Food Markets of the World

This book is filled with page after page of absolutely gorgeous fascinating photography of folks from all over the world selling all sorts of foods I've never seen before -- an Asian woman selling rambutan (they're red & spikey), a butcher in Palermo standing behind an assortment of animal parts, a spice vendor in Cairo, his fingers covered with turmeric (that one's a two-full-page spread). This book lets you take a worldwide (every corner of the world) vacation, strolling down the alleys of markets, almost able to smell the spices in Beijing and the freshly baked bread in Paris. The photographs are supplemented by very readable text -- historical information on regional foods, "recipes" that will inspire you to experiment rather than provide you with a step by step, measure by measure formula. Beautiful gift for a food lover or a world traveler (or world traveler wannabe).

This book is wonderful. I have had a fascination with food markets for quite a while and finally there is a book to document their colors and vibrance which reflect that of the societies they serve. The book is divided into six sections: Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the U.S.A. Information is given on the types of food common to each area of the world, including recipes (which are written in paragraph rather than cookbook style). I have not tried any of the recipes yet but they look delicious. Most impressive is the photography, which is fortunate for this is largely a picture book. It would make a great coffee table book, as well as a nice gift. I would recommend "Food Markets of the World" highly if you are interested in food (and who isn't!), cooking, and international cultures. If you are a fan of National Geographic Magazine this is right up your alley. The price seems very reasonable to me considering it is a hardcover book with page after page of beautiful color photographs. Get it!