Cookbook 'Mystic Kitchens of Nepal' Wins Gourmand Award know as Oscar of the Food and Drink Publishing World

Nepal’s culinary heritage has earned prestigious global recognition as the cookbook 'The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal', authored by Nepali chef and food researcher Chef Bikram Vaidya, has been awarded at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2025. The book received the title of World’s Best Food Tourism Cookbook, placing Nepal firmly on the international gastronomic map and marking a proud moment for the country’s culinary and cultural community.

The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal is more than a cookbook—it is a carefully researched culinary document that explores Nepal through its kitchens, ingredients, rituals, and regional food traditions. The book presents authentic recipes gathered from different landscapes of Nepal, from the Himalayas to the plains, while weaving food with stories of people, culture, and place. Through detailed narration, visual storytelling, and historical context, the book positions Nepali cuisine not just as food, but as living heritage. Authored by Bikram Vaidya, a Nepal-born professional chef who later moved overseas for formal culinary training and international exposure, the book reflects years of dedication, field research, and deep respect for Nepal’s food culture. Despite building a professional career abroad, Vaidya’s enduring passion for Nepali cuisine and identity remained central to his work—ultimately culminating in a globally acclaimed publication that celebrates Nepal from within its kitchens.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, founded in 1995, are regarded as the most influential and respected awards in food and drink publishing worldwide. Often described as the “Oscars of cookbooks,” the Gourmand Awards recognize excellence in culinary writing, research, and publishing across cultures and countries. Winning a Gourmand Award signifies international credibility, scholarly value, and cultural impact. For The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal to receive this honor underscores not only the quality of the book but also the growing global interest in Nepal’s culinary heritage. The recognition affirms that Nepali food culture has a strong voice on the world stage—one that is authentic, diverse, and worthy of global appreciation.

This achievement stands as a milestone for Nepal’s culinary movement and reinforces the importance of documenting, preserving, and promoting indigenous food knowledge through serious research and storytelling.