Garden Exotica: International Plant-Based Fusion Cuisine

Biographical Note:

Babita Shrestha, acclaimed author of Plant-Based Himalaya and visionary behind Vegan Nepal, is a true culinary artist. Her unique philosophy blends traditional Nepali roots, expansive global experiences, and a fine arts background, transforming her garden's bounty into innovative, plant-based dishes that delight the palate. Through Garden Exotica, she shares her profound passion for sustainability and cultural exploration, nourishing her family and friends in Lexington, Kentucky, and Nepal.

"Garden Exotica is a treasury of culinary delights, with recipes that are wonderfully healthful, beautiful, and delicious."--Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, president and founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

"Babita offers a delicious and inspiring culinary journey to create joyous meals with ease--I can't wait to enjoy diverse, nourishing flavors in this beautiful book."--Ozlem Warren, award-winning Turkish food writer and author of SEBZE and Özlem's Turkish Table

"In Garden Exotica, Babita Shrestha presents a lovely collection of recipes reflective of how plant-based cuisine has evolved deliciously over time and across continents."--Sheil Shukla, author of Plant-Based India

"Garden Exotica took my taste buds to new places. Using sesame and tomato together--a revelation! Babita's recipes are easy to understand and highly creative. She shows how adding a few items to your spice pantry can really transform traditional garden ingredients. The recipes for mint chutney and biwaz or parsley onion salad are two perfect examples of simple but utterly delicious. Her take on black-eyed pea salad is cool and refreshing. I know of no other book where you can find a great tom yum recipe side by side with the Tibetan thukpaa cozy nourishing noodle soup. My favorite section, though, may be the parathas, which Babita has made for me. You won't be able to stop eating them! The recipes are vegan but will appeal to everyone, encouraging us all in a plant based diet that is good for our health, for our tastebuds, and for the planet."--Ouita Michel, chef, restauranteur, and author of Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from Our Favorite Places

"Cooking with love and plants creates magic on the plate. This cookbook reflects the heart of a passionate cook and the richness of vegan flavors from Nepal. A true gift for anyone who loves good food."--Santosh Shah, chef and author of Ayla