In 2007, Ivan Orkin, a middle-aged Jewish guy from Long Island, did something crazy. In the food-zealous, insular megalopolis of Tokyo, Ivan opened a ramen shop. He was a gaijin (foreigner), trying to make his name in a place that is fiercely opinionated about ramen. At first, customers came because they were curious, but word spread quickly about Ivan's handmade noodles, clean and complex broth, and thoughtfully prepared toppings. Soon enough, Ivan became a celebrity - a fixture of Japanese TV programmes and the face of his own best-selling brand of instant ramen. Ivan opened a second location in Tokyo and has returned to New York City to open two US branches. Ivan Ramen is essentially two books in one: a memoir and a cookbook. In these pages, Ivan tells the story of his ascent from wayward youth to a star of the Tokyo restaurant scene. He also shares more than forty recipes, including the complete, detailed recipe for his signature Shio Ramen; creative ways to use extra ramen components; and some of his most popular ramen variations. Written with equal parts candour, humour, gratitude and irreverence, Ivan Ramen is the only English-language book that offers a look inside the cultish world of ramen making in Japan. It will inspire you to forge your own path, give you insight into Japanese culture, and leave you with a deep appreciation for what goes into a seemingly simple bowl of noodles.

Not just a recipe book but a comprehensive survey of culinary delights from the eastern Indian state of Orissa, better known for the architectural splendors of its ancient temples in Konarak and Puri.

Herbs are the most liberating and confidence-boosting of ingredients: grow some and you feel like a proper gardener, bring some into the kitchen and you feel like a proper cook. They allow you to experiment and bring individuality to your cooking while, at the same time, anchoring you in sound culinary tradition because herbs are often responsible for those key flavours that 'make' a dish. Not only that but they are a step on the road to a more self-sufficient, homegrown, organic way of eating.In the first part of the book, Nikki explains how to get the most from herbs. She outlines the basic choosing, picking and using guidelines. The second part is a catalogue of herbs, each with grow-your-own notes, flavour descriptions and mini-recipes. Among the forty herbs that Nikki describes are basil, bay, bergamot, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, horseradish, hyssop, marigold, marjoram, mint, parsley, perilla, rocket, rosemary, sage, scented geranium, tarragon, thyme, wild garlic and winter savory.Following this are over fifty wonderful and adaptable recipes for everything from herb-scented cakes and biscuits to soups, stuffings and tarts, where more than one herb is, or can be, used. With an introduction by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and full-colour photographs, "Herbs" is a must-have book for every kitchen.

The ultimate kitchen reference, The Spice Companion is the instinctual cook's guide to the world of spice usage written by Kashmiri-Australian spice mistress, Sarina Kamini. This alphabetised reference details the taste profiles and culinary uses of 57 spices, alongside sections of the function of spice categories, detailed information on 11 specific fats and their usage, as well as practical tips on how to use Eastern spices in Western culinary settings. Learn about spice function via the section on spice categories. And further understand the important role of the palate. The Spice Companion includes entrance points of information from the most inexperienced of cooks, to culinary professionals in an easy to read format and straightforward writing style that encourages stovetop experimentation. Learn about the spices of India and South Asia in order to bring a taste of excitement to every meal. The Spice Companion includes six colour illustrations and makes an ideal gift for the food enthusiast, a great starter book for young cooks, and a stovetop stalwart for the dedicated home chef.

Put a little nature in your glass! Explore the world of botanical cocktails - delicious boozy concoctions that use the very best floral, herbaceous and fruity ingredients. With more than sixty recipes for infused cocktails and punches to please a crowd, as well as recipes for creating your own botanical-driven spirits and wine at home, you'll find a cocktail for every occasion.

A fully revised and updated edition of Fuchsia Dunlop's landmark book on Sichuan cookery, with 200 recipes and stunning food and location photography.

Almost twenty years after the publication of Sichuan Cookery, voted by the OFM as one of the greatest cookbooks of all time, Fuchsia Dunlop revisits the region where her own culinary journey began, adding more than 50 new recipes to the original repertoire and accompanying them with her incomparable knowledge of the dazzling tastes, textures and sensations of Sichuanese cookery.

At home, guided by Fuchsia's clear instructions, you will be able to recreate Sichuanese classics such as Mapo tofu, Twice-cooked pork and Gong Bao chicken, or try your hand at a traditional spread of cold dishes comprising Bang bang chicken, Numbing-and-hot dried beef, Spiced cucumber salad and Green beans in ginger sauce.

With spellbinding writing on the culinary and cultural history of Sichuan and accompanied by gorgeous travel and food photography, The Food of Sichuan is a captivating insight into one of the world's greatest cuisines.