10 Award-Winning Cookbooks From Around The World
Image Credit: Covers of David Thompson's 'Thai Food' (left); Julia Child's 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' (centre), and Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi's 'Jerusalem' (right).

INDULGE your culinary curiosity with these ten cookbooks specially curated for the experimental home cook looking to sample the rich world of home cooking from seasoned chefs. From Italian delicacies to Middle Eastern wonders, these award-winning and critically acclaimed cookbooks will take you on a global culinary journey. 

Each cookbook offers an intimate glimpse into the world of its respective cuisine, revealing the secrets, techniques, and traditions that make each dish extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned chef or an adventurous beginner, these cookbooks are sure to inspire and satisfy your voyeuristic appetite for culinary exploration.

The Essentials of Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

If you're interested in learning how to cook Italian food, Hazan's cookbook is a great place to start. The book includes over 400 recipes, covering all the basics of Italian cuisine, from pasta and risotto to sauces and desserts. Hazan's recipes are simple and straightforward, but they produce delicious results. The book also includes helpful tips and techniques, making it a valuable resource for any home cook.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

The book is still considered one of the most important cookbooks ever written. This comprehensive cookbook covers all aspects of French cuisine. It includes recipes for appetizers, main courses, desserts, and sauces. The book also includes chapters on kitchen techniques and ingredients. The book is still considered a classic today, and it is a must-have for any serious cook. 

Rick Bayless's Mexican Kitchen

This cookbook is a great resource for authentic Mexican recipes. It contains over 200 recipes, covering a wide range of Mexican cuisine, from regional specialities to classic dishes. The recipes are all written in a clear and easy-to-follow style, and they are accompanied by beautiful photographs. The book also includes a section on Mexican ingredients and techniques, making it a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Mexican cuisine.

The Key to Chinese Cooking by Irene Kuo

This comprehensive cookbook covers all the major regional cuisines of China. The book is divided into 12 chapters, each of which covers a different region of China. Each chapter includes a brief introduction to the region's cuisine, as well as a selection of recipes. The recipes in Kuo's book are easy to follow and use ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.

Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art by Shizuo Tsuji

This great introduction to Japanese cuisine teaches you how to make classic Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, and ramen. Tsuji, who is a Japanese chef, has taught Japanese cooking at the California Culinary Academy for over 30 years.

Thai Food by David Thompson

Thai Food includes recipes for over 300 dishes, including classic dishes like pad thai and green curry, as well as lesser-known dishes like khao soi and larb. The recipes are all authentic and easy to follow. Thompson's cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves Thai food. It is comprehensive, well-written, and packed with delicious recipes.

The Pho Cookbook by Andrea Nguyen

The book has 256 pages and contains over 100 recipes for pho, as well as other Vietnamese dishes. The recipes are easy to follow and include detailed instructions and photos. The book also includes a section on the history of pho and its cultural significance.

Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking

The book is divided into two parts. The first part covers the basics of Indian cooking, such as how to prepare spices and how to cook rice and lentils. The second part contains recipes for a variety of Indian dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The recipes in the book are easy to follow and use ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. Jaffrey also provides helpful tips and techniques throughout the book.

Maangchi's Korean Cooking

Maangchi's Korean Cooking is a comprehensive cookbook that teaches you how to make over 100 classic Korean dishes. The cook’s recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each of which focuses on a different type of Korean food ranging from bibimbap and kimchi to bulgogi. The book includes step-by-step instructions, as well as photos of each dish. Maangchi also includes helpful tips and tricks throughout the book.

Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi

Jerusalem contains over 120 recipes, divided into 10 chapters. The chapters are organized by region, including Jerusalem, the Galilee, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and the Negev. Each recipe includes a headnote that provides information about the dish's history and cultural significance. The recipes in Tamimi's book are both traditional and modern. They include a wide variety of dishes, from simple snacks to elaborate feasts.

With these ten exceptional cookbooks in your collection, you can embark on a gastronomic adventure that spans the globe. Each cookbook offers not only delectable recipes but also a deeper understanding of the cultures and traditions that shape these culinary treasures. Happy cooking and bon appétit!