Hunger Like a Thirst

Hunger Like a Thirst is a bold and deeply personal memoir from Besha Rodell; chief restaurant critic for The Age, New York Times contributor, and one of the most respected voices in food writing today.

When Rodell moved from Australia to the United States at fourteen, she found herself adrift – missing her home, her father, and the flavours of her childhood. As a young waitress, she fell in love with the restaurant world, drawn to its energy, creativity, and sense of community, while also grappling with its darker realities. Against the odds, she forged a career as a restaurant critic – one of the few women to do so and one of the last anonymous critics in the world – ultimately becoming a trusted authority on food and dining across Brooklyn, Atlanta, Los Angeles and beyond.

From the thrill of a perfect meal to the cultural shifts that have made us all food obsessives, Hunger Like a Thirst is a captivating journey through a life spent chasing flavour, belonging, and the stories behind every plate.