While it certainly helps, you needn’t be a fan of Bollywood films to appreciate “The Bollywood Cookbook,” by Bulbul Mankani.

The book is jammed with movie posters and bios and other tidbits about the notables of India’s film industry, according to the Associated Press. It has a soap opera-esque feel to it, and it’s immensely entertaining. But for most readers the draw will be the recipes (the tandoori chicken is wonderful), authentic dishes drawn from India’s many and varied regional cuisines. Films buffs and fans of honest Indian food will love this book.