East to East : Recipes and Stories from Mumbai to New York

A joyful celebration of the immigrant experience told through the universal language of food. Brimming with raw, beautiful storytelling and 101 Indian-inspired recipes that draw on a global pantry and burst with flavor, this immersive cookbook will fill your heart and table.

East to East is more than a collection of recipes. It’s a reclamation, a love letter, and a sharp meditation on what it means to build a life between cultures. Rachel’s food feels grounded in tradition yet alive in the present, inviting us to cook with curiosity, care, and a great deal of pride."—Andy Baraghani, New York Times bestselling author of The Cook You Want to Be

Mumbai-raised, New York City–based chef Rachel Gurjar shares the triumphs, hardships, and delicious discoveries that come from leaving your home and navigating a foreign country. Through inventive dishes that seamlessly blend the foods of her childhood and travels with beloved American staples, Gurjar’s cooking showcases the tantalizing possibilities that arise when cultures collide. Recipes for dishes ranging from condiments, snacks, and breads to entrees, drinks, and desserts include:

• Salmon Red Kari
• Paneer with Sungold Tomatoes and Basil
• Chicken Kebab Caesar Salad
• Shrimp Biryani with Pineapple Raita
• Spicy Butter Masala Pasta
• Dirty Chai Espresso Martinis
• Cardamom Sticky Toffee Cake

Stunning photography enlivens these recipes and transports you to the streets and stoops of New York City and the beaches and markets of Mumbai. Written with honesty, passion, and vulnerability, East to East is both a tribute to the immigrant experience with all its highs and lows and a universal tale of resilience, courage, and identity. With this sumptuous guide, Rachel’s food—creative, balanced, complex-tasting, and always appealing—comes to your kitchen.