Recipes for the Soul: 11 of the Best Books like Crying in H Mart

After being deeply moved by Michelle Zauner’s touching memoir, “Crying in H Mart,” you might be eager to embark on another emotional literary journey that delves into the themes of cultural heritage, family bonds, and self-discovery. If that’s the case, you’re in for a treat because this article is your passport to a world of books that beautifully echo the heart and soul of “Crying in H Mart.” These books aren’t just stories; they’re experiences waiting to be shared.

Whether you’re eager to understand the immigrant experience, yearning for heartfelt stories of family connection, or simply in search of narratives that tug at your heartstrings, we’ve handpicked a selection of diverse books like Crying in H Mart that will carry you away on a memorable voyage, reminding you of the enduring power of storytelling. So, let’s dive into this treasure trove of books that speak to the universal themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and discover your next literary adventure.

Books Like Crying in H Mart

Pachinko (2017)

by Min Jin Lee

Set primarily in Korea and Japan, the story revolves around the lives of a Korean family, beginning in the early 20th century and continuing through to the late 1980s. At its core, the novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of historical and cultural forces.

The novel begins with Sunja, a young Korean woman, who becomes pregnant by a wealthy and married Japanese man. However, she marries a young minister, Isak, and moves to Japan. The story follows Sunja, her descendants, and those they encounter as they navigate the challenges of living as Koreans in Japan, facing discrimination and limited opportunities. The family becomes deeply entrenched in the pachinko business, a form of gambling, as they strive to secure a better future for themselves and future generations.

Across the decades, ‘Pachinko,’ like ‘Crying in H Mart,’ delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of characters whose lives are shaped by war, colonialism, family bonds, and cultural identity. The novel paints a rich tapestry of emotions, sacrifices, and choices as the characters grapple with their heritage and the evolving world around them.

The School of Essential Ingredients (2009)

by Erica Bauermeister

This heartwarming novel revolves around a cooking class and its diverse participants. Lillian, a talented chef, holds the classes in her restaurant, where she imparts not just culinary skills but also life lessons. As the students gather each Monday evening, their lives unfold, revealing their struggles, desires, and personal histories.

Through the art of cooking, the characters find healing, connection, and personal growth. Lillian herself harbors a deep past, and as she teaches, she learns to reconcile with her own life’s complexities. The novel weaves together the stories of the students, exploring themes of love, loss, friendship, and the profound impact of food on memory and emotions.

Set against a backdrop of mouthwatering dishes and aromatic ingredients, the book celebrates the power of food to bring people together, offering solace and transformation. It beautifully captures the interplay between flavors, emotions, and life experiences, illustrating how cooking can be a metaphor for embracing the richness of life itself.

Like Water for Chocolate (1989)

by Laura Esquivel

Set in Mexico during the early 20th century. The story revolves around Tita, a young woman whose emotions and culinary skills are deeply intertwined. Tita is forbidden to marry due to a family tradition that requires her to care for her mother until her death. Despite her feelings for Pedro, Tita’s love is thwarted as he marries her sister to remain close to her.

Through her cooking, Tita channels her emotions, infusing her dishes with powerful feelings that affect those who consume them. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of love, passion, and magical realism, as the intense flavors of Tita’s food mirror the emotional upheavals of her life.

The novel explores themes of love, desire, tradition, and women’s roles in society. As Tita’s family grapples with their own desires and struggles, her journey becomes a metaphor for liberation and self-discovery. The story blends Mexican cultural elements, family dynamics, and magical elements to create a unique and enchanting narrative that resonates with readers, and like ‘Crying in H Mart,’ emphasizing the connection between food, emotions, and the human experience.

Tender at the Bone (1998)

by Ruth Reichl

This memoir by Ruth Reichl details her experiences with food and life. The book chronicles Reichl’s unconventional upbringing and her lifelong relationship with food. Growing up in a dysfunctional family, she finds solace and creativity in the kitchen, where she discovers her passion for cooking.

The narrative takes readers through Reichl’s various culinary adventures, from her childhood experiments to her adult experiences working in restaurants and attending cooking school. Alongside the anecdotes about food, the book also touches on her family’s struggles, her mother’s illness, and her evolving relationship with her parents.

Reichl’s writing captures the sensory pleasures of food while intertwining them with personal stories of resilience and growth. She shares humorous and touching moments, showcasing how food connects people, shapes memories, and reflects the complexities of life. The memoir emphasizes the transformative power of cooking, not only as a means of nourishment but also as a way to express love, heal wounds, and forge connections with others.

Like ‘Crying in H-Mart,’ ‘Tender at the Bone’ is a heartfelt and engaging memoir that blends culinary tales with poignant life experiences, offering readers a taste of the author’s unique journey through both food and personal history.

Stealing Buddha’s Dinner (2007)

by Bich Minh Nguyen

This memoir explores themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and the complexities of growing up as a Vietnamese-American immigrant. The story revolves around the author’s experiences as a young girl named Bich in the 1980s and 1990s in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Bich navigates the challenges of fitting in while grappling with her Vietnamese heritage and American surroundings. She is drawn to American pop culture and foods, particularly those featured in TV commercials and popular among her schoolmates. However, her family’s traditional Vietnamese meals and customs clash with her desire to conform to American norms.

As she reflects on her upbringing, Bich sheds light on her relationships with her family members, especially her grandmother, who holds on to their Vietnamese traditions. The narrative unravels the tension between Bich’s longing for acceptance among her American peers and her familial ties to her cultural heritage.

‘Stealing Buddha’s Dinner’ also underscores how food acts as a metaphor for belonging and identity. Bich uses her fascination with American foods as a way to connect with her new surroundings, even as she becomes more aware of the complexities of cultural integration.

Born a Crime (2016)

by Trevor Noah

The book provides a compelling account of Noah’s upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa. Born to a black mother and a white father, Noah’s very existence was considered a crime under the racial laws of the time. The memoir vividly portrays the challenges he faced as a mixed-race child, navigating a world marked by racial segregation, poverty, and political turmoil.

Noah shares poignant and often humorous anecdotes from his childhood, depicting his experiences with a sharp wit and insightful perspective. He delves into the complexities of identity, discussing how his heritage shaped his sense of self and his ability to relate to others. The book not only offers a personal glimpse into Noah’s life but also provides a broader commentary on racism, discrimination, and the power of humor to transcend social barriers.

Through his storytelling, Noah highlights his mother’s resilience and sacrifices, which played a significant role in shaping his character. The memoir is a tribute to his mother’s strength and the indomitable spirit of individuals who persist in the face of adversity.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold (2016)

by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This is a touching and poignant novella that revolves around a small Tokyo café with a magical twist. The café offers its customers the chance to travel back in time, but with a unique limitation: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold

The story follows the lives of various customers who visit the café seeking resolution, closure, or understanding. Through their interactions, the book delves into themes of regret, love, and the fleeting nature of time. Each character’s journey reveals their personal struggles and desires, often focusing on the relationships they wish they could mend or the words they wish they could express.

The café’s enigmatic rules and the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences contribute to the narrative’s depth. As the coffee cools and time runs out, the characters find solace, forgiveness, and moments of healing. Kawaguchi’s evocative writing captures the bittersweet essence of missed opportunities and the power of human connection.

The Gastronomical Me (1943)

by M.F.K. Fisher

This memoir intertwines the author’s personal life with her culinary experiences. Through a collection of essays, Fisher chronicles her life’s journey, using food as a lens to reflect on moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery. The book takes readers on a gastronomic tour of Fisher’s life, from her upbringing in California to her travels in Europe.

Fisher’s vivid prose captures the sensory delights of various meals, dishes, and ingredients, while also revealing the emotional and cultural significance behind them. The memoir showcases her evolving relationship with food, how it connects her to people and places, and how it serves as a marker for significant events in her life. The narrative delves into her marriages, friendships, and personal losses, all of which are intertwined with the meals she shared with loved ones.

“The Gastronomical Me” goes beyond a mere cookbook or travelogue, offering a deeper exploration of human connections, desires, and the role of food in shaping our experiences.

A Cook’s Tour (2001)

by Anthony Bourdain

‘A Cook’s Tour’ is a travel and culinary memoir by renowned chef Anthony Bourdain. The book chronicles Bourdain’s adventurous journey across the globe as he explores different cultures through their food. With his signature irreverence and candid storytelling, Bourdain takes readers on a culinary expedition that goes beyond just the food itself.

As he visits various countries, from Vietnam to Morocco to Russia, Bourdain delves into the local cuisines, traditions, and people he encounters. He seeks out authentic dining experiences, often venturing into street food stalls and family-run eateries, offering readers a raw and unfiltered look at the world’s diverse culinary landscape. The book captures not only the flavors of each destination but also the stories behind the dishes and the people who prepare them.

Interwoven with his culinary escapades are Bourdain’s reflections on culture, politics, and the human experience. He engages with the complexities of each region he visits, sharing his observations and opinions in his distinct voice.

‘A Cook’s Tour’ is more than a collection of travel and food anecdotes; it’s a reflection on the interconnectedness of people, food, and culture.

I’m the One That I Want (2001)

by Margaret Cho

The book chronicles Cho’s journey in the entertainment industry, shedding light on her struggles with body image, identity, and self-acceptance. Through candid anecdotes, Cho humorously navigates her experiences as an Asian-American woman in a predominantly white and male industry. She discusses her battles with eating disorders, her relationships, and the challenges she faced while trying to conform to societal standards.

The title is a play on the song “You’re the One That I Want” from the musical “Grease,” reflecting Cho’s journey to find her true self and embrace her own desires and aspirations. The memoir is a blend of Cho’s sharp wit, personal reflections, and social commentary, offering a raw and unfiltered look into her life and the entertainment industry’s complexities.

If you liked reading ‘Crying in H Mart,’ this one is a must-read for you.

Minor Feelings (2020)

by Cathy Park Hong

‘Minor Feelings’ is a compelling essay collection that delves into the nuanced experiences of Asian Americans. Hong explores the concept of “minor feelings,” a term she coined to describe the complex range of emotions – including frustration, ambivalence, and invisibility – that arise from the intersection of racial identity, history, and cultural perceptions.

The book delves into various aspects of Asian American life, such as the stereotype of the “model minority,” the erasure of Asian voices, and the struggles against systemic racism. Through personal anecdotes, cultural critique, and historical context, Hong challenges the mainstream narrative and calls for a deeper understanding of the Asian American experience.

By examining the collective memory and individual stories, ‘Minor Feelings’ sheds light on the complexities of identity, belonging, and the ongoing quest for social justice, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the often-overlooked emotional landscape of Asian Americans.

Conclusion to Books like Crying in H Mart

And that concludes the list for books like Crying in H Mart!

These literary gems, each with their unique flavor and resonance, promise to take you on an unforgettable journey through the written word. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience, a heartfelt exploration of family ties, or a profound connection to your own cultural roots, these books like Crying in H Mart offer a diverse and rich tapestry of stories that will touch your heart and linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page.

Happy Reading!