of Spain Awaits
For years, Spanish gastronomy has been considered among the best in the world, and who better to teach us about Spanish cuisine than José Andrés, one of the country’s most accomplished chefs?
In his 250+ page book, Made in Spain, Spanish Dishes for the American Kitchen, Andrés is the perfect tour guide, taking readers around the country. He showcases each region’s most important products, highlighting their flavors and culinary traditions.
Readers will learn all about saffron from Castilla La Mancha, fish in the Basque Country, rice dishes in Valencia, and cheeses from Asturias, among others. He uses Spanish ingredients that can, for the most part, be readily found in the US. Plus, he delivers a wonderful introduction to Spain’s varied and inventive gastronomy.
6 Cookbooks from Asia & India
India: Madhur Jaffrey's Quick and Easy Indian Cooking
Recommended by: Hanit of Gotta Love New York
Madhur Jaffrey’s Quick and Easy Indian Cooking is a recipe book that simplifies and demystifies Indian cooking. With more than ten reprints, it is a favorite of beginners and experienced cooks with its 70+ delicious and simple recipes that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
The recipes for Indian curries, legumes, relishes, desserts and drinks are easy to follow with their step-by-step instructions and are true to the flavors and taste of Indian food. The book includes pictures and sample menus from its recipes, making it easy to plan a meal for different occasions ranging from breakfast to entertaining to picnics or a family supper.
The book includes sections on Indian kitchen utensils, cooking techniques, and spices and food staples found in an Indian pantry, truly bringing home the joy of home-cooked Indian food to your kitchen.
India: Thali: A Joyful Celebration of Indian Home Cooking
Recommended by: Lavina D’Souza of Continent Hop
Thali: A Joyful Celebration of Indian Home Cooking by Maunika Gowardhan is a book that explores Indian culture and food by means of a Thali. “Thali” is the Indian version of a food platter, with various delicacies all served together.
Readers can expect to learn about Indian cooking, from the vibrant colors to the aromatic spices. This book has a variety of tasty and authentic food recipes and beautiful photos likely to make your mouth water.
The book also talks about the importance of food in Indian culture and how it helps to bring people together. Gowardhan brings to life the joy and warmth that are present in Indian cooking by narrating her personal experiences. This sentiment makes the book quite heartfelt. After reading the book, you will not only understand Indian cuisine but also the culture, traditions, and stories that make it unique.
India (& London): Dishoom: From Bombay with Love
Recommended by: Jami at CeliacTravelPack.com
Dishoom is a popular Indian restaurant in London. But, their cookbook, Dishoom: From Bombay with Love takes you straight to Bombay in a lighthearted fun way. The cookbook includes a map of Bombay complete with landmarks. There are also stories of restaurants and recipes at the beginning of each section.
Plus, the recipes are incredible! You’ll find recipes for curries, desserts, masala chai, breads, and more. Some are more difficult or time-consuming but you’ll find something you’ll love. But, it’s easy to get stuck on one favorite. There are also plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The chole is a good place to start!
Indonesia: Flavors of Indonesia
Recommended by: Marya of TheBeauTraveler.com
There is no better way to learn about Indonesian food than getting some insights from the book written by an Indonesian chef who knows the rich flavors like the back of his hands. And that’s why Flavors of Indonesia by William Wongso stands out among other Indonesian cookbooks.
You can find a lot of Indonesian cookbooks on the market, but nothing comes close to being as authentic as the one written by a celebrated Indonesian chef who started his cooking journey by learning through street food vendors throughout the country.
Even the world’s renowned chef, Gordon Ramsay, went above and beyond to learn how to cook rendang from William Wongso himself. Flavors of Indonesia is his masterpiece in introducing the rich flavors of Indonesian dishes from the West to the East. From dishes like rendang from West Sumatra and Balinese sate lilit, to West Kalimantan food like choi pan, the book is a complete package to learn more about Indonesian food!
Japan: Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art
Recommended by: Sophie of DelightfulTravelNotes.com
Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art by Shizuo Tsuji is the most comprehensive cookbook about Japanese cuisine. The book is not just a collection of recipes; it invites readers to explore the philosophy and cultural significance of traditional Japanese cooking.
The beginning of the book gives readers an overview of the composition of a traditional Japanese course meal. The author also delves into the core philosophies of Japanese cuisine, which emphasize seasonality, quality of ingredients, and presentation. The natural aroma and flavor of ingredients should not be masked with anything overly strong. Kyoto cuisine is a prime example of these cooking philosophies.
With over 200 recipes and detailed explanations of the cooking methods, the book enables readers to prepare authentic Japanese dishes, both the simple and the complex ones, at home. It goes beyond the familiar dishes often included in many cookbooks. If you have visited Japan and want to recreate the flavors experienced on your trip, this cookbook is a must-read.
Vietnam: Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavor
Recommended by Milijana of WorldTravelConnector.com
Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors is a cookbook with 80 recipes of the most famous traditional Vietnamese dishes. It is a practical guide to Vietnamese cuisine and a master cookbook for the best Vietnamese food.
Vietnamese cuisine is among the most celebrated traditional cuisines in the world. Vietnamese cuisine is known for the use of fresh and healthy ingredients, an abundance of fragrances, and minimal cooking.
This cookbook shows the best of it. New York Times, Washington Post, Bon Appetit, and NPR named this cookbook one of the best of 2019. The author uses simple techniques, easy methods, and widely available ingredients to make new recipes for traditional Vietnamese food. In this way, the author teaches the readers how to make delicious Vietnamese dishes effortlessly. The book equally works for beginners who want to learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes and skilled cooks who seek creative Vietnamese recipes.
4 Cookbooks from the Middle East & Africa
Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
Enjoy vibrant and aromatic Morocco with Cooking at the Kasbah. With this cookbook, step into the realm of Moroccan cuisine, where savory spices, succulent meats, and sweets combine to create the utterly memorable of flavors. Get a collection of traditional recipes passed down through generations. From tagines to pastries, each dish captures the rich heritage and diverse culinary influences of Morocco.
With Cooking at the Kasbah, you will learn the trick behind authentic Moroccan cooking, mastering the art of bold spices and nuanced flavors.
In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
Step into the world of In Bibi’s Kitchen and the rich tapestry of African cuisine. This curated cookbook pays homage to the traditions and flavors passed down through generations. You’ll learn about time-honored recipes and the stories that define the culinary heritage of East Africa.
From the memorable spice blends of Zanzibar to the soul-nourishing stews of Kenya, In Bibi’s Kitchen offers a wonderful glimpse into the kitchens of grandmothers, or “bibis,” whose expertise and love for cooking have shaped the region’s food culture.
Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors from My Israeli Kitchen: A Cookbook
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
Savor the irresistible flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with Saba ba. This cookbook is not just a collection of recipes—it is a cultural exploration, a passport to a the uniquely flavorful tapestry of this region. From the aromatic spices of the Middle East to the fresh Mediterranean ingredients, Sababa encapsulates the essence of the region’s cuisine.
Get recipes for specialties such as sizzling shakshuka to tahini chocolate chip cookies, perfect for a seasoned chef looking to expand horizons or a novice just starting out. Then, be entertained by the stories that accompany the food.
Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
Experience the aromatic blend of saffron, the savory flavor of kebabs, and the richness of pomegranate molasses on an adventure through the rich heritage of Persia in the award-winning Taste of Persia: A Cook’s Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan.
Get the secrets of centuries-old recipes passed down through generations, each dish capturing the soul of Persian culture and tradition. Learn about the region and the author’s travels that influenced her recipe selection that includes regional rice dishes, rosewater-infused desserts, and cardamom-laced stews.
2 Cookbooks from the Americas
Gran Cocina Latina
Recommended by: Janice of Gather and Go Travel
Welcome to the best of Latin American cuisine with the Gran Cocina Latina cookbook. From the lively street food to the aromas of beloved family recipes, each page of this cookbook is a tribute to the rich and diverse flavors of traditional Latin cooking.
Expect to learn the stories behind the recipes and the art of savoring every bite. From the ceviches of Peru to the moles of Mexico, Gran Cocina Latina takes you on a sensory adventure, honoring the time-honored techniques and essential ingredients that define Latin American gastronomy.
Island Eats: Signature Chefs' Recipes from Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea
Recommended by: Goya at GoyaGaleotta.com
In the gastronomic lexicon, “farm-to-table” often echoes as a buzzword, but on Vancouver Island, nestled between misty mountains and the rhythmic waves of the Salish Sea, off the coast of Vancouver with its many craft breweries, it’s a culinary ethos ingrained in daily life.
From the fertile fields of the Comox Valley to the shores of Salt Spring Island, the menu here boasts a bounty ranging from truffles to Pinot Noir and water buffalo to oysters.
Island Eats is more than a cookbook; it’s a vibrant editorial on the spirited food culture and, at times, a guidebook. The expertise of the culinary maestros featured in this cookbook extends beyond the kitchen with over 80 signature dishes (from salmon chowder to apple pie waffles); it spills into recommending the finest surf beaches, hidden hiking trails, and the latest buzz about the coolest craft brewery in town.
A Cookbook with All the Countries
Somebody Feed Phil the Book: Untold Stories, Behind-the-Scenes Photos and Favorite Recipes: A Cookbook
Recommended by: Riana at TeaspoonofAdventure.com
Somebody Feed Phil the Book is a culinary journey around the world hosted by a goofy, curious, and loveable character, Phil Rosenthal. For fans of the Netflix show, this companion book offers lots of behind-the-scenes photos and stories from Phil’s global gastronomic adventures. But whether you know the show or not, every foodie can appreciate the delicious recipes found inside!
From Bangkok to New Orleans and Dublin to Buenos Aires, Phil’s famous foodie friends share their favorite food memories alongside complete recipes, local tips, and practiced tricks. Learn how to make some of the best things to eat in Montreal, like Chef Martin Picard’s Maple Pie, or Osteria Francescana’s Fives Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano, by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura.
Related Reading
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Welcome to Gather and Go Travel, a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, a world traveler to 50+ countries, a travel writer/blogger, and a book lover. Learn more about me, read our story, and how to work with me. Get my latest updates, how-tos, and trip ideas in my monthly Discovery Newsletter.
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