Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet; A Culinary Journey Through Southeast Asia is all at once a cookbook, a photo essay, a journey down a great river (the Meking river from Yunnan to Vietnam), and an introduction to one of the world’s great culinary regions. Through personal accounts of chance meetings with people, places, and meals, accompanied by some gorgeous photographs, this is a book that truly takes you there. From the writing and photographs to the recipes—everything is original and captivating.
The book is packed with more than 175 evocative and enticing recipes… Classic Pad Thai; Khmer Stir-fried Ginger and Beef; Grilled Chicken with Hot and Sweet Dipping Sauce, and Luang Prabang Fusion Salad… each accompanied by engaging stories about their origins and the people who prepare these dishes for their own families.
In each chapter, from Salsas to Street Foods, Noodles, to Desserts, dishes from different cuisines within the region appear side by side. Recipes are also handily organized by occasion… Everyday Dependables; Kids Like It; In the Middle of Winter; Feast Foods… Although lushly presented in this book, at heart this is real family food and once you have assembled some of the key ingredients, each dish is a snap to prepare.
Jeffrey Alford’s and Naomi Duguid’s books are always wonderful, personal overviews of their subject, and they seem incapable of producing a dull phrase or recipe. Seeing the colorful culinary world of Southeast Asia through their inquisitive and sensitive minds and palates is a trip worth taking.
“Once every five years or so there comes along a cookbook that transcends the category… This is such a work.”—Los Angeles Times
“A must for anyone who aspires to visit Asia or simply revisit it in their kitchen.”—Washington Post
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Posted by Food Junkie on January 14, 2005Categories - Regional, International
