Kristina Soljo
Looking for the best cookbook? Every December, we delight in picking the best cookbooks of the year. These range from the most recommended cookbooks and popular cookbooks that make for great Christmas gifts to the best recipe books full of heart from celebrated chefs and home cooks.
In 2023, we’ve selected 11 cookbooks that we think everyone should have in their culinary arsenal. From Josh Niland’s encyclopedic book on fish butchery and a celebration of the world’s best restaurant Noma to a collection of recipes from top Australian chefs and books that are part memoir, part recipes for Pakistani cuisine. Plus, a dessert cookbook from famed American chef Alison Roman.
Here are the best cookbooks of 2023.
More than a cookbook, Niland‘s new text is a call to action. At a time when 50 per cent of fish caught in the world is wasted, the Saint Peter chef challenges chefs and mongers to extend a single fish far beyond fillets. Those playing at home may be inspired to make their own fish liver pâté or to sharpen their sustainable butchery skills. Challenge accepted. (Hardie Grant, $70)
Recipes for a Lifetime of Beautiful Cooking, Danielle Alvarez with Libby Travers
An ode to food that tastes better at home. Alvarez packs simplicity with so much flavour, this might just be the secret to domestic bliss. (Murdoch Books, $50)
The Dinner Party, Martin Benn & Vicki Wild
Thumbing through this party playbook, you won’t just find a recipe to fill a void or a voyeuristic glimpse into how these hospitality veterans entertain. You’ll also get the blow-by-blow account of nine perfectly orchestrated feasts, each timed for maximum enjoyment. (Hardie Grant, $60)
Noma 2.0, René Redzepi, Mette Søberg & Junichi Takahashi
When the Copenhagen chart-topper closes in 2024, this artful keepsake wil live on. The intention here is not to be cooked from but rather to be pondered. In fact, instead of printing every step QR codes are provided for those who dare. For the rest of us, the book captures an incredible moment in food. Thanks for the memories. (Hardie Grant, $130)
Pomegranate & Artichokes, Saghar Setareh
This daydream of a book recounts Setareh’s move from Iran to Italy, through the food that made the same journey. With rice and stuffed vegetables featuring heavily, the author brings us into the Middle East/Mediterranean world she forged for herself. And it’s a lovely place to be. (Murdoch Books, $50)
Ester, Mat Lindsay with Pat Nourse
The Ester chef presents a tome to have, to hold, and to cook from as the mood strikes. The condiments alone are worth the bookshelf real estate, including Lindsay’s fermented hot sauce and his famous Marie Rose. (Murdoch Books, $55)
Change the Course, Two Good Co
Consider this the gift that keeps on giving. With more than 100 delicious recipes from the likes of Kylie Kwong and Christine Manfield, and proceeds going to women in crisis, Two Good’s latest read is a feel-good sensation.
(Simon & Schuster, $45)
A great sigara boregi, an almond taratoor, a fatoosh for every season. These are a few highlights from Melbourne’s Middle Eastern icon. (Murdoch Books, $40)
Meatsmith, Andrew McConnell & Troy Wheeler
When the chef behind Gimlet, Andrew McConnell, and his butcher Wheeler reveal the secrets to perfect beef Wellington or glazed roast duck, you buy the book. (Hardie Grant, $60)
A delectable memoir recounting Usmani’s childhood in Pakistan and her journey to the UK told through aromatic, spice-forward recipes. (Murdoch Books, $45)
Perfection is boring.” This is the baking bible according to Roman. Here, the cult cook gives us wonky tarts, cakes and galettes galore, each one amplifying flavour and crunch. (Hardie Grant, $55).
