Illustrated Online Cookbook Features Over 6,600 International Recipes for Free

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Holy Moley Guacamole by Devon Bragg

Struggling with what to make for dinner tonight? They Draw & Cook (TDAC) will help you decide while delighting you with dazzling artwork. As the name implies, this website is a massive treasure trove of over 6,600 tasty dishes, desserts, and cocktails from around the world—all completely drawn, painted, or collaged. It’s a fun twist on the traditional recipe card. Rather than simply listing the ingredients and instructions, artists create an entire image that features a colorful, artful representation of the final delicious product. Often, there’s a story told through these illustrated recipes.

TDAC got its start in 2010, and like many great things, it was created by chance. Nate Padavick and Salli S. Swindell, a brother/sister design and illustration team called Studio SSS, thought of the idea while on vacation. Nate was trying to cook a dish—fettuccine with figs in balsamic butter sauce—as Salli was painting a picture of the figs. They then realized “how fun it was to illustrate food,”came up with the idea to create a small recipe book. Though the initial book was never produced, they did put their work on the blog. Word quickly spread, and TDAC now contains an impressive collection of illustrated recipes from professionals and enthusiasts around the globe.

Padavick and Swindell eventually got their illustrated recipe book after all. TDAC has spawned a collection of cookbooks that you can enjoy offline. Their first installment, They Draw and Cook: 107 Recipes Illustrated by Artist from Around the World has sold more than 15,000 copies.

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Bloody Mary by Tracy Loughlin

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Frida's Feisty Salsa Fresca by Annelein Beukenkamp

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Pesmol Mackerels by Evelline Andrya

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Cannoli by Tim Soekkha

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Croque Monsieur by Rebecca Bradley

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Seafood Pasta by Christina Bauer

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Tempura Squid by Paulina Wyrt

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Rzepecki Cheese Buns by deerynoise

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Mashed Potato Mountain by Nate Padavick

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Jams and Chutneys A-Z by Mel Chadwick

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Chocolate Carrot Cake for Nate by Salli S. Swindell

Collection of Illustrated Recipes from Artists Around the World

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup by Sharon Montgomery

They Draw & Cook: Website | Instagram | Facebook

All images via They Draw & Cook.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content