The best cooking apps

Delicious downloads full of mouth-watering recipe suggestions, helpful advice, digital shopping lists and step-by-step videos.

Yummly

For: Picky eaters

Yummly’s biggest strength is its personalised search engine. Have a food allergy, going on a diet or simply love burgers? This app has you covered. What’s more, it learns what you like and don’t like over time and begins recommending recipes suited to your tastes.

Kitchen Stories

For: Themed menus

Kitchen Stories is all about yummy images (a la Instagram) and splitting recipes up according to theme – so pasta aficionados have a whole section devoted to them, while those short on time can easily find something to fry as well.

Forks Over Knives

For: Staying healthy

If you are vegan (or trying to be) or simply want to incorporate more healthy, plant-based meals into your diet, this recipes app can help get you started. Based on the acclaimed film, new recipes are added weekly by 50 leading chefs and there is a handy shopping list feature.

SideChef

For: Taking it up a notch

With a focus on the finer things, SideChef aims to elevate meals for both newbies and experienced chefs. Over 2,500 recipes are available, with step-by-step instructions, voice commands and integrated timers.

Cookpad

For: Keeping it social

A virtual place to share recipes with friends, family and strangers, this is the Facebook of cooking. Once you have prepared a meal, upload a picture of the finished dish with the recipe and others can leave a comment, such as potential substitutes for food allergies or sides that would pair well.

Big Oven

For: Recipes galore

With over 350,000 recipes, Big Oven makes cooking super simple: just type in three ingredients in your fridge and the app will show you what you can make with them. This one is perfect for staying on top of organising your meals.

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