Mad Flavor - by Devan Rajkumar (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From Guyanese-Canadian chef, media personality and author Devan Rajkumar, aka "Chef Dev," comes Mad Flavor, the highly anticipated follow-up to his bestselling cookbook, Mad Love. Inspired by his culinary journeys to over a dozen countries, this dynamic collection features more than 100 soul-satisfying recipes that reflect the universal language of a shared meal.

These are recipes inspired by dishes Dev has savored here, there and everywhere: Mango Sticky Rice in Bangkok; Chicken Karahi in Lahore; Jerk Oxtail in Jamaica; and Spinach and Paneer Momos prepared for a pop-up in Kathmandu. Adapted for the home kitchen, these street eats, restaurant-style favourites, and comfort foods use everyday ingredients and straightforward instructions to deliver Chef Dev's big, signature flavors.

Features:

• More than 100 globally inspired recipes, from Korean Fried Chicken to Guyanese Duck Curry to Basque Burnt Cheesecake

• Organized by how we crave and enjoy food: sections include "Crisp and Golden," "Warm and Slow," and "Spicy and Bold"
• Step-by-step guidance provided for foundational techniques, such as folding and pleating dumplings, helping to empower home cooks of every skill level
• Recipe symbols indicate dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free), quick-prep recipes, ways to intensify or soften a dish -- and even an icon to signal when a recipe tastes even better the next day!
• "Build the Bite" feature helps readers to construct a lively and balanced plate
• A full Essentials chapter, packed with crispy topping, pickles, dressings, hot sauces and finishing oils to level up any meal

Review Quotes

"Chef Dev presents treasured recipes from his journeys around the globe--recipes that formed the memory bonds he shares with the people he cooked for and alongside. Along with helpful kitchen tips, some learned only in someone else's kitchen, Devan shows how the quest for new culinary discoveries connects us as citizens of the world."
--Nina Compton, James Beard-award winning chef, owner of Compère Lapin, and author of Kwéyòl / Creole

"Chef Devan brings a world of influences to the table with a genuine respect for the traditions, people, and experiences behind every dish. This is a cookbook driven by curiosity, generosity, and a deep love for food--a reminder that the best cooking doesn't need borders, only soul."
--Vish Mayekar, executive chef and co-owner at ELEM and 2026 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award winner

"Devan Rajkumar once walked me into Hong Shing in Toronto, and within minutes I understood his whole philosophy: great food comes with a story, and great cooks know whose story it is. Mad Flavor is that same generosity on the page, a book that treats every dumpling, curry, and noodle as an introduction to the people who made it first."
--Jaeki Cho, founder of Righteous Eats

"A collection of worldly recipes that are bold, fun, soulful, and full of flavor. This book deserves to be a staple in your kitchen."
--Aarthi Sampath, chef, consultant and media personality

"Devan's passion for food, culture and bringing people together is infectious, and this book captures that beautifully."
--Dwight Smith, Red Seal chef and content creator

"Chef Dev cooks the way the best home cooks do: with generosity and memory. In Mad Flavor, he honors them all--the grandmothers, street vendors, and strangers who fed him from Lima to Kathmandu--and turns their lessons into food that's honest and delicious."
--Vijay Kumar, chef and co-owner at Semma

"Chef Dev's passion for food and people is infectious--he cooks with his heart. A must-have for any home cook who loves adventure, travel, culture, and most importantly, flavor."
--Andy Hay, chef at Harvest Clean Eats and Food Network host