The 25 best food memoirs of all time

Grub Street "factored in a book's originality, lasting appeal, influence on the genre, and — most important — how enjoyable it is to read" to come up with the top 25 food memoirs of all time.

One title to make the grade:

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

Almost fourteen years after its initial publication, Anthony Bourdain's memoir of cooking in New York's underbelly retains its cult following among food-industry personnel for its raw storytelling and sharp words. Somewhat perversely, the mixed shadiness and dubious glory related therein still compels people to seek out line-cooking jobs. "Nobody has done a better job — and will never — of writing both the freaking National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance of line cooks everywhere in the universe, than Tony Bourdain," says chef and author Gabrielle Hamilton. "I've read Kitchen Confidential half a dozen times and still stand up and place my hand over my heart every time."

Read about another book on the list.

Kitchen Confidential is among the Guardian's top ten food books of the last decade, David Kamp's six books notable for their food prose, Trevor White's ten notable books about dining, and Laura Lippman's top ten memorable memoirs.

--Marshal Zeringue