The best cookbook for every type of person
My favorite cookbooks for vegetarians, global explorers, solo diners, and everyone else
by Patrick JanelleIt should come as no surprise that my bookshelf is filled with cookbooks since I never tire of trying new recipes and flavor combinations — especially during quarantine. With so many worthy collections, it’s truly impossible to choose my favorites, so I’ve gathered a list of the best cookbooks for every type of cook. Hopefully, this will guide you to a delicious, home-cooked meal of your own.
FOR THE FIERCELY INDEPENDENT
Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One
Whether you’re single or just on your own schedule, cooking for one can be a challenge. Michelin-starred chef Anita Lo can relate, which is why she developed 101 accessible, modern recipes that yield just one serving. From duck bolognese to thick steamed seabass with shiitakes, the dishes are the ultimate form of self-love.
FOR THE GREENS LOVER
Vegetable Kingdom: The Abundant World of Vegan Recipes
Food justice activist and author Bryant Terry believes the best vegan meals are created with real food, not powders or meat substitutes—just the way I like to enjoy my meatless provisions. His simple, straightforward recipes take common vegetables, grains, and legumes and transform them with vibrant spices and clever techniques. The result is flavorful plates like millet roux mushroom gumbo.
FOR THE FLAVOR OBSESSED
Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family
Roti pizza and whole roasted cauliflower with green pea chutney are just two of the Indian-American hybrids within food writer Priya Krishna’s ode to her mom’s immigrant cuisine. The recipes, which are easy to make and packed with flavor, are complemented by comical personal stories.
FOR THE EUROPEAN WANDERLUSTER
Dinner in French: My Recipes by Way of France
We all wish we could travel to Paris right now, but New York Times food writer Melissa Clark’s newest release might be the closest we can get. Her contemporary takes on the classics are informed by her childhood vacations spent throughout France with her family. Expect updated versions of salade nicoise with haricot vert, scalloped potato gratin, and more.
FOR THE SWEET TOOTH
Dorie's Cookies
James Beard Award-winning author Dorie Greenspan is renowned for her 13 (and counting) beloved cookbooks. After baking for decades, she finally devoted a book just to her cookies, which range from almond crackle cookies to pink peppercorn thumbprints. There is no better sugar high out there.
FOR THE JETSETTER
My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions
If you miss travel just as much as I do, you can transport yourself to Mexico City—not to mention Los Angeles and San Francisco—home to restaurants from celebrated chef Gabriela Cámara. This book, a tome of 150 recipes, is focused on fresh vegetables, legumes, and seafood, the dishes include favorites like tuna tostadas from Contramar and chilaquiles verdes. Essays that describe her cooking principles complete the book.
FOR THE FLAIR-LOVING BARTENDER
Drink What You Want: The Subjective Guide to Making Objectively Delicious Cocktails
Bona fide NYC cocktail expert John deBary, who served a nine-year stint as bar director for Momofuku, released this book at the height of the pandemic. Showcasing his delightful, irreverent style, the book features both classic cocktails and his more quirky riffs. The result is a bar cart staple that’s as serious as it is fun.