#ExpertCorner: 9 Cookbooks That Make Fancy Cooking Accessible

I have two copies of this book and both were gifted to me, and I love the illustrations that accompany the text. It's a comic cookbook essentially, and you can read and learn so many tips, facts and tricks about making ramen at home. This book will give you a full intro to ramen without complicating things. You'll know your tares, dashis and hydration after you're done with this book. Also, there are so many personal anecdotes from authors that I love.

This is another comic cookbook that I enjoy reading and cooking from. They've deconstructed Korean cuisine into some 60-odd recipes, and each of these comes with detailed artwork and info. So, from bulgogi to kimchi and everything in between, you can learn from this. It's no Maangchi, but this is a good starter to Korean cuisine. 

I like this book because there's such an abundance of vegetarian and plant-based Asian recipes that are often overlooked, and I chanced upon this book on Champaca during the lockdown and bought it. Some of the recipes are very easy to make, and you'll find familiar ones that make use of ingredients like tofu, bok choy, bean sprouts and lots of greens. 

Okay, this isn't a cookbook per se but this is one of those cookbooks that will just blow your mind. The book gives you an insight into what flavour goes with what, and essentially makes you wonder and realise why cheese and apricots work, and the like. The book has five sections and over 200 recipes. Also, this book is great for those looking to like try their hand at food writing. 

If you love Asian cooking as much as I do, then just blindly buy this book. It's such a comprehensive guide to all things Asian. Also, you can even plan your pantry using this book. 

I love love love Samin Nosrat. If you've seen her Netflix show based on her cookbook, then you'll enjoy this massive book. It's 480 pages of absolutely how to just cook with fun and joy. I haven't cooked from this a lot, but there's so much insight I've learned.

I'm a complete noob when it comes to Indian cooking, and my entire knowledge is based on my dad's hacky ways and watching my mum cook. And to see those hacks and tips in this book is just crazy. This is a great beginner's guide to Indian cooking and you can graduate from making khichdi to a lot more. 

I love a good Italian cookbook, and while I'm not obsessively watching Pasta Grannies on YouTube, I'm making some pasta or the other. This cookbook breaks down pasta into different shapes, how to make them and classic sauces, and is almost authentic. You'll find some recipes that are almost too hard to make because the ingredients aren't available, but hey, nothing like learning about them right? 

Pippa is one those IG chefs that I enjoy watching and her recipes, even though slightly advanced, you can pick up most of them thanks to the detailed step-by-step guide. Plus, there are about 70-odd recipes for you to try out once you've learnt how to make noodles and dumpling wrappers and what not.