My Vietnamese Kitchen is the most recent, successful undertaking of Saigon-born Londoner, Uyen Luu.
Amongst other things, she’s a prop stylist, photographer, film-maker and supper club host.
It’s a gorgeous book – full of culinary delights with striking colour and flavour combinations.
A distinctive feature is the wonderful photography and superb staging of ingredients & prepared dishes.
It really makes the food live!
The first section covers the wide variety of herbs, spices, rice & noodles that are staples – then moves onto chapters featuring breakfast, soups, snacks, noodles, lunch & dinner and sweets.
Recipes are clear & easy to follow – a quick browse and you’ll want to get cooking at the first opportunity.
Uyen’s mother is a great influence – and there are many family dishes, methods and memories. She also draws in the culture & ceremony of food in Vietnam.
Compared to say Chinese, Indian or even Thai food, Vietnamese cuisine is not the most widespread or indeed available outside its own borders. Uyen makes the cuisine very accessible – the book really conveys the fresh, healthy & exciting range of fare.
Whilst dishes are distinctly South East Asian, there’s also a French influence in places. Don’t these filled baguettes look irresistible? A perfect illustration.
The book is a real insight into Vietnamese tastes, lifestyle & customs – and we can thoroughly recommend it as cookery course, travel brochure or food styling guide. You’re also sure to get some interiors inspiration too!
Also available on Hive, Amazon and Abe Books.
[Many thanks to Ryland Peters & Small for this review copy]