10 Best Japanese Cookbooks 2025 in the UK

Japaneasy: Classic and Modern Japanese Recipes to (Actually) Cook at Home offers a delightful introduction to Japanese cooking, designed to cater to both beginners and those with some cooking experience. With its focus on making Japanese cuisine accessible to home cooks, the cookbook scores well in terms of skill level. The recipes are presented in a way that is easy to follow, making it ideal for those who may feel intimidated by traditional Japanese cooking techniques.

When it comes to recipe variety, the book provides a good mix of classic and modern Japanese dishes. This allows users to explore traditional flavors while also trying out contemporary twists, which adds an exciting dimension to their cooking experience. However, if you are looking for an exhaustive collection of recipes, you might find this book somewhat limited as it focuses more on quality and clarity than on quantity.

In terms of authenticity, Japaneasy does a commendable job of maintaining the essence of Japanese flavors. The author ensures that the recipes retain their authentic taste while simplifying the process for home cooks. However, purists might find some recipes somewhat adapted for ease, which could slightly deviate from traditional methods. Ingredient accessibility is a strong point for this cookbook. The author emphasizes using ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets, making it feasible for readers who do not have access to specialty Asian markets. This is a significant advantage for those who wish to try Japanese cooking without the hassle of sourcing hard-to-find items.

The book provides interesting cultural insights, offering readers a glimpse into the traditions and stories behind the dishes. This enriches the cooking experience and is a valuable addition for anyone interested in the cultural aspects of Japanese cuisine. Japaneasy is well-suited for home cooks seeking approachable and authentic Japanese recipes that don’t require complex ingredients or techniques. It’s a great starting point for those looking to explore Japanese cuisine from the comfort of their kitchen.

'Japan: The Cookbook' by Phaidon Press is a comprehensive exploration of Japanese cuisine, offering 464 pages of recipes that aim to cater to a wide range of skill levels. Beginners and seasoned cooks alike will find ample guidance, though true novices may need additional support due to the intricate nature of some traditional Japanese dishes.

The cookbook excels in recipe variety, covering everything from simple home-style meals to more elaborate dishes, making it a versatile choice for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire. The authenticity of the recipes is a standout feature, as they stay true to traditional Japanese cooking methods and flavors, providing an immersive culinary experience. However, some recipes may require specialty ingredients that could be challenging to source for those living outside major urban areas with access to diverse grocery stores.

The book also serves as a cultural guide, offering insights into Japanese food traditions and dining etiquette, which enriches the cooking experience beyond just the recipes. Its size and hardcover format make it a durable addition to your cookbook collection, though it might be less convenient for on-the-go use. This book is best suited for enthusiasts of Japanese cuisine who have a keen interest in both cooking and cultural exploration.

Vegan JapanEasy is a Japanese cookbook designed specifically for those interested in vegan cooking, blending both classic and modern recipes from Japan. It’s great for beginners and intermediate cooks, as the recipes tend to be straightforward and approachable, making it easy to try Japanese vegan dishes at home without needing advanced skills. The book offers a nice variety of recipes that cover traditional flavors and some contemporary twists, providing a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine through a vegan lens.

In terms of authenticity, it stays true to Japanese flavors but adapts ingredients to fit vegan diets, which means some traditional components might be substituted or left out. This could be a plus for vegans but might feel a bit different if you expect fully traditional recipes. Ingredient accessibility is a strong point here since the book focuses on using items that are easier to find outside Japan, which helps anyone who doesn’t have access to specialty Asian markets. While the book includes some cultural background and context around the dishes, it’s not heavily focused on deep cultural insights; instead, it leans more towards practical cooking guidance.

With 208 pages in a hardcover format, it provides a solid collection of recipes without being overwhelming. This cookbook is ideal for vegan home cooks curious about Japanese flavors who want a balanced mix of tradition and innovation without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.