Is This a Cookbook? by Heston Blumenthal

Chef Spotlight: Heston Blumenthal & the Curious Case of Carbonara

When you hear the name Heston Blumenthal, you might picture multi-sensory dining, liquid nitrogen, or a mad scientist in chef whites. But in his book Is This a Cookbook?, Heston steps into a more intimate role: a culinary guide encouraging us to think, question, and truly understand what we’re doing in the kitchen.

This isn’t a book of complicated gastronomy—it’s a book about curiosity. About how cooking connects to memory, emotion, and even the gut-brain axis. Heston blends science and storytelling with beautifully illustrated pages and recipes that not only work, but make you feel like you’re growing with each dish.

To launch this new series on Culinary Discovery, I’m cooking one of his most deceptively simple recipes: Spaghetti Carbonara. No cream, no shortcuts—just eggs, cheese, guanciale, and technique. In true Heson fashion, this classic pasta becomes a masterclass in timing, balance, and the science of sensation.

If you’ve ever wanted to cook with more confidence and clarity—not just follow steps, but understand the “why”—this book is for you.