LFC Reads| DECEMBER 2025
Rajalaxmi: I want to start reading books about food culture and history. Any suggestions?
Prachi: I’m reading Desi Delicacies currently. Other recommendations are Bhog Naivedya, Pangat, Turmeric Nation, Forgotten Foods, and Whose Samosa Is It Anyway?
Rajalaxmi: Wow, thank you so much!
Prachi: Desi Delicacies has food essays from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh… each essay has a recipe, but it’s the stories that are more intriguing.
Rajalaxmi: I will read this first. Hehe.
Prachi: Great! Would love to discuss if something comes to mind! I’m reading at a super slow pace so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up!
Bindu: Forgotten Foods. I absolutely loved this book. If you are okay with non-vegetarian food.
Rajalaxmi: Ordered it today. It will reach me by tomorrow! And, sure, I will check out Forgotten Foods.
Paromita: Yes, I was going to suggest it. Also, The Hungry Empire: How Britain’s Quest for Food Shaped the Modern World; The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals; An Edible History of Humanity (thoda serious; and, of course, Fast Food Nation, an old classic… Closer home, Feast and Fasts: A History of Food in India and Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada,.. I am also partial to Masala Lab.
Prachi: I made a Masala Lab miniature keychain in my book club meet!
Paromita: Lovely!
Rajalaxmi: You guys are so amazing!!! Thank you all for such beautiful recommendations!
Paromita: Happy to share. I read too much!!
Rajalaxmi: Haha. I wish I could say that. I try to read as much as I can because I loveeee!!! But you know, college, exams, stuff. I can’t read as much as I want to.
Paromita: I am bad, I read even in an auto or bus, it has ruined my eyes. But the trick is to persist. Also, keep your curiosity alive.
Browse The Locavore’s Books on Food section—featuring excerpts from some of the best writing on food history, culture, and narrative.