Bene Appetit: The Cuisine of Indian Jews

by Esther David

The Jewish community in India comprises a tiny but important part of the population. There are around five thousand Jews and five Jewish communities in India, but they are fast diminishing in number. Intrigued by the common thread that binds the Indian Jews as a whole despite their living in different parts of the country, Esther David explores the lifestyle and cuisine of the Jews in every region, from the Bene Israelis of western India to the Bene Menashes of the Northeast, the Bene Ephraims of Andhra Pradesh, the Baghdadi Jews of Kolkata and the Kochi Jews. She discovers that while they all follow the strict Jewish dietary laws, they have also adapted to the local cuisine. Some have even turned vegetarian! Extensively researched, with heartwarming anecdotes and mouthwatering recipes, Bene Appetit offers a holistic portrait of a little-known community.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, India, Judaism, Food History, Cooking

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2021

Reviews

[Marcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a bit disappointing. On the one hand, I wanted to get a sense of what makes Indian Jewish food unique. On the other hand, I wanted to hear about the nuances that David explores as she traveled to each part of the country. The problem is the book is broken down into chapters based on each Jewish community - Andrha, Baghdadi, Bene, etc. - and that leads to far too much repetition. As she narrates how each community celebrates a festival, for example, there doesn't really seem to be too much that differs so it's repetitive. I also think that the writing is not her best.

[Joel Haber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is something of a mixed bag. I have read a number of books about (or including sections about) Indian Jewish cuisine. While this one does a wonderful job of covering breadth, by looking at the many different, separate communities' food (including the lesser known groups seen as currently "Judaizing" -- becoming or reconnecting with Judaism, depending on whom you ask), a lot is left to be desired in the details. Many facts about Judaism and Jewish practice itself are vague or inaccurate, and the collected recipes and experiences seem somewhat haphazzard and random. I congratulate David on her tremendous amount of obvious effort and work, but even more visits and/or stronger editing would have made this a better book. As published, it seems like it came out before it was fully ready for release. All that being said, it is still a worthwhile and valuable book!

[Beth E · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history was interesting. I hoped that more recipes would be included.