10 Best Indian Cookbooks 2025 in the UK

Dishoom's cookbook brings the flavors of Bombay comfort food right to your kitchen with recipes like the Bacon Naan Roll, Black Daal, Chicken Ruby, and Lamb Raan. It's perfect for those who adore the restaurant's offerings and wish to recreate them at home. The book caters to enthusiasts of Indian cuisine, with a focus on familiar dishes that have become crowd favorites.

Recipes are mostly suited for intermediate cooks, though beginners with commitment can also dive in and learn. Ingredient accessibility may be a challenge for those not living near specialty grocery stores, as some spices or items might be less common. The cookbook doesn’t heavily focus on dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free, so those with specific dietary needs might find limited options.

It provides a robust selection of iconic dishes, drinks like Masala Chai, and even cocktails, making it a well-rounded culinary experience. Cultural insights are woven throughout, offering background stories and contexts that enrich the cooking process, making it more than just about following recipes. The hardcover format and quality printing make it a durable addition to any cookbook collection.

Dishoom is a treasure for those wanting a taste of Bombay in their own home and an insightful read into the restaurant's ethos and culinary style.

The Curry Guy Bible offers a comprehensive collection of over 200 recipes, perfect for anyone looking to recreate Indian restaurant and takeaway classics at home. The cookbook is written in English and spans 352 pages, providing a substantial amount of content. The cuisine focus is clear, centered around popular Indian dishes, which is great for fans of this cuisine.

The skill level required seems to accommodate both beginners and more experienced cooks, thanks to detailed instructions and tips that simplify complex recipes. Ingredient accessibility might be a challenge for some, as certain dishes may require specialized spices and ingredients not commonly found in local supermarkets. However, these can often be sourced online or from specialized stores.

The book covers various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, making it suitable for diverse diets. Recipe variety is a strong point, with a wide range of dishes from starters to desserts, ensuring there's something for everyone. Cultural insights are also a highlight, with the author providing context and background for many recipes, enhancing the cooking experience with an understanding of Indian culinary traditions. While the hardcover format adds durability, it might be less convenient for daily use in the kitchen compared to a paperback or digital version.

Mowgli Street Food, crafted by Nisha Katona, brings the vibrant and aromatic world of Indian street food into your kitchen. The book's most appealing strength is its focus on authentic street food recipes, as seen in the popular Mowgli Street Food restaurants. This is ideal for anyone looking to explore the rich, flavorful dishes typically found on the streets of India. Additionally, having been featured on ITV, it captures an audience interested in both culinary and cultural storytelling, offering insights into the stories behind each dish.

When it comes to skill level, the book is accessible to cooks who have some basic kitchen skills and are eager to try their hand at new techniques and flavors. It might be challenging for absolute beginners due to the need for understanding certain traditional cooking methods and spices. Ingredient accessibility is a mixed bag; while some ingredients are common in most supermarkets, others might require a visit to a specialized Asian market, which could be a hurdle if you're unfamiliar with these spices.

The variety of recipes is comprehensive, ensuring that there's something for everyone, whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian. However, those with specific dietary restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free, may find fewer recipes that cater to their needs directly without modification.

Cultural insights are a standout feature of this cookbook, as Nisha Katona shares personal stories and background with each recipe, enhancing the reader's understanding of the cultural significance behind the dishes. This makes the book more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a journey through the flavors and traditions of Indian cuisine. If you're looking to dive deep into the heart of Indian street food with an engaging cultural narrative, this book is an excellent choice.