8 Best-Selling Indian Cooking Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling Indian Cooking Books authored by leading experts, featuring authentic recipes and techniques cherished worldwide.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to Indian cooking. With its rich tapestry of flavors and regional diversity, Indian cuisine continues to captivate home cooks and food lovers globally. These eight best-selling books have stood the test of time, offering you proven methods and authentic recipes that bring the vibrant spirit of India’s kitchens right into your home.

These volumes are authored by trusted authorities such as Shamil Thakrar of Dishoom and Monisha Bharadwaj, whose deep knowledge and passion have shaped how many approach Indian cooking today. From the bustling streets of Bombay to the vegetarian traditions of India’s heartland, these books provide both cultural insights and practical guidance, ensuring you cook with confidence and respect for tradition.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Indian Cooking needs might consider creating a personalized Indian Cooking book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you get expert-backed recipes and techniques customized just for you, making the journey into Indian cooking even more rewarding.

Best for Bombay cuisine enthusiasts
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder of Dishoom, brings his deep connection to Bombay’s culinary scene to this cookbook. Alongside his brother Kavi and Executive Chef Naved Nasir, they translate the beloved dishes of their restaurant into recipes you can make at home. Their shared passion for Bombay’s food culture shines through every page, inviting you to experience not just cooking but a vibrant day in the city itself.
Dishoom: The first ever cookbook from the much-loved Indian restaurant book cover

by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, Naved Nasir··You?

2019·400 pages·Indian Cooking, Cookbooks, Bombay Cuisine, Comfort Food, Recipe Development

Unlike most Indian cooking books that focus solely on recipes, this cookbook by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir offers a vivid journey through Bombay's culinary culture alongside detailed recipes. You’ll explore signature dishes like the Black Daal and Bacon Naan Roll, while also gaining insight into the city’s vibrant food scene, with chapters that immerse you in local traditions and iconic eateries. The book’s narrative style and photography enrich your understanding of Bombay’s flavors, making it ideal for anyone wanting to cook authentic dishes and appreciate their cultural context. If you seek just recipes, this might feel expansive, but for those curious about Bombay’s food heritage, it’s a rewarding read.

Sunday Times Bestseller
Half a million copies sold globally
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Best for traditional Indian cooking roots
This collection, titled Classics of Indian Cooking/#07404, offers a unique window into the foundational dishes and time-honored methods of Indian cuisine. Despite the author's anonymity, the book's longstanding appeal among enthusiasts reflects its role in preserving authentic recipes that form the backbone of Indian culinary tradition. It benefits anyone eager to connect with the roots of Indian food, providing practical access to classic preparations that remain relevant today. For cooks who want to ground their skills in traditional flavors and techniques, this book fills an important niche in the Indian cooking landscape.
1900·Indian Cooking, Cuisine Basics, Regional Recipes, Cooking Techniques, Spice Usage

Unlike most Indian cooking books that focus on modern fusion or quick recipes, this classic compilation offers a return to the roots of traditional Indian cuisine. Though the author remains unknown, the collection presents authentic recipes that reveal the foundational techniques and regional flavors shaping India's culinary heritage. You get a chance to explore staple dishes and classic preparations that have stood the test of time, making it ideal if you want to deepen your understanding of Indian food beyond contemporary trends. This book fits cooks who appreciate history and wish to master the basics of Indian cooking without the distractions of modern twists.

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Best for custom recipe mastery
This AI-created book on Bombay cuisine is tailored to your specific interests and culinary background. You share which techniques and dishes fascinate you most, along with your skill level and goals, and the book focuses on those unique aspects. Bombay’s rich street food scene and iconic recipes offer such variety that a personalized guide makes your learning both efficient and deeply satisfying. With this custom book, you get an immersive experience that matches your tastes and cooking ambitions perfectly.
2025·50-300 pages·Indian Cooking, Bombay Cuisine, Street Food, Spice Blends, Snack Recipes

This tailored book explores the vibrant culinary landscape of Bombay, focusing on in-depth techniques and authentic recipes that celebrate the city’s iconic dishes and bustling street food culture. By matching your background and interests, it reveals the rich flavors and cooking methods that define Bombay’s kitchens, from spicy snacks to sweet delights. The book’s personalized content ensures you delve into areas you’re passionate about, whether mastering the perfect vada pav or exploring regional spice combinations. It’s an immersive culinary journey designed to deepen your understanding and skills through a lens crafted specifically for your goals and experience.

Tailored Guide
Bombay Flavor Techniques
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering authentic techniques
Monisha Bharadwaj is a renowned expert in Indian cuisine, celebrated for her extensive knowledge and passion for cooking. With a background in culinary arts, she has dedicated her career to sharing the rich traditions and diverse flavors of Indian cooking. Monisha's work includes numerous cookbooks and cooking classes, where she emphasizes the importance of authentic ingredients and techniques. Her approach combines traditional recipes with modern cooking methods, making Indian cuisine accessible to home cooks around the world.
2016·496 pages·Indian Cooking, Asian Cooking, Cooking Techniques, Regional Cuisine, Ingredient Selection

What if everything you knew about Indian cooking was wrong? Monisha Bharadwaj argues that mastering authentic techniques and understanding regional ingredients transforms your approach. This book teaches you how to make perfect rice, craft authentic curries, and explore diverse dishes from North to South India, combining Ayurveda principles with practical cooking methods. Detailed chapters cover everything from breads and lentils to desserts and chutneys, offering you a clear path through Indian culinary traditions. If you want to deepen your cooking skills beyond recipes, this guide suits you best.

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Best for quick Indian recipes
The Indian Instant Pot Cookbook stands out by merging traditional Indian flavors with modern cooking technology, appealing to a broad audience eager to simplify meal preparation without losing authenticity. This book has earned widespread reader appreciation for its approachable recipes and clear guidance on using the electric pressure cooker to recreate classic dishes swiftly. It addresses the common challenge of time-consuming Indian cooking by offering a practical framework for home cooks to enjoy rich, flavorful meals with convenience. Those looking to explore Indian cuisine in a manageable way will find this cookbook both welcoming and instructive.
2017·174 pages·Indian Cooking, Pressure Cooking, Quick Meals, Spice Blends, Curries

Urvashi Pitre challenges the conventional wisdom that Indian cooking must be time-consuming and complex by adapting traditional recipes for the Instant Pot. You learn how to prepare authentic dishes like Murgh Makhani and Marathi Kadhi with fewer ingredients and much faster cooking times, without sacrificing flavor. The cookbook offers practical advice on using the Instant Pot effectively, stocking essential spices, and substituting ingredients when needed. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or keen to streamline your home cooking, this book equips you with skills to bring Indian flavors into your kitchen quickly and confidently.

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Best for simple authentic recipes
Indian Cooking: Learn Authentic Indian Cooking with Easy Asian Recipes by BookSumo Press offers a straightforward approach to Indian cuisine, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility. Its collection of unique yet easy-to-follow recipes has garnered widespread attention from home cooks eager to delve into Indian flavors without intimidation. This book’s method focuses on uncomplicated preparation, letting the traditional tastes of dishes like Korma and Aloo Gobi shine through. Ideal for anyone wanting to add authentic Indian dishes to their cooking rotation, it addresses the challenge of complexity that often deters beginners from exploring this rich culinary tradition.
2022·75 pages·Cooking, Indian Cooking, Easy Recipes, Curries, Vegetarian Dishes

Drawing from BookSumo Press's focus on simplicity, this book presents authentic Indian cooking through accessible, unique recipes designed to demystify a complex cuisine. You’ll find dishes like Grilled Tandoori II and Spicy Mango Chicken that balance straightforward preparation with rich, traditional flavors. Each recipe invites you to explore Indian culinary staples such as various dals, curries, and classic vegetable dishes without overwhelming technique. This book suits anyone eager to expand their cooking repertoire with Indian dishes that don’t require professional skills or exotic ingredients, making it a practical resource for home cooks seeking delicious variety.

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Best for personal curry plans
This AI-created book on Indian curries is crafted based on your cooking experience, interests, and the specific curry styles you want to master. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a book that matches your pace and culinary focus, making complex recipes approachable. The personalized guidance ensures you learn techniques and flavor combinations relevant to your tastes, without wading through unrelated content. This tailored approach brings the rich tradition of Indian curry-making directly to your kitchen, shaped around what you want to achieve.
2025·50-300 pages·Indian Cooking, Curry Techniques, Spice Blends, Regional Recipes, Ingredient Selection

This tailored book explores the rich and diverse world of Indian curries, focusing on practical guidance that matches your culinary background and personal interests. It reveals step-by-step methods to craft authentic curries, covering a range of regional styles and spice profiles that bring the vibrant flavors of India into your kitchen. By addressing your specific goals and skill level, this personalized guide helps you understand essential ingredients and cooking techniques, enhancing your confidence in preparing complex dishes. With a focus on your unique learning journey, the book uncovers the nuances of balancing spices, textures, and aromas, making the art of curry-making accessible and enjoyable.

Tailored Guide
Curry Crafting
3,000+ Books Created
Best for Indian vegetarian home cooks
Indian Vegetarian Cooking from an American Kitchen offers a distinct approach to Indian cuisine by focusing on vegetarian dishes that are both authentic and accessible for American kitchens. The book has gained popularity for its variety, from classic preparations like Saag Paneer and Vegetable Biryani to unique recipes such as Cucumber Pirogue and Minty Yogurt Drink. Vasantha Prasad’s methodical presentation helps home cooks of all levels embrace Indian vegetarian cooking, making this volume a trusted resource for those looking to deepen their culinary skills while honoring traditional flavors.
1998·272 pages·Indian Cooking, Vegetarian Cooking, Recipe Techniques, Spice Blends, Bread Making

Vasantha Prasad’s decades of culinary experience in both India and the United States led her to craft a cookbook that bridges authentic Indian vegetarian flavors with the American kitchen’s practicality. You’ll learn how to prepare classic dishes like Saag Paneer and Vegetable Biryani, along with lesser-known recipes such as Cucumber Pirogue and Minty Yogurt Drink, all detailed with accessible techniques. This book suits anyone eager to explore Indian vegetarian cuisine without compromising authenticity, especially those seeking to expand their repertoire beyond basic curries. It offers a sensory-rich approach, engaging taste, smell, and texture to deepen your cooking skills and appreciation for Indian culinary traditions.

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Best for exploring Maharashtra cuisine
Beyond Curry by Hemalata Dandekar distinguishes itself in Indian cooking literature by focusing on Maharashtra’s cuisine with recipes adapted for western kitchens. Its straightforward instructions and helpful guides on spices, utensils, and ingredient shopping make it approachable for cooks who want to experience authentic Indian flavors without complexity. The book’s popularity in Ann Arbor and beyond reflects its appeal to adventurous cooks seeking quick, easy, and genuine regional dishes. It addresses the challenge of accessing exotic ingredients while preserving traditional tastes, making it a valuable addition for anyone interested in expanding their Indian cooking repertoire.
1999·162 pages·Indian Cooking, Quick Cooking, Regional Cuisine, Maharashtrian Food, Spices

Unlike most Indian cooking books that focus heavily on traditional curry recipes, Hemalata Dandekar’s Beyond Curry offers a fresh perspective by spotlighting the diverse cuisine of Maharashtra State. The book breaks down complex dishes into quick, accessible recipes tailored for western kitchens, making it easier for you to explore authentic flavors without hunting for rare ingredients. You’ll find detailed guides on spices and utensils, plus practical tips on menu planning and shopping, which collectively help demystify Indian cooking. This book suits anyone eager to expand their culinary repertoire beyond typical curry dishes, especially home cooks balancing busy schedules who still want genuine regional tastes.

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Best for in-depth vegetarian dishes
Julie Sahni's Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking stands out for its dedication to authentic vegetarian recipes from India’s diverse regions. The book builds on her deep understanding of Indian culinary traditions, offering readers a wealth of curry blends, grain dishes, and accompaniments like chutneys and pickles. It caters to anyone interested in exploring Indian vegetarian cuisine beyond common dishes, providing both health-conscious vegetarians and adventurous cooks with a rich variety of flavorful meals. The detailed ingredient explanations and recipes make it a meaningful contribution to Indian cooking literature.
1985·512 pages·Indian Cooking, Vegetarian Cooking, Curry Techniques, Grain Recipes, Regional Cuisine

What started as Julie Sahni’s mission to bring authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine to American kitchens resulted in this detailed culinary guide. Through extensive travels across India, Sahni gathered regional recipes and techniques, focusing on vegetarian and grain dishes often overlooked in mainstream cookbooks. You’ll find clear explanations of traditional ingredients and curry blends, alongside recipes ranging from Gujarati yogurt cheese to fiery Madras eggplant stew. Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking variety or a meat eater wanting to explore new flavors, this book offers a thorough immersion in India’s vegetarian culinary heritage.

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Proven Indian Cooking Methods, Personalized

Get authentic Indian recipes and techniques tailored to your tastes and skill level in minutes.

Authentic flavors guaranteed
Customized recipe plans
Effortless cooking guidance

Trusted by thousands of Indian cooking enthusiasts worldwide

Bombay Flavor Blueprint
30-Day Indian Curry Code
Vegetarian Spice Secrets
Quick Pot Mastery

Conclusion

These eight best-selling Indian cooking books collectively highlight three clear themes: the importance of authentic regional flavors, the value of mastering foundational techniques, and the appeal of accessible recipes for varying skill levels. If you prefer proven methods steeped in tradition, classics like "Classics of Indian Cooking/#07404" and "Classic Indian Vegetarian and Grain Cooking" offer rich, time-tested guidance.

For validated approaches that balance authenticity with convenience, "Indian Instant Pot Cookbook" and "Dishoom" provide fresh perspectives suited for modern kitchens. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Indian Cooking book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering Indian cooking, turning complex traditions into achievable, flavorful meals you can enjoy every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Indian Cooking Course" by Monisha Bharadwaj for a clear path through techniques and recipes. It offers a solid foundation without overwhelming you, making it easier to build your skills step-by-step.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Indian Cooking?

Not at all. Books like "Indian Cooking" by BookSumo Press and "Indian Instant Pot Cookbook" provide approachable recipes perfect for beginners eager to explore authentic flavors without complexity.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Consider your goals. Newer books like "Dishoom" offer contemporary insights and cultural stories, while classics like "Classics of Indian Cooking/#07404" ground you in traditional methods. Both bring valuable perspectives.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can definitely pick one that fits your interests. For quick meals, try "Indian Instant Pot Cookbook." For vegetarian focus, "Indian Vegetarian Cooking from an American Kitchen" works well. Each offers proven, targeted content.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"Indian Instant Pot Cookbook" by Urvashi Pitre is great for practical, time-saving techniques. It simplifies traditional dishes for faster home cooking without losing authentic flavor, ideal for busy cooks.

Can I get a personalized Indian cooking guide tailored to my needs?

Yes! While these expert books lay a strong foundation, a personalized Indian Cooking book can combine popular methods with your unique preferences and goals. Learn more here.

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