15 Books Every Food Lover Should Read

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Enjoying food is all about using our senses. From taste to smell to touch, food encourages us to be present and find real enjoyment in what we are eating. However, reading about food is another unique way to invigorate our senses. According to The New Yorker, reading about food and the art of cuisine creates a more intimate and thought-provoking experience that only true foodies can appreciate.

While many may assume that a book about food is the same thing as a cookbook, that couldn't be further from the truth. From memoirs that describe travels filled with culinary delights to books that recount a career as a chef, the possibilities are endless. That being said, if you're looking for a new piece of literature to become immersed in, you should consider branching out from the typical romance novel or sci-fi book. Here are 15 books that every food lover should read!

Stanley Tucci is a well-known actor with a major passion for food. In his memoir, "Taste: My Life Through Food," Tucci examines the impact that food and growing up in the kitchen had on his life. In addition to being a New York Times bestseller, "Taste: My Life Through Food" was also named a notable book both by NPR and The Washington Post. Though Tucci had written two other books, "The Tucci Cookbook" and "The Tucci Table" in the past, those were more recipe-focused.

"Taste: My Life Through Food" revolves more around the story behind his favorite Italian dishes and recipes. The book takes readers through Tucci's childhood in Westchester and eventually explains how he met his wife, giving an intimate inside look as to how they bonded over cooking homemade meals in the kitchen. If you were a fan of Tucci's show, "Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy," you'll love this book.

"The Man Who Ate Everything" by Jeffrey Steingarten is a funny yet intriguing book that takes readers on a real adventure. In addition to being a James Beard Book Award finalist, "The Man Who Ate Everything" also won the Julia Child Book Award, making it a renowned option. Jeffrey Steingarten made a name for himself in the industry after being appointed as a food critic for Vogue, forcing him to expand his palette and taste.

This book describes a wide array of culinary creations and excursions that Steingarten experienced, including hand-massaged beef in Japan and decadent gelato in Italy. The use of humor and comedy makes this read a breeze, though it might make you hungry along the way, so be sure to have a tasty snack nearby. "The Man Who Ate Everything" also includes some top-notch recipes that will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and branch out with trying new things.

"What Did You Eat Yesterday" is a romantic book written by award-winning author Fumi Yoshinaga. The story follows two men who bond over a shared love of delicious cuisine. As they continue to sit down for meals together, the relationship deepens, creating a very intimate experience for the reader as they follow along with the growth and expansion of the men's dynamic. Most of the meals that they share are home-cooked, setting the scene for a private atmosphere where this same-sex couple can be free and comfortable in their own space.

While reviewing the book for AIPT Comics, writer Alex Cline said, "The food throughout serves primarily as a tool for getting the characters into situations where they can earnestly layout their emotions and pluck on heartstrings ... Come for the sweet old couple, stay for the old couple acting even sweeter as they lovingly prepare each other's favorite dishes to de-stress after long, hard days at work."

It is no secret that working in a kitchen can be quite stressful. In "Yes, Chef: A Memoir," Marcus Samuelsson chronicles his life and experience in the kitchen since his childhood. Having earned a New York Times three-star rating at the young age of 24, Samuelsson offers a unique level of expertise in his writing that sheds a light on the realities of working in a fast-paced, successful kitchen. Eventually, the book dives into the process that Samuelsson had to undergo when opening his restaurant, Red Rooster, in Harlem.

Though many people have learned to simply accept the fact that many professional chefs and kitchens are high-strung and somewhat volatile, Samuelsson has gone out of his way to be different than that culture. In a review for the New York Times, writer Craig Seligman said, "He respects French classicism, but his own approach is both more inclusive and vastly more humane."

Between the catchy title and the top-notch content, "Gourmet Rhapsody" by Muriel Barbery is a must-read for foodies and critics alike. The story follows a fictional food critic by the name of Pierre Arthens, one of the most revered critics in Paris. However, Arthens is dying, forcing him to look back on his life and relive his past. As he mulls over his life, Arthens realizes that he needs one more final, amazing meal before he can peacefully pass on.

The story then takes readers through the journey of Arthens life, all the way from childhood right up to his deathbed. The book does a great job of highlighting the sweetness and joy of life while showcasing just how dangerous the overuse of power can be. "Gourmet Rhapsody" is a wonderful story that revolves around food but dives deeper into the real struggles that so many of us face in life.

"Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table" is a memoir by Ruth Reichl that is comical, sweet, and full of wit. Though the book is a memoir, the characters are written in a more fictional and fun way that is lighthearted and almost childlike. For example, Reichl refers to her mother as "The Queen of Mold," highlighting the fact that her mom was a known food poisoner and not the most talented chef. All of the characters mentioned in "Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table" have a unique charm to them, and they keep the reader enticed the entire way through.

During a book review for The New York Times, writer Ruth Adams Bronz said, "Ms. Reichl writes with such simplicity — even the recipes included in this memoir are stripped down to their bare goodness — that it's easy to read along as if we were being sold yet another inevitable-seeming success story. But do not be fooled by the modesty of its style. This is a book about a sturdy child who by overcoming many obstacles and dangers creates herself as a distinguished woman of her own world."

The late Anthony Bourdain left an irreplaceable and impactful mark on the food community before his tragic passing. In his book, "A Cook's Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines," Bourdain describes his unique and abundant travels across the globe. In his hit television show, "No Reservations," Bourdain made it very clear that he valued traveling just as much as he valued a good meal, and his book shows just how intertwined those two passions truly were.

The entire basis of his book (and adventures as a whole), is rooted in the question, "What would be the perfect meal?" As he travels across the world, exploring some of the most vibrant and underrated culinary destinations in existence, Bourdain immerses readers in his adventures. Reading this book is a very transportive experience that you wouldn't want to miss out on.