10 Cookbooks by Black Authors to Buy from Afrori Books
Cookbooks make brilliant gifts because they are both beautiful and useful. They’re the kind of present someone can return to again and again. Whether you are buying for a confident home cook, someone trying to spend less on food, a friend who wants more plant-based inspiration or a family member who loves exploring food culture, these cookbooks from Afrori Books are full of flavour, warmth and practical ideas.
Afrori Books, Brighton’s award-winning Black-owned bookshop, needs to sell 1,000 books by the end of April to stay open. Buying a cookbook is a lovely way to support them while also choosing a thoughtful gift for someone else, or a treat for your own kitchen.
Plentiful: Vegan Jamaican Recipes to Repeat by Denai Moore
A vibrant vegan Jamaican cookbook celebrating the flavours, traditions and creativity of Jamaican food. With dishes inspired by Denai Moore’s roots, this is a brilliant gift for anyone who loves bold flavours, plant-based cooking or cookbooks that bring something joyful and different to the kitchen.
Price: £24.00
One Pot: Three Ways by Rachel Ama
Rachel Ama’s plant-based cookbook is all about flavour, flexibility and making dinner easier. Each recipe starts with one central dish, then gives you three different ways to serve it, stretch it or transform it — perfect for busy cooks, batch-cookers and anyone who wants vegan food to feel simple and exciting.
Price: £22.00
The Thrifty Baker by Hermine Dossou
A practical and comforting baking book filled with affordable recipes, gluten-free options, shopping tips and clever ways to bake on a budget. Written with warmth and real-life experience, this is a thoughtful gift for bakers who love making something special without spending a fortune.
Price: £18.99
The Pepperpot Diaries by Andi Oliver
Andi Oliver’s long-awaited first cookbook is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean food, identity and heritage. Blending traditional and new recipes with stories from Antigua and across the Caribbean, it is a beautiful gift for anyone who loves cookbooks with colour, culture and soul.
Price: £27.00
Cook As You Are by Ruby Tandoh
A cookbook for real life, hungry cooks and messy kitchens. Ruby Tandoh shares accessible, affordable recipes for people with limited time, limited energy or limited space — making this a brilliant gift for students, new cooks, busy households or anyone who wants food to feel less intimidating.
Price: £19.99
Simply West African by Pierre Thiam and Lisa Katayama
A warm and accessible introduction to West African cooking, with 80 recipes designed for everyday home kitchens. From one-pot dishes to weekend centrepieces, this is a beautiful gift for anyone who loves exploring food cultures, hosting friends or bringing new flavours to the table.
Price: £20.00
Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook by Melissa Thompson
Part cookbook, part cultural history, Motherland explores the people, ingredients and influences that shaped Jamaican cuisine. With recipes including classics, family favourites and contemporary twists, it is a generous and meaningful gift for anyone who loves food with story, heritage and depth.
Price: £26.00
At Mama’s Table by Rochelle Humes
A family-focused cookbook full of easy, crowd-pleasing meals designed to bring everyone around the table. With recipes for everyday dinners, snacks, occasions and prep-ahead moments, this is a lovely gift for parents, busy households or anyone who wants simple food that feels comforting and joyful. (Afrori Books LTD)
Price: £20.00
Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats by Rachel Ama
A full-flavour vegan cookbook inspired by naturally plant-based dishes, Caribbean and West African flavours, and easy everyday cooking. With quick recipes, short ingredient lists and a playlist-style sense of fun, this is a great gift for vegans, flexitarians or anyone wanting to eat more plants.
Price: £20.00
Vegan Family Cookbook by Omari McQueen
An easy-to-use plant-based cookbook from award-winning young vegan chef Omari McQueen, packed with recipes for children, families and parties. Bright, fun and accessible, it is a great gift for young foodies, family kitchens or anyone wanting to make vegan cooking feel playful.
Price: £12.99
About Afrori Books
Afrori Books, the UK's only bookshop specialising in books by Black authors, are facing a critical moment due to rising rates and hard times for independent businesses. As well as running their beautiful Brighton bookshop, they also do invaluable anti-racist work, offer safe spaces, groups and events, and are a wonderful community hub. And now they need our help.
Afrori need to sell 1,000 books by the end of April to stay open, so please support if you can or help spread the word!
Ways to support:
Buy books, subscription boxes (only £16.20 a month!) or gift cards online at afrori.co.uk
Select them as your bookshop on bookshop.org (for both physical or e-books!)
Buy an audiobook on Libro.fm and select them there
Or pop into their gorgeous shop! At the front of the Brighthelm Centre on North Road, Tuesday-Saturdays 10.30am-6pm