10 Cookbooks to Satisfy Your Appetite for Travel

In her ode to the Golden State, Eleanor Maidment shares more than 80 recipes inspired by popular Cali dining destinations ranging from Sonoma to Palm Springs. Sweet and savory staples of California cuisine include dishes like toast with whipped ricotta and blackberry jam, and, of course, a breakfast burrito complete with cheesy eggs and coriander salsa.  

To buy: amazon.com, $22

With its frequent sunshine and mild temps, the Mediterranean produces some of the brightest and most flavorful fruits and vegetables in the world. Author Erin Gleeson celebrates them in this beautifully illustrated book inspired by her travels in Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy. Her all-vegetarian recipes include a snap pea paella and cacio e pepe spaghetti squash.

To buy: amazon.com, $18

For more than 30 years, the Phoenicia Diner has been a mainstay in New York’s Catskill Mountains, serving traditional diner favorites prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. Out this month, “The Phoenicia Diner Cookbook” shares recipes for 85 comfort food favorites, from chicken with chive-buttermilk dumplings to chocolate chunk cookies; plus a boozy, brunch-ready Bloody Mary and a guide to preparing eggs any style.  

To buy: amazon.com, $28

Home to a staggering array of flora and fauna and diverse communities, China’s Yunnan Province is among the world’s most exciting culinary destinations. While living there, author Georgia Freedman was inspired by local families and chefs to create the recipes — such as purple sweet potato pancakes and steam pot chicken with ginger and goji berries — she shares in her thoughtfully researched and written book.  

To buy: amazon.com, $20

Food writer and author Melissa Clark fell in love with French food during summers spent in the country as a child. In her latest cookbook, she shares 150 recipes for French classics prepared with a modern and pragmatic approach. They range from snacks (deviled eggs with crème fraîche and roquefort) to hearty mains (poule au pot pie). And, in true French fashion, there’s a chapter devoted to cheese.

To buy: amazon.com, $25

With dining options ranging from sleek, world-class restaurants to unassuming taco stands, Mexico City is a bona fide food paradise. In his new cookbook, chef Danny Mena pays tribute to his hometown, sharing recipes written especially for home cooks. Try your hand at dishes such as rajas con queso (thin-sliced roasted chiles in cheese sauce) and tacos doradosfor a true and traditional feast.

To buy: amazon.com, $29

Russia’s most well-known edible exports include caviar, blinis, and borscht, but author Darra Goldstein's  new book proves there’s much more to the country’s culinary offerings. With a focus on whole grains, preserved and fermented foods, and robust flavors, its 100 recipes include everything from homemade pickles to mushroom-stuffed hand pies and, of course, a variety of infused vodkas.

To buy: amazon.com, $23

Serving up a double dose of travel nostalgia, Shamil Thakrar’s new cookbook shares recipes from his wildly popular Indian restaurant, Dishoom, which has locations in England and Scotland. While you prepare a batch of the restaurant’s famous black daal, assemble a platter of jackfruit biryani, or put together a bacon naan roll for breakfast, page through stunning photos and stories from Thakrar himself. 

To buy: amazon.com, $28

With every bite of sabich (a pita sandwich stuffed with fried eggplant and boiled eggs), scoop of creamy hummus, and crispy ball of falafel prepared using the recipes in the latest book by CookNSolo restaurant group partners Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook, you’ll practically be transported to tiny cafes and market stalls in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Combined with colorful photos from around the country, this one's a complete sensory feast.  

To buy: amazon.com, $22

In his culinary love letter to Thailand, chef and restaurateur Andy Ricker nods to all things noodles with recipes for classics, such as phat Thai and phat si ew, as well as more local finds like cham tra kai (chicken bowl) and khanom jiin naam ngiaw (rice vermicelli with northern Thai curry). This book’s bold, bright photos might make you want to leave it open long after you’ve slurped up your final bite. 

To buy: amazon.com, $23

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