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Our recipes will get you cooking, but a great curry cookbook teaches you the why behind each step – how long to fry onions, when to add spices and how regional curries differ. These are books we think every curry lover should know. They also make excellent gifts.
How to Choose a Curry Cookbook
- Your level: beginners need clear, short recipes with easy-to-find ingredients. Confident cooks may want deep regional detail.
- Cuisine: decide whether you want Indian, Thai, or a book that covers curries from many countries – like our World of Curries guide.
- Weeknight or weekend: some books focus on 30-minute meals, others on slow, traditional cooking.
- Vegetarian options: many Indian books are naturally full of vegetarian and vegan recipes.
Our Recommended Curry Cookbooks
1. Madhur Jaffrey – Indian Cookery Classics
Madhur Jaffrey introduced generations of home cooks to Indian food. Her books explain techniques clearly and cover dishes from across India. A trusted starting point for anyone serious about curry.
Why we like it:
- Authoritative and reliable
- Clear explanations of spices and techniques
- Wide regional range
Keep in mind:
- Some older editions have few photos
See Madhur Jaffrey's books on Amazon →
2. Meera Sodha – Made in India
Home-style Gujarati and Indian family cooking, written warmly and with modern, achievable recipes. Her later books (such as East) are excellent for vegetarian and vegan curries too.
Why we like it:
- Everyday, family-style recipes
- Beautiful photography
- Great vegetarian choices
Keep in mind:
- Focuses on home cooking rather than restaurant classics
See Meera Sodha's books on Amazon →
3. Asma Khan – Asma’s Indian Kitchen
Home-style recipes from the chef behind London’s Darjeeling Express, with Bengali and Mughlai dishes and the stories behind them.
Why we like it:
- Personal, authentic recipes
- Great for feasts and sharing dishes
Keep in mind:
- Some recipes are best for weekends
See Asma Khan's book on Amazon →
4. Leela Punyaratabandhu – Simple Thai Food
Clear, authentic Thai recipes adapted for Western kitchens, including curries, stir-fries and salads. A good partner for our Thai green and massaman curries.
Why we like it:
- Authentic but achievable
- Explains Thai ingredients well
Keep in mind:
- Some ingredients need an Asian grocery or online order
See Simple Thai Food on Amazon →
Getting the Most from a New Cookbook
- Read the introduction and the pantry section first – it tells you which spices to stock in your masala dabba.
- Cook one recipe several times before moving on; you’ll learn the technique, not just the recipe.
- Make notes in the margins about spice levels and timings for your stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Indian cookbook for beginners?
Books by Madhur Jaffrey and Meera Sodha are both very beginner-friendly, with clear instructions and easy-to-find ingredients.
Is there a cookbook that covers curries from many countries?
Yes – look for ‘world curry’ collections. You can also start with our free World of Curries guide, which covers India, Thailand, Japan, Jamaica and more.
Are cookbooks still worth buying?
Yes. A good cookbook teaches technique and context that short online recipes often skip, and makes a lovely gift for food lovers.
