The best food & gardening books of 2019

Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 food and gardening books of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, music & DVDs of 2019 here.)


Jackfruit and Blue Ginger by Sasha Gill

When Sasha Gill turned vegan, she didn’t want to miss out on the flavours of her favourite Asian dishes; so she got to work ‘veganising’ them. This family cookbook is spot-on for those that want to feast on delicious meat-free vibrant Asian flavours with complete ease.


The Whole Fish Cookbook by Josh Niland

Josh Niland’s skill is to show you how easy it is to cook a huge variety of sustainable fish in super, new, exciting ways. He will show you how to fillet, marinate and fry as well as give you perfect meal ideas. This collection is ideal for seafood lovers.


Only in Tokyo by Michael Ryan & Luke Burgess

Intrepid chefs Michael Ryan and Luke Burgess sprint around one of the greatest culinary cities in the world taking you to the very best places to eat and sharing the recipes. This book is as much for people travelling to this fabulous city as it is for those with an appreciation of its absolutely delicious food.


East by Meera Sodha

Meera Sodha, writer of the ‘New Vegan’ column in The Guardian, knows exactly how to create imaginative and delicious dishes from Asia. This collection takes you firmly by the hand from India all the way to Vietnam and illustrates how easy it is to pack a meat-free flavour punch.


Warndu Mai (Good Food) by Rebecca Sullivan & Damien Coulthard

This beautifully illustrated cookbook will show you how easy it is to create food and drinks with foods native to Australia. With a few small adjustments, your diet can be better for the Australian environment, become more sustainable and celebrate these amazing and truly local ingredients.


Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street by Felicita Sala

This gorgeously illustrated cookbook takes you on a tour of an apartment block where in each dwelling someone is preparing a special dish to share. This is a glorious celebration of other people’s lives. It is filled with recipes from all over the world with simple instructions perfect for young chefs.


Moss by Ulrica Nordström

Moss can be found in the most unexpected places, from deserts to Antarctica. This book is a celebration and reconnoitre of its unassuming beauty. There are tips on growing the world’s most ancient plant as well tours of truly magnificent gardens.


The Scentual Garden by Ken Druse & Ellen Hoverkamp

In an extensive survey of fragrances in the garden, familiar and unusual garden plants, shrubs, and trees are put into twelve categories. These classifications give us an opportunity to explore amazing garden designs and, most importantly, learn to create a sweetly scented garden.


The Edible Garden by Paul West

Paul West shows you how easy it is to grow and cook some of your own food, no matter how much space you have. This book is a celebration of real food and of being part of a vibrant community. It will inspire you to grow, cook and eat with those you love.


The Land Gardeners: Cut Flowers by Bridget Elworthy & Henrietta Courtauld

This volume is for serious gardeners and fans of cut flowers. The authors are The Land Gardeners, creators of productive gardens. Here they share their beliefs on the importance of soil health and will inspire you to create your own cutting garden through sharing expert knowledge on how to grow and gather seasonally.

 Read review
Cover image for Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street

Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street

Felicita Sala

In stock at 5 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 5 shops