Australians have come a long way as a gustatory nation. No longer are dinner plates confined to the simplicity of a meat-and-two-veg meal, or a snag-in-white-bread BBQ. Instead, we're embracing the multicultural landscape and the abundance of access to fresh food to carve out our own niche in the culinary world. Whether through the pioneering books of Donna Hay or Bill Granger, or the new-age gems of Joel Bennetts, Ellie Boudhana and Ella Mittas – these are the tried and tested 11 best Australian cookbooks we think you should have on your shelf.

1. Ellie's Table by Ellie Boudhana

If you're a foodie in Australia in 2024 then you likely know the name Ellie Boudhana. The Melbourne-based ex-chef at Collingwood Yards wine bar Hope Street Radio is famed for her focaccia, zingy pasta dishes and intuitive approach to cooking. Her debut, released earlier this year, has quickly become a favourite in my home, perfectly drawing upon Mediterranean flavours and her Jewish heritage.

2.  Australian Food by Bill Granger

An icon and a legend. Bill Granger stoked the fires of the great Australian breakfast and this tome is an ode to those dishes – joyful, casual fare.

3. Lune: Croissants All Day, All Night by Kate Reid

Melbourne scientist-turned-baker Kate Reid takes the humble croissant to new heights through her Lune Bakeries across the country. Here, she decants the secrets to her scientifically perfect delights.

4. The Broadsheet Melbourne Cookbook: The New Classics by Broadsheet

New from the Broadsheet team is their round up of 'The New Classics' in Melbourne – a collection of recipes from the city's best contemporary offerings, like Tedesca Osteria, Gimlet and more.

5. Everything I Love to Cook by Neil Perry

Another icon of Australian cooking, Neil Perry is something of a national treasure these days, and his latest is akin to an Australian culinary bible.

6. Ela! Ela!: To Turkey and Greece, a journey home through food by Ella Mittas

Cook and food writer Ella Mittas shares stories and recipes from her travels across the mountains of Crete to the streets of Istanbul.

7. Basics to Brilliance by Donna Hay

Where Americans have Martha Stewart, Australian women turn in droves to Donna Hay. There isn't a countertop in any house across the country that hasn't been graced by one of her many publications over the years, but this is a personal favourite.

8. Food by Joel Bennetts

Sydney chef Joel Bennetts imparts his passion for produce, travel, photography and the uncommon in his self-published chef's guide.

9. Good Cooking Every Day by Julia Busuttil Nishimura

Another Aussie chef with a few books under her belt is Julia Busuttil Nishimura (FKA Ostro), whose fusion of East and West is as inspiringly original as it is delicious.

10. Vegan Italian Food by Shannon Martinez

Vegans across the country make their pilgrimage to Melbourne's Smith & Daughters in anticipation of chef, Shannon Martinez's fares. Here, she dedicates over 100 recipes to the art of vegan Italian cooking.

11. Beatrix Bakes Another Slice by Natalie Paull

Paull takes you inside the heart of her beloved Melbourne bakery, sharing more of her signature inventive recipes and expert baking wisdom. With a playful spirit and a focus on bold flavoUrs, this book is a deliciously creative guide to elevating your home baking game.