1. “Utsav – A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals” by Vikas Khanna (Sold for $13,000)
Vikas Khanna is a Michelin Star chef from India. This most expensive cookbook is not a vintage collectible item. It is recently published in 2015 at the Cannes Film Festival. It consists of 1,400 pages.
What makes the book is so special is that it is printed in pure gold ink. It is the best way to appreciate Khanna’s 12 years of research to work on this book.
The book is not just a compilation of recipes. It is a piece of art that reflects Indian heritage and culture. Even the Indian Prime Minister is interested. He signed the first 15 copies of the book.
At the Cannes Film Festival, during the launch, Khanna said, “The journey of anything auspicious begins with trans-gender community singing and clapping at the doors of our home, their blessings are like Mother’s love. It may be a wedding, child births, first Diwali, Holi or Lohri, it’s their voices that bring the celebration [to] the occasion. So, I dedicate this book to them and applaud them for their love and compassion in our nation.”
The one you see in the picture is the coffee table edition of the book. It is cheaper than the 15 kilogram book edition with simple “Utsav” printed in gold ink on the blue cover.
