FAQ's

Is this cookbook suitable for beginners? Yes. We wrote it for anyone who grew up with Gujarati food but was only ever told "a little bit of this, a little bit of that." Every recipe has exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, so no previous Indian cooking experience is needed.

Does every recipe have a photo? Yes, there is a picture for every single recipe across 272 full-colour pages, so you always know what you're aiming for.

Are the recipes authentic? Yes. These are traditional Gujarati home recipes, cooked the way they have been in our family for generations, with the odd kiwi twist our family has grown to love. Readers often tell us the book "precisely replicates my mother's cooking."

I've never made my own masala. Will the book help? Yes. The book includes an Indian Pantry chapter, a Masala Making chapter and an Equipment chapter to get you set up before you start cooking.

Is the cookbook only vegetarian? No. Alongside vegetable dishes, breads and rice, sides, snacks and desserts, there are chapters for fish and poultry and meat dishes, so the whole family is catered for.

How do I know the recipes work? Over 7,000 copies have been sold across Australia and New Zealand, and the book won two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, for Best Indian Cuisine and Best Herbs & Spices. Laxmi and Jayshri have also been featured in The RNZ Cookbook and on RNZ Afternoons.

Will the book stay open while I cook? Yes. It's a 285mm x 210mm case-bound hardcover, so it lies flat on the bench while you cook.

Is there an ebook version? Yes. The ebook is available to download straight after purchase, or you can buy the cookbook and ebook combo.

Is the book written in English or Gujarati? English. Each title is first written in Gujarati script, followed by the Gujarati name we use around the home. The pronunciation is written beside in brackets to help you verbalise it, and below is a description of what the dish includes. Ie: Stir Fried Potatoes, Bataka nu Shaak, બટાકા નુ શાક. “This is the most basic and simple Indian potato curry dish, one that can be learned when young. It has a dry texture and goes well with spicy yoghurt gravy (khadhi) and lentil rice (kitchdi)”

How can I buy your book? Right here on our website. Get the hardcover (we ship to Australia, New Zealand and worldwide) or get the ebook to download straight away, wherever you are.

How much is shipping? Australia: $15 standard or $25 express. New Zealand: $25 NZD standard. Free standard shipping on orders of $250 or more to both Australia and New Zealand. International: $200 AUD per order to the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, and $300 AUD to all other countries (free shipping over $250 does not apply to international orders). These rates apply to orders up to 5 kg. For bulk or larger orders, please email us at info@thegujaratikitchen.com. See our shipping policy for full details.

Do you ship overseas? Yes, we ship worldwide. It's $200 AUD per order to the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, and $300 AUD to all other countries.

How long will it take for my delivery? Orders are dispatched within 24 hours (Monday to Friday). Delivery within Australia and New Zealand takes 1–5 days with standard shipping, or 1–3 days with express. International orders usually take 7–21 days, depending on customs.

Can I return/exchange my product? Yes, please see our returns policy

How do I get started with Gujarati Cooking? We suggest establishing a pantry before you start, the Indian spice tin is a great way to get your spices sorted, and check out our equipment. Alternatively you can visit your local Indian grocery store to get the basic pantry goods for your favourite recipes. Also visit our pantry pages at the beginning of the our cookbook to help create your own paste and masala mixes like chai masala and garam masala.

Are the cooking times and measurements exact? Gas and electric stoves will vary for cooking times, so a little bit of your own intuition will be helpful. Tablespoon measurements purchased in New Zealand can sometimes be Australian standard which can be of a higher quantity: 20ml, so be sure to check before you start. These recipes are created by the more common US tablespoon standard: 15ml

Who developed the recipes in this cookbook? The recipes have been passed down from generation to generation from my great grandmother, grandmother, and mother—all originating in Avda Falia, Navsari in Gujarat, India. When my mother, Laxmi Ganda, married my father and moved to New Zealand at 17, she brought her knowledge of spices and raised us three kids on her delicious meals. Mum learned much more when she came to New Zealand through her mother in law and sister-in-law and integrated many of her cooking skills to incorporate the kiwi culture. These recipes are traditionally from Gujarat and taste like home, although some have a kiwi spin like Kheemo pie. Spicy Lamb Pie! All the recipes have been recorded by Jayshri (Laxmi's 2nd daughter) with actual measurements instead of intuition via sight and smell. Together the we put together this cookbook to share with you. Read our story here.

Who is this cookbook for? This book is for all second generation Gujarati born children and adults, for those married into Gujarati families, and for the lover of Indian food or for the western born Gujarati Indian who would like to explore more of their culture through cooking. The book is presented in English to enable the multicultural people of the world an opportunity to understand Gujarati food.

My deepest desire is that this cookbook inspires you to connect your heart to people through the art of cooking and food; understanding the Indian love language" – Jayshri Ganda

If we haven't answered your question? Please email us at info@thegujaratikitchen.com and we will be only too happy to help.