12 Cookbooks You Need in Your Kitchen in 2025

Jan 22

Whether you’re hosting people for an occasion, or would like to prepare something different for yourself or wanting to cook a nice meal for your family, curating a menu can be exhausting to think about. If you’re staring blankly into your kitchen cupboard or standing uncertainty in front of the stove, cookbooks offer a supporting hand to hold. To help ease your mind, we have made a list of 12 cookbooks you should have in your kitchen in 2025.

1. Indian Delights by Zuleikha Mayat

Considered the standard work for Indian cookery, Indian Delights sells many copies annually and is loved by non-Indians in South Africa and overseas. It is one of S.A’s best selling books of any genre. Indian Delights was first published in 1961 as a way to raise funds for a women’s organization called the Women’s Cultural Group (WCG). What Zuleikha Mayat did not expect is that it would sell more copies than she anticipated at the time.Its enduring legacy speaks volumes: this remains an iconic Indian recipe book, cherished even today. Within its pages, you'll find a treasure trove of culinary delights—from flavourful curries and aromatic rice dishes to vibrant vegetables, fresh fish, and perfectly crafted rotis and naans, among other timeless dishes.

2. My Favourite Recipes by Ina Paarman

Ina Paarman’s My Favourite Recipes is a culinary masterpiece brought to life with stunning photography by Micky Hoyle. Drawing from an illustrious 50-year career, Paarman curates a collection that beautifully showcases her expertise. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this cookbook promises something special for everyone. You’ll find My Favourite Recipes at select retailers, including Exclusive Books and Checkers—perfect for elevating your kitchen game.

3. Kook en Geniet by S.J.A de Villiers

Kook en Geniet as its name proudly suggests—is a beloved Afrikaans cookbook that has stood the test of time. First published in 1951, it remains a culinary classic, celebrated for its authentic recipes and enduring charm. With more than a half a million copies printed. The English version is called Cook and Enjoy It, if you would like to explore different flavours then Kook en Geniet is for you. It includes details on how much an ingredient to use, how to use your oven optimally, how to prepare your vegetables and how to freeze your food. The book includes basic vegetable preparation, freezer tips and traditional recipes.

4. The South African Air Fryer Cookbook by Louisa Holst

The air fryer has become a modern kitchen staple, loved for its ability to whip up meals quickly and effortlessly. Naturally, a cookbook dedicated to this innovative appliance was bound to follow. Enter The South African Air Fryer Cookbook by Louisa Holst, your ultimate guide to mastering air fryer magic. From the crispy to the decadent, Holst focuses on local favorites with a fresh twist—think malva pudding, bobotie, apricot snoek with sweet potato, milk tart, and boerewors with chakalaka.Perfectly tailored to South African tastes, this cookbook also includes recipes for pork belly, roasts, salami and cheese bakes, and more. Louisa Holt’s cookbook can be found at Exclusive Books—a must-have for any air fryer enthusiast looking to elevate their cooking game.

5. Hosting With The Lazy Makoti by Mogau Seshoene

Now who would not want to cook a good tasty meal the easy way? Hosting With The Lazy Makoti is the epitome of “work smart, not hard.”. Hosting a crowd—or even a small gathering—can feel daunting, but Mogau Seshoene’s cookbook makes it effortlessly achievable. Packed with easy-to-follow recipes, it transforms the idea of entertaining into something fun and approachable. From comforting one-pot dinners to easy bakes and hearty plant-based dishes. Hosting With The Lazy Makoti has a recipe for everyone. It’s the perfect companion for creating memorable meals without the stress.

6. Ottolenghi SIMPLE by Yotam Ottolenghi

Get ready to simplify your cooking game with Yotam Ottolenghi’s SIMPLE cookbook! This culinary masterpiece brings you 130 easy-peasy recipes that are tailored to fit your ever-changing schedule. Ottolenghi’s cookbook is for the busy bee and chill home cook alike. Each recipe adheres to one of Ottolenghi’s innovative SIMPLE principles:

S- Short on time: Ready in under. 30 minutes
I - 10 ingredients or less: Minimal prep, maximum flavour.
M - Make ahead: Prep now, enjoy later.
P - Pantry-ready: Built on staples you already have.
L - Lazy: Minimal effort for maximum impact.
E - Easier than you think: Stress-free techniques for flawless results.

From colourful roasted vegetables and hearty grain bowls to decadent desserts like chocolate tahini cake, SIMPLE offers a recipe for every occasion. It’s a love letter to uncomplicated cooking, bringing Ottolenghi’s vibrant culinary vision to your table—no matter your skill level or schedule.

7. Senidlile Kodwa by Zanele van Zyl

Prepare to delight your tastebuds with Zanele Van Zyl’s Senidlile kodwa? The title comes from a Zulu phrase that translates to “Have you eaten yet?” With over 90 mouth-watering recipes sure to leave every meat lover drooling, from pulled pork belly burger to the rump steak with mushroom sauce and for those with a sweet tooth, the cookbook doesn’t disappoint except decadent desserts like the irresistible Oreo ice cream, expect decadent desserts tyou will find like the oreo ice cream, a timeless treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages..

8. Gordon Ramsey’s Ultimate Fit Food: Mouth-watering recipes to fuel you for life.

From an acclaimed British celebrity chef, restaurateur and TV presenter comes a cookbook focused on healthy eating habits. Whether you’re a trained athlete or just someone who wants to incorporate healthy eating habits, Ultimate Fit Food is for you. Shatter the idea that healthy food is boring! Organized into three thoughtfully curated sections, the cookbook delivers recipes to suit every wellness journey:

Healthy section: Packed with wholesome recipes from the southern Indian fish curry to the candied chickpea snack mix. The Lean section: Perfect for weight management, this section features protein-packed creations that satisfy cravings while supporting your goals.
The Fit section: Tailored for fitness enthusiasts, this section features pre- and post-workout recipes that fuel goals, whether you’re maintaining a healthy weight or reaching for the next level of performance

9. Sifo - The Cooking Husband

Shattering stereotypes, one recipe at a time! Meet Sifo The Cooking Husband, who invites men and women alike to come together and create unforgettable memories around the dinner table. With a diverse range of mouth-watering dishes, from creamy pasta to hearty lamb curry, beef gnocchi and savoury butter chicken wraps, every foodie will sure love this book

10. Our Italian Legacy of Love: Contemporary & classic dishes from the Café del Sol family kitchen

From authors Chiara Viljoen, Ryan Viljoen and Luciana Treccani comes a cookbook that combines their South African and Italian heritage to create a cookbook bursting with flavour. Our Italian Legacy of Love features dishes that are irresistibly mouth-watering like the alfredo with ham and cheese, Italian spring rolls and sweet desserts like the chiachiere that will make your taste buds tingle just from looking at the pictures.

11. Everyday by Lisa Clark

Each day presents its own set of challenges. As a mother of twins, Lisa Clark knows that every day is not the same. Everyday is a cookbook that offers recipes when your ever-changing schedule tries to get in the way. Providing healthy, balanced and, most importantly, quick meals Lisa’s cookbook has recipes that range from muesli, tomato sauce and roasted vegetables to chicken, pastry and sponge cake. Choose from a variety of delicious recipes to suit your taste!

12. Jane’s Patisserie Everyday: Easy cakes and comfort bakes

Now, this is something quite unpopular (an everyday baking cookbook)! Jane Dunn offers a fresh perspective on baking – that it can be an everyday easy task. Jane's Patisserie Everyday features fan requested recipes, 30 classic favourites and tips on freezing. Recipes include the chocolate-filled donuts - a combination of brownies and doughnuts, loaded potato skins, chorizo and halloumi tray bake and peanut butter NYC cookies.