7 Best Indonesian Cookbooks & Recipe Books

Looking to explore the world of Indonesian cuisine?

Discover the ultimate collection of Indonesian cookbooks, filled with mouthwatering recipes and culinary delights.

Dive into the vibrant flavors and unique ingredients that make Indonesian cuisine so special.

Experience the rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions through these carefully curated cookbooks.

Unleash your inner chef and embark on a culinary journey with our handpicked selection of the best Indonesian cookbooks available.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and create authentic Indonesian dishes in your own kitchen.

Top 7 Indonesian Cookbooks

Here is the list of Indonesian Cookbooks

  • Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen by Lara Lee – Best Overall
  • Fire Islands: Recipes From Indonesia by Eleanor Ford – Editor’s Choice
  • Kecap Manis: Indonesia’s National Condiment by the late Bondan Winarno – Best for Traditional Indonesian Condiments
  • Bali Unveiled: The Secrets of Balinese Cuisine by Heinz von Holzen and Lother Arsana – Best for Balinese Cuisine
  • Paon: Real Balinese Cooking by Henny Saptatini – Best for Authentic Balinese Recipes
  • Balinese Food: The Traditional Cuisine & Food Culture of Bali by Vivienne Kruger – Best for Balinese Food Culture
  • Indonesian Cooking: Satays, Sambals and More [Indonesian Cookbook, 81 Recipes] by Dina Yuen – Best for Easy-to-Make Indonesian Dishes

Coconut & Sambal by Lara Lee

Lara Lee’s ‘Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen’ is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves Indonesian cuisine.

The book is meticulously researched, beautifully produced, and radiates a vivacious and full-of-personality vibe.

The recipes are fragrant, colorful, and mouth-watering.

The book features a wide range of recipes, from gado-gado salad to sambal sauce, tempe kecap to fried chicken, and many more.

Overall, ‘Coconut & Sambal’ is the best overall Indonesian cookbook and a must-have for anyone who loves Indonesian food.

Fire Islands by Eleanor Ford

 This cookbook is a treasure trove of flavors and aromas that will transport you to the vibrant and colorful world of Indonesia.

From the refined dishes of Java to the spicy street food of Bali, Fire Islands has it all.

Eleanor Ford’s writing is engaging and informative, and her recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results.

It’s no wonder that we’ve awarded Fire Islands our Editor’s Choice award.

So if you’re looking to recreate the magic of Indonesian cuisine at home, Fire Islands is the cookbook for you.

Kecap Manis: Indonesia’s National Condiment by the late Bondan Winarno

The book explores the world of kecap manis through folklore, anecdotes, and recipes, showcasing this unique creation from a unique archipelago.

Winarno’s tribute to the near-ubiquitous ingredient brings a historian’s curiosity and an investigative reporter’s eye to the subject.

The book is well-written, informative, and engaging, making it a great addition to any cookbook collection.

Overall, “Kecap Manis” is the best choice for those looking to learn more about traditional Indonesian condiments.

Bali Unveiled by Heinz von Holzen and Lother Arsana

The book is filled with widely varied and easy-to-follow recipes, stunning and colorful photos, and a good glossary of ingredients.

Chef Heinz von Holzen, a Swiss-born Bali and culinary expert, and Lother Arsana, a chef with over 20 years of experience, have done an excellent job of uncovering the mysteries of Balinese cuisine that have been little explored before.

This cookbook is the best for Balinese cuisine and is highly acclaimed for its cultural art forms.

Paon Real Balinese Cooking by Henny Saptatini

The book takes you on a journey through rice fields, food forests, coastal villages, and traditional home kitchens of Bali, sharing more than 80 dishes alongside essays and beautiful photography capturing the life and culture of Bali.

The recipes are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores.

The book is perfect for anyone looking to add some excitement to their cooking routine and explore the unique flavors of Balinese cuisine.

It’s no wonder that we have awarded it the ‘Best for Authentic Balinese Recipes’ award.

Balinese Food by Vivienne Kruger

 A cookbook that delves into the traditional cuisine and food culture of Bali, look no further than “Balinese Food” by Vivienne Kruger.

With over 20 detailed chapters, Kruger explores the intricate culinary art that is an inextricable part of Bali’s Hindu religion, culture, and community life.

The book also includes appendices on Balinese ingredients and kitchen equipment, as well as a sourcing guide for Balinese ingredients.

Sections devoted to ingredients, equipment, and resources make Balinese Food a delightful social and cultural guide to the food of this fascinating island.

If you want to explore the exotic world of Balinese cooking, this book provides a detailed roadmap.

Indonesian Cooking: Satays, Sambals and More by Dina Yuen

 This cookbook covers a wide range of dishes from Indonesia’s rich culinary culture.

Yuen’s instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available in Western markets.

The book has received praise for its introduction to Indonesian cooking, and the dishes range from familiar to exotic.

If you’re interested in exploring Indonesian cuisine, this cookbook is a great place to start.

Final Say So!

Embark on a culinary voyage to the heart of Indonesia with these exceptional cookbooks.

From the spicy streets of Bali to the traditional flavors of Java, these books are your passport to authentic Indonesian cuisine.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this curated collection promises a journey filled with aromatic spices, vibrant dishes, and rich cultural insights.

Dive in, cook, and savor the essence of Indonesia right in your kitchen!

Renee Searcy

Hi! I’m Renee. From a young age, I’ve been enchanted by the flavors, aromas, and the art of cooking. My journey has taken me from my family’s kitchen to working with some of the most talented chefs and culinary experts in Atlanta, GA, and beyond.

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