26 Delicious Fiction Books For Foodies

Guide to the best fiction books for foodies that will take its readers around the world. Read magical fantasy books about food for adults and teens as well. Explore our collection of the most delicious classic and new novels you won’t be able to put down.

RELATED: Best Fantasy books that will give you serious wanderlust

We always curate our lists and take extra care to find the most exciting new novels, lesser-known gems, as well as to include the must-read classics. This way we make sure that our online book nook is filled with book lists and enchanting reads that will not only entertain but spark new ideas and comfort its readers.

Food is one of the most exciting subjects because it doesn’t only bring families together but can make two completely different people find a common ground. It can make us feel at home even when we’re alone and far away from the place we love most. Literature can do the same for us and probably that’s why it’s so special when the two meet in novels and we get to experience the two together through a wonderful story.

You’ll find on our book list for foodies all kinds of genres, from mystery novels to historical romance stories, horror, dark fantasy, and psychological fiction novels about human existence, memories, LGBT+ experiences, to simple light-hearted fun. You’ll also find here exciting and inspiring diverse novels by diverse writers.

Through these novels, you can take an exciting trip around the world and get to know other cultures deeper. You can visit the most exciting cities in the US, England, Ireland, France, Japan, China, Mexico, Italy, and even travel not only in space but through time as well.

However, if you’re only here because you want something light and fun that will be a quick comforting read you’ll also find some great choices here.

Just don’t forget to get some yummy world snacks ready before you start reading.

Mouthwatering Fiction & Fantasy Books From Around The World

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26| Babette’s Feast and Other Anecdotes of Destiny by Isak Dinesen, Published: 1953, Fiction novel for foodies

Babette’s Feast may be known to many people as it was also adapted to screen by Gabriel Axel (written and directed by) and you can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.

The collection is incredibly unique, readers are going to be swept away by every word.

As the title suggests, food plays an important role in the story, but each of the novels is focusing on art and how important and subjective art is. Dinesen’s style has captivated a number of readers as she is often emotionally provocative.

Babette’s Feast and Other Anecdotes of Destiny by Isak Dinesen is a beguiling collection of short stories set in Denmark about art.

25| The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, Published: November 8, 2001, Bildungsroman, Historical Fiction novel for foodies

This magnificent novel takes its readers to a dark time in South Carolina and talks about love, racism, and family. Lily Ownes had been through hell and the terrible memories of the day her mother was killed by three racist people cannot let her rest.

One day Lily decides to free herself from the memories and sets out on a journey to forget about her dark past and explore herself.

She ends up in a town, which has more significance than she would have thought. Upon meeting three quaint beekeeping sisters, her life changes forever.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is among the most touching tales about losing someone and trying to make sense of life in a dark time.

24| The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe, Published: 2011, Domestic Fiction book for foodies

If you are in need of a good comfort-read, that will warm your heart, this lovely piece is for you. Home isn’t always where one was born and after Grace moves to Macau with her husband, she learns that too.

Following some devastating news that break her heart, Grace doesn’t give up and devotes her time to her passion.

She opens a charming little cafe to serve her favorites, tea, coffee, and the little delicious confections, macarons.

As locals fall in love with Grace’s cafe she finds new friends, love, and home.

The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe is a touching fiction book about finding the power to start over again and not giving up.

23| The Book of Salt by Monique Truong, Published: 2003, Historical Fiction novel for foodies

This remarkable book tells Binh’s story of finding his way from Saigon, Vietnam all the way to Paris, France. While readers learn how terribly he was treated by his father, they connect with him on a deeper level.

As a cook, he had been serving on a ship to then end up working for two peculiar ladies, Gertrude and Alice. The two women are maintaining a distinguished social status and Binh grows fond of them.

At some point, however, he is facing a dilemma; will he stay in Paris, return home, or follow the ladies to the USA?

The Book of Salt by Monique Truong is a very interesting LGBT+ book about dealing with our past.

22| Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust, Published: November 14, 1913, Fiction novel for foodies

Swann’s Way is the first volume of the In Search of Lost Time collection. This classic got high praise over the decades and is most definitely going to be your new favorite if you enjoy psychological novels.

This novel is about how certain things can bring back long-forgotten memories and how our memories can change over time.

It doesn’t have a lot of action and plot twists but as you read on you’ll feel more and more connected to the novel and it will bring a lot of emotions to the surface.

Proust’s style is engaging, warm, beautiful yet somehow simple. Every sentence makes you think and feel deeper. After reading this you’re going to think differently about the smell of madeleines or any of your favorite childhood food.

Unfortunately, many readers are scared of Proust novels but they really shouldn’t. If you’ve read Susan Sontag, Thomas Mann, or Samuel Beckett novels and you liked them you’re definitely ready for Proust.

Swanns’ Way by Marcel Proust will be one of the most beautiful novels about food, family, childhood, and memories you’ll ever read. If you’ve been afraid to give Proust a try, you should start with this one.

21| Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto, Published: 1988, Fiction Book for foodies

This remarkable book offers a hand to everyone, who are trying to cope with losing their loved ones. Besides allowing readers to get familiar with Japanese costumes and habits, everyone can find a little hope in the touching pages of Kitchen.

After Mikage loses her grandmother who raised her, she is taken in by her friend and his mother.

Having a home, where your loved ones look after you is worth everything and this book shows what a significant role kitchen plays in our lives.

Kitchen is one of the most beautifully written Japanese novels you should read if you’re interested in Japanese culture and want to learn more about it.

Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto is a heartwarming piece set in Japan, that helps its readers deal with tragedies.

20| The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood, Published: 1969, Psychological Fiction

Margaret Atwood is among the most remarkable contemporary Canadian authors. The prominent artist also contributed to a number of environmental and technological advancements as an activist and inventor.

The Edible Woman shows that Ms. Atwood has great talent in multiple fields. This was her first novel and it was decades ahead of its time. With a grotesque sense of humor and food-based metaphors, she goes into gender roles and going against the current.

The Edible Woman is perfectly actual nowadays too as there are still a number of feminist issues our society hasn’t solved yet.

Margaret Atwood’ The Edible Woman will take you to Toronto and discuss serious topics related to gender roles and identity crisis.

19| Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Published November 8th 2016, YA Fantasy novel for foodies

Marissa Meyer swept readers off their feet with this fantastic piece. Even if you are not a huge fan of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, you are still going to love this book. However, if you loved Lewis Carroll’s classic, then meet your next favorite.

Fans love looking into some of their favorite characters’ past and imagine how they got to that point of the story. Now we get to see how the Queen of Hearts ended up being the ruthless person she was.

Would you have imagined that Catherine dreamed about opening her own bakery instead of marrying the King of Hearts?

Heartless is one of the most exciting and fun fantasy books based on a beloved classic novel.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer is a captivating YA fantasy book that takes readers to Wonderland before Alice ever set foot there.

18| Food and Horror: Essays on Ravenous Souls, Toothsome Monsters, and Vicious Cravings by Octavia Cade, Published: October 31, 2017, Horror, Essays, Fairy Tales

If you consider yourself a foodie reader, then this amazing collection of essays are going to be your new favorite. Octavia Cade went into great detail about rituals and folklore in search of answers to questions related to food.

This book is exceptionally great because of its depth and because readers learn some dark but interesting facts and secrets about some of the most popular and beloved tales. Furthermore, Cade goes into the topics with crushing details making some of the essays entertainingly creepy.

Food and Horror may not make you hungry, but definitely give you a new perspective on food and eating.

Octavia Cade’s Food and Horror is among the best fiction books for foodies who love horror and fairy tales. Additionally, if you want to learn more about the oldest and most famous tales from around the world you should pick this book up.

17| Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown, Published: June 4, 2013, Adventure & historical fiction book for foodies

This fantastic historical fiction is full of delightful surprises, readers will definitely get something else than what they expected. How many pirate ships have you heard about that became famous for the food served on board?

After the beloved chef, Owen Wedgwood was kidnapped by the most feared pirate Mad Hannah Mabbot, the world turned upside down.

Foodies and fantasy fans who enjoy a little romance at sea will definitely be enchanted for life.

Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown is one of the most surprising historical fiction books about pirates, food, and romance that will take you on an unforgettable voyage.

16| The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Published: February 6, 1997, Romance Fantasy Novel for foodies

Tilo, the mistress of spices is a remarkable character, who has many talents. Her fascinating adventures will enchant you from the first moment.

Readers aren’t simply going to explore love from a different angle but develop a new appreciation towards spices. We all knew how significant spices are, but thanks to Divakaruni, we all reevaluated our relationships with them.

This beautiful story is going to take you on a magnificent journey through space and time. Readers also learn immortality may not be as important as love.

The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is certainly among the most captivating magical realism books about food set in contemporary Oakland, California.

15| The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender, Bildungsroman, Published: June 1, 2010, Psychological Fiction novel series for foodies

This charming and witty novel is about a young girl with a very special ability and is set in the modern-day US.

Food can be much more than something we survive on. Rose Edelstein discovered that she had a special ability; by tasting food she could feel the cook’s emotions.

Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions as everything becomes a little sad when secrets are uncovered.

Readers are going to laugh out loud but also learn things aren’t always what they seem. Don’t be surprised if you look at everyone differently after reading this book.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender will be one of the funniest and strangest fantasy books about food and family you’ll ever read. It’s a great choice for teenagers and those who love to read feel-good YA novels.

14| The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan, Published: 2013, Romance novel for foodies

Paris is everyone’s idolized city because it isn’t only beautiful and romantic but also full of delicious bakeries and sweet shops. If you visit that amazing city, be sure to bring your appetite as well.

Anna Trent is tirelessly working before even the sun comes up to make the most delicious chocolate anyone can find in Paris. While she is aiming for perfection Anna embarks on a journey to explore herself and the fascinating world of chocolate.

With fantastic real recipes, The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris by Jenny Colgan is among the best fiction books for foodies.

13| Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg, Published: 1987, Romance novel for foodies

Readers are going to be inspired to live their lives to the fullest, no matter what. As Mrs. Threadgoode tells her life story to Evelyn, you are going to see that life only matters if you find a way to fulfill your dreams and seek happiness.

We are taken to a small town in Alabama, where life revolves around the small Whistle Stop Cafe. There are both feminist and racial issues covered but Flagg uses a tone that makes it easy to digest.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg is definitely one of the most inspiring fiction books about food.

12| The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller, Published: August 9, 2016, Domestic Fiction novel about food

If you are in need of an easy read that will lift your mood, this lovely piece is definitely going to make you feel better. Although it starts with a rather tragic incident, this book shows, there is always something good in every bad turn of events.

Olivia is a talented pastry chef at the Boston dinner club. After she accidentally burns the place down, she is left without a means of living and sets out to Guthrie Vermont to reevaluate her life.

There, her life turns upside down and she may even find love and home along with a job. 

If you love novels set in the snowy countryside you should check out our book list filled with the most magical and cozy winter books.

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller is amid the best fiction books for foodies, who need strength to start over.

11| The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C Morais, Published: 2008, fiction books for foodies

Hassan Haji and his family had been through a much longer journey until finally, they found a home in the charming little French town of Lumière. They open a traditional Indian restaurant that was welcomed with mixed feelings.

While Hassan has a huge passion for food, his dream of becoming a gourmet chef confronts the family’s plans. He soon finds a way into the Michelin-starred restaurant opposite theirs to learn more about the profession.

This is a fascinating book about accepting others, being strong to realize our dreams, and never letting others hold back from achieving our goals.

The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C Morais is among the most remarkable fiction books about food set in rural France and Europe’s gourmet capitals.

10| With the Fire on High By Elizabeth Acevedo, Published: May 7, 2019, Fiction

If you are looking for a book that will give you the strength to whatever difficulties you are facing, Emoni Santiago’s story is perfect for you.

The teenage mother is juggling all her responsibilities while also working hard to fulfill her dreams. School, family, and societal pressures make the high school student’s way to becoming a professional chef more difficult. Still, she doesn’t give up on her dreams and works hard to finally do what she loves.

Readers are going to be craving all those delicious dishes Emoni is making in the book as the descriptions are truly inviting.

With the Fire on High By Elizabeth Acevedo will take you to Philadelphia and make you fall in love with food in an instant.

9| Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke, Published: April 1, 2000, Mystery Fiction novel for foodies

If you cannot get enough of crime mystery but are looking for a lighter read that will cheer you up, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is for you.

This foodie mystery book is full of lovable moments, and while trying to figure out who the murderer may be, you are going to get a strong craving for a delicious sweet.

Hannah is much more than an enthusiastic baker who runs the Cookie Jar, Lake Eden’s most popular cookie shop. She is also remarkably deductive, who is determined to find her milk delivery man’s murderer.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke is certainly one of the most delightful fiction books about food set in Minnesota.

8| Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, Published: 1989, Magical Realism novel for foodies

This touching novel topped bestselling lists for two years both in Mexico and the USA. The all-female De La Garza family had to face a number of difficulties and while for most of the girls’ marriage was the best solution, Tita, the youngest was destined to look after her grandmother.

While she loved her, Tita fell in love with her sister’s husband and their forbidden love may never be fulfilled.

This passionate and often aching love story is full of enchanting foods Tita cooks up in the kitchen.

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel is among the most captivating magical realism books about food and love that survives everything.

7| The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, Published: 1989, Domestic Fiction novel for foodies

Immigrating from China to the USA was an extremely brave move even if everyone did it with hopes of a brighter future. This beguiling book explores the lives of four ladies, who left China and do their best to support their daughters.

The four mothers have made a lot of sacrifices for their children to ensure they have the opportunity of living a fuller life. As their daughters have no idea of what the ladies had been through, it is difficult for them to understand the importance of their mothers’ guidance.

Readers will also see what important role food can play to keep in touch with our roots.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a lovely piece about cultural identity and motherly love set in San Francisco.

6| Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen, Published: 2007, Domestic Fiction novel for foodies

Probably every witch loving reader would be delighted to have similar family secrets as the Waverley family. Their garden hosts a special apple tree, that has magical properties. Furthermore, the women of the family possess abilities that would come in handy to everyone looking for a peaceful life.

While Claire did her best to keep the secret and their traditions alive, her sister, Sydney left the small town in North Carolina.

But one day she returns and things turn upside down. This lovely book helps readers understand the love between siblings and accepting the other.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is amid the most feel-good and bewitching magical realism books about food and family.

5| Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco, Published: September 24, 2020, YA historical, Dark fantasy novel for foodies

Kingdom of the Wicked is one of 2020s most exciting dark fantasy books that’s filled with mystery, great Italian recipes, and has a powerful female lead.

The story follows Emilia who lives with her twin sister and her family. While her family has magical powers they have to keep it a secret and focus on running their family’s Italian restaurant.

However, everything changes when Emilia’s twin sister, Vittoria, gets murdered along with a few other young witches. Emilia decides to find out what happened to her sister even if she has to deal with the devil himself.

It’s a beautifully written story with great characters, an interesting magical system. It also mixes the real world and fictional worlds masterfully.

Kingdom of the Wicked will fly you to an atmospheric 19th-century Italy filled with mouth-watering recipes, magic, witches, witch hunters, and Hell princes.

Kerri Maniscalco’s family immigrated from Italy to America and she grew up spending a lot of time in her family’s Italian restaurant which greatly influenced her writing.

Kingdom of The Wicked is a dark YA fantasy book that will get you hooked on page one and will make you want to learn to cook Italian and spend some quality time in hell.

4| Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer, Published: April 15, 1988, Fantasy Fiction novel for foodies

This novel was born thanks to the cooperation between Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer resulting in a lovely piece. While it has some very serious moments, the book overall is delightful and sometimes even reminds of Austen classics.

There is a magical twist that complicates things especially because some people ended up as trees or chocolate pots. The unlikely adventures of two teenage girls, Kate and Cecilia are definitely worth your time. This lovely story is set in the Regency era in England.

Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer is among the most enchanting fantasy books.

3| Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran, Published: 2005, Domestic Fiction novel for foodies

Pomegranate Soup is a fantastic story that brings everyone closer together. After Marjam and her two younger sisters fled Iran in hopes of a better future in Ireland, they ended up in a little town called Ballinacroagh. She opens a little cafe that brings some extra colors and tastes into the quiet town.

This fantastic novel shows how difficult it can be for someone, who left their home behind and starts a new life in a foreign country. Readers will get to know superb characters, although, not everyone welcomes the Iranian sisters so kindly.

Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran is among the most captivating magical realism books about food that shows what it feels like to be an outsider.

2| At the Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper, Published: 2003, YA Historical Fiction novel for foodies

This adorable piece is definitely among the most captivating young adult historical fiction books one can find. It is set in 1665 London when the plague broke out and decimated the population.

Hannah finally gets to stay in London to help her sister in the family sweets shop. Although things don’t kick off smoothly, they eventually grew very close. 

This lovely story is heartwarming while also very inspiring. Additionally, if you like unique and authentic sweets that were made in the 17th century, there are fantastic recipes in the book.

At the Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper is definitely one of the most enchanting magical realism books about food and London’s 1665 Plague epidemic aka ‘Great Plague of London’.

1| Chocolat by Joanne Harris, Published: March 4, 1999, Magical Realism novel for foodies

Joanne Harris’ fascinating novel was a huge hit and thanks to Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche it captured even more people’s hearts through its movie adaptation.

After Vianne moved to the quiet little French town of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, everyone was wondering, what the tiny shop is going to sell she is about to open. No one would have guessed that she was a chocolatier and her delicious bites will change everyone’s life in the village.

Readers will get mouthwatering ideas for snacking and also a handful of romance and some magic while reading this remarkable book. Chocolat is one of our favorite books about witches that will surely put you in a magical mood.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris is most certainly one of the best fiction books for foodies who love their romance stories with a pinch of magic.

Thank you for reading!