Vegan cookbooks are all the rage now, focussing on different cuisines, meals, staples, and desserts. Here are some of the best.

Whether you are a beginner or long-time vegan, a change in food is always welcome. However, with many choices for vegan cookbooks, it can be a little overwhelming to find the one most suited to you. Whether you want recipes for weight loss, easy recipes or something a little unusual, this list provides something for everyone!

What are the best vegan cookbooks?

1. Zaika by Romy Gill

Zaika (Hindi for ‘flavour’) is a cookbook written by British Indian chef Romy Gill and is precisely for those who love Indian flavours and want to include it in their meat-free diet. With over 100 plant-based curries, drinks and side dishes, it is “packed with unusual, authentic and inspiring recipes”. Gill provides a great range of dishes depending on what you are craving!

2. Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry

Award-Winning chef Bryant Terry’s cookbook Afro-Vegan is “vibrant, brimming with flavour”. African, Caribbean and southern food are known to be some of the most exciting cuisines and with this cookbook combining them all, there is no doubt there are some delicious recipes in here. Alongside the recipes, Terry gives readers an extra bonus — the book is filled with music, film and book recommendations!

3. Five Ingredient Vegan by Katy Beskow

Known for her simple, quick recipes, Katy Beskow has written another cookbook, compiling over 100 basic vegan meals for cooks of all levels. The recipes include baked aubergines, a beetroot and vodka soup, and a 3-ingredient bread, making it accessible to all. It’s one for those who are not as confident, want less of a fuss in the kitchen and have a low budget; “every ingredient that I have looked to cook and have cooked so far I can get from my local store”, assures Beskow. 

4. Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan

For those who love chocolate and want to easily create indulgent chocolate desserts, chef Fran Costigan’s cookbook compiles all your chocolatey cravings into one book, with some reviewers calling it even “better than desserts that use dairy and eggs”. With recipes for chocolate cakes, cookies, brownies and much more, this cookbook can definitely satisfy your sweet, vegan cravings!

5. The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Mishimoto Schinner

The Homemade Vegan Pantry is the perfect cookbook for those who want to make their own vegan staples for both your fridge and pantry. Bestselling author and chef Miyoko Mishimoto Schinner provides recipes for staples like dressings, homemade stock, crackers and cheese.  “If you enjoy playing around with ingredients and you like to make a batch of things to have in your freezer for the times when you really don’t have time to cook then this book is for you,” she writes. However, this book is often described as an intermediate level and perhaps should be used once you have the basics down. 

6. The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Gourdreau

Winner of the VegNews award for 2008’s Cookbook of the Year, Colleen Patrick-Gourdreau has updated her cookbook to include improved recipes and new techniques. This cookbook is a great guide for vegan bakers or anyone with a sweet tooth that is looking for dairy/egg-free desserts for ethical or health reasons. From cakes, cookies, crepes to pies and puddings, this book has it all, with “everything needed to successfully create delicious baked goods.”

7. The 28-Day Vegan Plan by Kim-Julie Hansen

For people who are still on their journey to veganism and not quite there yet, food writer and blogger Kim-Julie Hansen provides a 28-day guide to kickstart your journey. One Amazon review reads: “This book is so good and gives you so much confidence that you really won’t need to follow any plan as it gives you such brilliant advice the whole way through.” From much-loved simple recipes like pastas and pancakes, this book introduces a vegan diet without taking you too far away from meals we know and enjoy.

8. Vegan for Everybody by America’s Test Kitchen

In this cookbook, America’s Test Kitchen “decodes and demystifies vegan cooking” by providing approachable yet vibrant food for every part of the day — breakfast, lunch and dinner — and for every type of cook. Filled with 140 foolproof recipes, it can definitely satisfy many diverse taste buds; from those looking for grain bowls, pizzas and appetizers to the ultimate birthday cake, this cookbook provides a recipe for everybody and is handy if you want one cookbook that covers all meals.