Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking-125 Recipes from the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Ocean Islands BY Von Diaz

Islas is an intimate and vibrant exploration of tropical island cooking by celebrated food writer and documentary producer Von Diaz. This narrative cookbook offers 125 recipes that capture the bold flavors and rich culinary traditions of islands across the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. Through these dishes, Diaz uplifts the shared ancestral techniques of marinating, pickling, fermenting, braising, frying, grilling, smoking, and more, each a testament to the resilience and creativity of island communities.

The cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a deep dive into the cultural and historical context behind each dish. Diaz shares stories from islanders, provides detailed profiles of traditional cooking methods, and offers step-by-step guides for recreating these flavors at home. Recipes like Coco Bread from Jamaica, Arroz con Jueyes (Stewed Crab Rice) from Puerto Rico, Masikita (Papaya-Marinated Beef Skewers) from Madagascar, Bebek Betutu (Roasted Duck in Banana Leaf) from Indonesia, and Lechon Kawali (Crispy Fried Pork Belly) from the Philippines showcase the harmonious and synchronous spirit of island cuisines, despite their geographic and cultural differences.

With bright citrus, verdant herbs, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, and earthy root vegetables, these dishes embody the soul-nourishing, flavorful cooking that persists even in the face of environmental chaos and food insecurity. Islas is a celebration of the wisdom, values, and resilience of island communities, with each recipe serving as an archive of strategies for persistence, creativity, and ingenuity.

Perfect for foodies, cookbook collectors, and anyone interested in AAPI and global cuisines, Islas is both an educational resource and a beautiful homage to underrepresented foodways. With detailed recipes, full-color photographs, and insights from a leading voice in food research, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone passionate about sustainable cooking and cultural exploration.