Authentic Vietnamese Cooking: Food from a Family Table

I was compelled to write this review after reading some of the negative comments below. First of all, the recipes in this book are true and correct. One needs to understand the history and geography of Vietnam to understand its diversity and be able to judge this book's authenticity. I have owned this book for five years and cooked from its recipes several times a week. I am a casual cook but have not once had a less-than-good result. Ms. Trang apparently tested her recipes meticulously, something not many cookbook authors do nowadays. I also would like to correct one of the previous reviews, the author did tell at the end of the recipe what herbs and condiments to serve with Pho. Please do not discount the value of this cookbook before you have read and used it. This is the only Vietnamese cookbook you ever need. Lastly, the author's comment on dog consumption wes presented for information's sakes. There is no encouragement of any kind and neither is there an inappropriate detail.

The book is well written, clear, and easy to follow. Some have complained that it lacks pictures but I say that if you want to look at pictures you need a photo album, not a cookbook. If you want to prepare great authentic Vietnamese dishes, this is an excellent book.

The Best in the World winners of The World Cookbook Fair Awards 2000 were announced in Perigueux, France on November 11, 2000. From thousands of entries, "Authentic Vietnamese Cooking: Food from a Family Table," by Corinne Trang won Best Asian Cookbook in the World and was a Finalist for Best Cookbook in the World. This serious and detailed introduction to the seductive pleasures of regional Vietnamese cooking is also a very personal culinary biography, written from the heart. A truly excellent book for one of the great cuisines of the world.

This adventurous Vietnamese cookbook introduces you to the basics and then tastefully carries the reader-cook to the fine points of this marvelous and healthy cusine. Bravo! It is easy to follow, pleasurable to prepare and rewarding to serve and eat.