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Around the Table: 52 Essays on Food & Life
'These beautiful essays, inspired by a life of exploring other cultures through the rituals of cooking and eating - and thinking about cooking and eating - are manna for the hungry listener.' A Times Audiobook of the Year
'One of her finest books yet.' Bee Wilson, the Sunday Times
'Diana Henry's food writing is a gift...I so loved reading this book. It is poignant, funny, and just plain great.' Stanley Tucci
'Lyrical...radiant...timeless. A dazzling collection.' Nigel Slater
'Diana Henry is thrillingly alive to both the poetry and the practicalities of food, and reading her is a nourishing, resonant pleasure in itself.' Nigella Lawson
'It is completely wonderful, rich, lyrical, moving and incredibly hungry-making - I couldn't recommend it more highly. In fact I can think of few better books, in any genre, to curl up with as the nights draw in.' India Knight
'An all too rare blend of sensible and sensuous writing on food. Up there with Elizabeth David's An Omelette and a Glass of Wine, this book will last.' Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses
'The food writers' food writer' Mark Diacono
***
Diana Henry's gorgeous memoir-through-food is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.
'A table is where we eat and talk, where we connect...What and how we eat remains a source of constant fascination to me, as is how particular ingredients spread across the world. I want to make links and trace patterns. Food is about history, geography, our habits, imagination and how we relate to each other.' Diana Henry
For Diana's many admirers, her evocative writing about places, people and food brings just as much pleasure as her delicious recipes. Around the Table is a selection of some of Diana's very best essays, handpicked from more than two decades of her beloved cookbooks.
Moving, funny and incisive, together these pieces form a memoir through food.
'One of her finest books yet.' Bee Wilson, the Sunday Times
'Diana Henry's food writing is a gift...I so loved reading this book. It is poignant, funny, and just plain great.' Stanley Tucci
'Lyrical...radiant...timeless. A dazzling collection.' Nigel Slater
'Diana Henry is thrillingly alive to both the poetry and the practicalities of food, and reading her is a nourishing, resonant pleasure in itself.' Nigella Lawson
'It is completely wonderful, rich, lyrical, moving and incredibly hungry-making - I couldn't recommend it more highly. In fact I can think of few better books, in any genre, to curl up with as the nights draw in.' India Knight
'An all too rare blend of sensible and sensuous writing on food. Up there with Elizabeth David's An Omelette and a Glass of Wine, this book will last.' Louise Kennedy, author of Trespasses
'The food writers' food writer' Mark Diacono
***
Diana Henry's gorgeous memoir-through-food is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life.
'A table is where we eat and talk, where we connect...What and how we eat remains a source of constant fascination to me, as is how particular ingredients spread across the world. I want to make links and trace patterns. Food is about history, geography, our habits, imagination and how we relate to each other.' Diana Henry
For Diana's many admirers, her evocative writing about places, people and food brings just as much pleasure as her delicious recipes. Around the Table is a selection of some of Diana's very best essays, handpicked from more than two decades of her beloved cookbooks.
Moving, funny and incisive, together these pieces form a memoir through food.
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Published March 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 13, 2025
The blurb by Stanley Tucci, whom I adore, sold me on this book and I agree with his assessment. This is a lovely, gorgeously written, must-read for foodies! Will make you laugh, drool over the food descriptions, and cheer with gladness.
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December 6, 2025Diana Henry could probably make water sound delicious. The 52 Essays inspired me to get my cooking (and reading!) mojo back post-move, after two months of feeling like I needed just a few more days of settling in before I could take out the cast iron again. However, featuring the essay "From Russia with Love" Anno Domini 2025 is certainly a choice. Wonder if that was her or the editor.
December 10, 2025
They say you can’t be good at everything, but Diana Henry can cook AND write, so that’s pretty much as good as it gets.
October 26, 2025
A gift ☀️
October 9, 2025
To read Around the Table is to leave the American grocery store with its aisles of higlhy-processed food products behind and enter a world where plums harvested locally and roasted with pork; chutneys made by hand from recipes handed down through the generations; cranberry bogs in New England; and aromatic herbs and spices commonly used in Turkey and Morocco can delight one's senses and taste buds.. This book of 52 essays by Diana Henry covers her lifetime exploring and experiencing food in all its simple and fresh magnificence around the world.
Henry is the author of numerous acclaimed cookbooks. Remarkably, I wasn't familiar with the cookbooks she's written. However, her book of essays provided a sensory experience of food that is reminiscent of Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table. As I read Henry's Around the Table, I wondered: "Is this world she's describing still accessible?" How can I find and enjoy the freshness and delightful range of flavors she has described?"
Although the book does not include recipes, Henry provides a high-level overview of how certain foods are typically prepared or cooked, In these essays, the author focuses primarily on the experience of eating and enjoying foods from many cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, and, to a lesser extent, North America. As I'm able to explore new foods and new countries, I will likely return to this book to learn about regions of a particular country I may want to explore or dishes I may want to try. However, if I were never able to leave my own town, I would still want to savor this book from the comfort of my own couch. Reading Around the Table is a delightful and engaging sensory experience reminding all of us about the joy that fresh food and culinary experiences throughout the world can provide.
Henry is the author of numerous acclaimed cookbooks. Remarkably, I wasn't familiar with the cookbooks she's written. However, her book of essays provided a sensory experience of food that is reminiscent of Ruth Reichl's Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table. As I read Henry's Around the Table, I wondered: "Is this world she's describing still accessible?" How can I find and enjoy the freshness and delightful range of flavors she has described?"
Although the book does not include recipes, Henry provides a high-level overview of how certain foods are typically prepared or cooked, In these essays, the author focuses primarily on the experience of eating and enjoying foods from many cultures in Europe, Asia, Africa, and, to a lesser extent, North America. As I'm able to explore new foods and new countries, I will likely return to this book to learn about regions of a particular country I may want to explore or dishes I may want to try. However, if I were never able to leave my own town, I would still want to savor this book from the comfort of my own couch. Reading Around the Table is a delightful and engaging sensory experience reminding all of us about the joy that fresh food and culinary experiences throughout the world can provide.
October 30, 2025
This is one of those delightfully informative books that I love having around the house to just stop and dip into every now and then rather than reading it all in one go. Each chapter leaves you with a lovely little nugget of foodie information for you to either simply digest as it is or go away and try for yourself. One new staple food item in my fridge is now strained Greek yoghurt which seems to find it’s way into,or onto, nearly everything I consume in so many delicious combinations and it is so easy to make. Consequently my kitchen worktop seems to have a permanently dripping muslin bag hanging over a bowl on it, providing conversation and queries from everyone who visits.
One of the best things about the book is that it is not a collection of recipes, it is an introduction to the world of food and what is important in so many different countries along with its importance about its place in our lives. Food brings us together , sharing our love as well as our need of it, through generations of sitting together partaking of what has been lovingly prepared, often from simple beautiful ingredients that do not need much work to be enjoyed. For me there is nothing more satisfying at a mealtime than a small bowl of a single estate olive oil and a chunk, or two, of a crusty baguette.
Diana’s book focuses on these experiences and introduces you to many more that, if you are like me, you will go and try yourself and possibly find that you have more firm favourites in your fridge moving forwards.
Like good food this is a book not to be rushed but to be savoured slowly , chapter by chapter whilst it enriches your life.
One of the best things about the book is that it is not a collection of recipes, it is an introduction to the world of food and what is important in so many different countries along with its importance about its place in our lives. Food brings us together , sharing our love as well as our need of it, through generations of sitting together partaking of what has been lovingly prepared, often from simple beautiful ingredients that do not need much work to be enjoyed. For me there is nothing more satisfying at a mealtime than a small bowl of a single estate olive oil and a chunk, or two, of a crusty baguette.
Diana’s book focuses on these experiences and introduces you to many more that, if you are like me, you will go and try yourself and possibly find that you have more firm favourites in your fridge moving forwards.
Like good food this is a book not to be rushed but to be savoured slowly , chapter by chapter whilst it enriches your life.
November 3, 2025
I have been a fan of the authors cookery books and writing for many years and looked forward to reading this set of essays. 52 concise chapters with musings on pivotal and impactful food moments for the author. The essays are a joy to read and reinforce my belief that foods, smells, textures and setting bring memories into sharp focus, where a smell can transport you to a location and a taste to another time and place.
It is hard to choose a favourite amidst the many beautifully written chapters but Craving Salt resonated with me as to be honest there are times when I find myself eating a pinch of Maldon sea salt just for that salty tang. I also loved October is my favourite month, which it is for many reasons among the ones listed by the author, but also as my birth month and it brings a plethora of forageable bounty along with the scent of bonfires on the air.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book - let it open on a random page and read the chapter, it is your gateway to a less troubled world.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.
It is hard to choose a favourite amidst the many beautifully written chapters but Craving Salt resonated with me as to be honest there are times when I find myself eating a pinch of Maldon sea salt just for that salty tang. I also loved October is my favourite month, which it is for many reasons among the ones listed by the author, but also as my birth month and it brings a plethora of forageable bounty along with the scent of bonfires on the air.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book - let it open on a random page and read the chapter, it is your gateway to a less troubled world.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.
August 24, 2025
This book was everything I hoped it would be, and more.
A first time reader of Diana Henry, I quite quickly fell in love with not just her writing, but her attitude to life (and food!). As an avid fiction and non-fiction food reader, Food Essays are right up my alley and it did not disappoint. Essays on food can quickly become very dull - either too personal and hard to relate to, or too educational and it feels like you're back in school. This book has the balance just right, teaching us about the history of ingredients, local uses, Diana's experiences and great hints and tips on how to cook them (Without annoying recipe pages!). Not to mention perfect poetic descriptions leaving you craving just about every element of the book. Everything from herbs, to fruit, marmalades, potatoes and toast!
I'll have to go buy the actual book now because it is a must-have for the Food shelves!
[An eARC from NetGalley & Octopus Publishing - Thank you!]
A first time reader of Diana Henry, I quite quickly fell in love with not just her writing, but her attitude to life (and food!). As an avid fiction and non-fiction food reader, Food Essays are right up my alley and it did not disappoint. Essays on food can quickly become very dull - either too personal and hard to relate to, or too educational and it feels like you're back in school. This book has the balance just right, teaching us about the history of ingredients, local uses, Diana's experiences and great hints and tips on how to cook them (Without annoying recipe pages!). Not to mention perfect poetic descriptions leaving you craving just about every element of the book. Everything from herbs, to fruit, marmalades, potatoes and toast!
I'll have to go buy the actual book now because it is a must-have for the Food shelves!
[An eARC from NetGalley & Octopus Publishing - Thank you!]
October 14, 2025
I love to cook and personally can happily take a cookbook to bed and read it like it’s a novel! But for something extra special I can wholeheartedly recommend Around The Table, the most gorgeous collection of essays on food and life.
It’s a wonderful blend of personal reflections, a journey around the world, an exploration of the history of ingredients and the evolution of the culinary world, and even some cookery tips. With topics ranging from fruit and vegetables to maple syrup and even toast, from Russia to France and the US it really does cover the gamut of the food universe!
But what sets it apart is her beautiful writing style, evocative and often poetic. As a reader I found myself both informed and entertained - and often drooling over the most glorious descriptions of food. My best suggestion would be don’t read it hungry!
It’s a wonderful blend of personal reflections, a journey around the world, an exploration of the history of ingredients and the evolution of the culinary world, and even some cookery tips. With topics ranging from fruit and vegetables to maple syrup and even toast, from Russia to France and the US it really does cover the gamut of the food universe!
But what sets it apart is her beautiful writing style, evocative and often poetic. As a reader I found myself both informed and entertained - and often drooling over the most glorious descriptions of food. My best suggestion would be don’t read it hungry!
October 21, 2025
First of all, what a good idea, collecting all of Henry’s cookbook essays in one place! Those are frequently my favorite part. And given Henry’s vibrant enthusiasm for food and cooking, there’s a really good chance I’ll be picking up at least some of her cookbooks. (There are so many, *sob*. RIP my shelf space.)
For me at least, one of the elements of really good food writing is a bit of poetry and romance in one’s prose. Not so much that it no longer has anything to do with reality, but enough to transport the reader. And Henry’s writing has that in spades, with a seep sensuality and a sense of wonder she never loses through her years of cooking and publishing. I devoured her pages.
And that gets you five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing US for the free ARC. All opinions within are my own.
For me at least, one of the elements of really good food writing is a bit of poetry and romance in one’s prose. Not so much that it no longer has anything to do with reality, but enough to transport the reader. And Henry’s writing has that in spades, with a seep sensuality and a sense of wonder she never loses through her years of cooking and publishing. I devoured her pages.
And that gets you five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing US for the free ARC. All opinions within are my own.
November 10, 2025
Around the Table is a book to savor. Diana Henry has taken essays that accompany recipes in her cookbooks and compiled them into one book, without the recipes. The gorgeous prose remind me of the writings of MFK Fisher.
Like courses in a good meal, each essay is best tasted by chewing slowly and thoughtfully, reflecting on the thoughts and words within. Leave the book in the kitchen near the chair where you sip your morning coffee or wait for the pasta water to boil, then escape for a few moments to explore a different country or consider a single ingredient. Around the Table would be a wonderful gift for a host or hostess or anyone who enjoys beautiful food writing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for sharing and ARC in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
Like courses in a good meal, each essay is best tasted by chewing slowly and thoughtfully, reflecting on the thoughts and words within. Leave the book in the kitchen near the chair where you sip your morning coffee or wait for the pasta water to boil, then escape for a few moments to explore a different country or consider a single ingredient. Around the Table would be a wonderful gift for a host or hostess or anyone who enjoys beautiful food writing.
Thanks to NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for sharing and ARC in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
August 11, 2025
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **
I love Diana Henry. Her latest is as inviting as its title suggests, though if you're in need of recipes, turn away -- this one book is a collection of her gorgeously written essays and personal reflections. Her writing is just so beautiful. I found myself bookmarking page after page, drawn to her balance of comfort and elegance. It's a joy to see so many of her essays collected here. If you're of a certain age (as I am), it's a time travel experience (and fun!) to trace what's changed and what's stayed the same in the food world.
I love Diana Henry. Her latest is as inviting as its title suggests, though if you're in need of recipes, turn away -- this one book is a collection of her gorgeously written essays and personal reflections. Her writing is just so beautiful. I found myself bookmarking page after page, drawn to her balance of comfort and elegance. It's a joy to see so many of her essays collected here. If you're of a certain age (as I am), it's a time travel experience (and fun!) to trace what's changed and what's stayed the same in the food world.
August 28, 2025
This was an absolutely incredible collection of essays about food and life. This was my first time reading anything by Diana Henry and I was not disappointed. Reading about her experiences through food and learning new pockets of information as I continued was truly a great time. The writing style in this kept me flying through each essay.
I was skeptical before I started this that I would get bored, but that couldn’t be more far from the truth. As a foodie myself, this truly fueled my love for the art of food and how it is so much more than just a meal. I need all foodies to pick this up. I appreciated every essay.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this arc!
I was skeptical before I started this that I would get bored, but that couldn’t be more far from the truth. As a foodie myself, this truly fueled my love for the art of food and how it is so much more than just a meal. I need all foodies to pick this up. I appreciated every essay.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this arc!
October 13, 2025
Diana Henry’s Around the Table is more than a cookbook, it’s a memoir through flavors. Across 52 essays, she blends personal anecdotes, historical tidbits, and sensory explorations that bring each dish to life. From the sticky dates and ripe figs of Middle Eastern markets to the delicate glass phials of flower essences, the book transports readers to kitchens and tables around the world. Every essay is a celebration of culture, memory, and the simple joy of sharing a meal. Whether it’s fritti arancini in Italy or honey-sweetened rice from Bahrain to accompany lamb, Henry’s writing makes you taste, see, and feel every bite.
October 25, 2025
I have several Diana Henry cookbooks whose pages are dogeared with use. But its easy to forget that she isn't only a great recipe developer, but her writing is superb. Her descriptions of her travels and the food she tasted leave me hungry to not only eat, but to slip into the kitchen and cook.
I'll be honest, I wanted recipes from this book, but I'm plenty happy with evocative food writing.
I'll be honest, I wanted recipes from this book, but I'm plenty happy with evocative food writing.
November 6, 2025
I listened to the audiobook as I love the lilt in Ms Henry’s voice. But she has so many delicious recommendations that now I have to buy a hard copy so I can make some of her simple ideas from this book!
Warning: do not read while hungry. Her words make everything - even things you don’t think you like - sound wonderful.
Warning: do not read while hungry. Her words make everything - even things you don’t think you like - sound wonderful.
December 30, 2025
My last book of food related writing in 2025, and I feel like I saved the best for last. Some of these essays are some of the finest food writing I have read. And trust me, I've read a lot in last 2 years. Just pick this up, and randomly read something that catches your fancy. It'll be worth your time, if food is something that fascinates you.
August 28, 2025
‘Around the Table’ by Diana Henry is a a beautiful collection of essays on food and life. Reading it has been an absolute honor and joy.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.
November 24, 2025
Another enjoyable book. The essays feel like the openings to chapters in recipe books, but that does not detract from the quality of the writing.
Its a book that will be dipped into many times I feel.
Its a book that will be dipped into many times I feel.
November 25, 2025
The most sumptuous morsels of food writing and the food writing that I love the best. Completely aspirational, deeply middle-class in their approach to the world, and making for delightful escapism as I read it.
December 13, 2025
Some essays are genuinely lovely and interesting, unique and insightful perspectives on specific places and food; others are just lists of how a specific food is served round the world, which is much less joyful to read.
November 15, 2025
The worlds were a lyrical piece of magic, mouth watering delicious bites of information and storytelling. This is food writing and more importantly descriptions done right
November 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I would have loved if there were recipes however understand this was a different direction for the author in writing essays about food and the stories that surround it.
December 4, 2025
apesar de não ser um conjunto de testes inéditos, mas sim uma coletânea de textos dos livros de receitas já publicados, adorei e não conseguia parar de ler
December 30, 2025
An excellent mouth-watering collection of food essays
January 2, 2026
what a lovely happy book about simple pleasures so nice to read about how nice a slice of toast is made me feel quite grounded wanted to do 3.5 stars but GR won't let me unless im being a boomer
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January 11, 2026After I read this I started adding a little bit of fresh herbs to my food and it’s a game changer
December 31, 2025
Are the people who rate this book highly just huge Diana Henry fans? This book feels like reading someone’s twitter feed - barely thought through, top of mind musings, with the occasional interesting insight or beautifully worded phrase
October 16, 2025
As an overweight middle aged woman who loves her food - maybe just a little too much - I knew I was going to fall in love with Henry's book.
Her descriptions of the places she's visited, their history and the dishes are rich, sumptuous and easy to visualise in all their glory.
Fifty two essays and a tasty trip around the world all wrapped up in one glorious book.
It had me drooling and deliberating on which foods best paired with the book. Those hunger pangs were real.
Her descriptions of the places she's visited, their history and the dishes are rich, sumptuous and easy to visualise in all their glory.
Fifty two essays and a tasty trip around the world all wrapped up in one glorious book.
It had me drooling and deliberating on which foods best paired with the book. Those hunger pangs were real.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews