Books that make you hungry
Books about food, either non-fiction or foodie fiction
created by kathytrithardt
last updated May, 2026
Comments
I think Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife had really mouthwatering scenes, and next year in Havana the Cuban food and treats described was mouthwatering
Adding!
I feel like any Murakami book has some cooking scenes that sound delicious! But I would also recommend Adobo and Arsenic by Mia P Manansala
That was definitely one I had to include!
Give me all your faves to add to the list!
Hmm, Mixed Signals (Lovelight series) has a baker MC, and Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice to Murderers is practically a love letter to Chinese food
Thank you!!
I didn’t see The Dos and Donuts of Love on here! Love this list 😍
Definitely an oversight on my part - added!
the pairing! not only made me hungry, but also made me so deeply need to book a month-long european vacation, learn about wine, and explore bedroom techniques all in one fell swoop
YES. I loved that one. Honestly thought I'd already added it. Thank you!
Manga food recs: Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide (travel + food), How to Grill Our Love, Pass the Monster Meat, Milady (that's fantasy food), Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skill, What did You Eat Yesterday?, Sweetness and Lightning
Added all of these! Thanks for the recs!
Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees! Its a collection of short essays / poetry on food. I've got it on my bookshelf and am yet to read it but the illustrations and topics have had very 'hungry' reviews. It may fit this list well ❤️
Adding now; thank you so much!
You should check out Desserts for Stressed People by Letizia Lorini ♡
Added! And it sounds great!
Simmer Down by Sarah Smith. I think the author has some other romances around food too.
Fantastic! Added! And the cover is lovely.
Also “Butter” by Asako Yuzuki (DROOLING) and “The Solitary Gourmet” — that one’s a manga so will be even more enticing :)
Lots of mushroom dishes in An Yu’s “Ghost Music” too
Added all three - thanks!
seeing the romance recipe on here 🥹😭 also i got really hungry during Cemetery Boys whenever they talked about food
Cemetery Boys is so good! Excited for the sequel next year?
yes! I can’t wait to see more Julian and Yadriel 🥹
Just found that list! Looks scrumptious 🥞 if you're looking for more recommendations, Taiwan Travelogue would be such a perfect fit!!
Adding now! Thanks for the rec!
"I leave it up to you" by Jinwoo Chong made me hungry for sushi! There are descriptions about choosing the menu, making the sushi, and eating them.
Adding now!
Maybe "Sweet Bean Paste" by Durian Sukegawa fits as well 😄
Sure sounds like it! Added! Thanks for the rec ☺️
Stop, I ate an anpan yesterday and now I need more 😅
i don't know how well this fits because it was a heartbreaking read but "crying in h mart". it talks a lot about cooking and eating as a love language and definitely made me wanna try all of that. this book also deals with cancer and the loss of a loved one which is why it might not be the best fit though i loved it.
Makes total sense this one would have great food content. Adding!
I just finished "may you have delicious meals" by Junko Takase and i think it would fit this list perfectly.
Thanks! That sounds delightful. Adding now :)
