Swallowing Clouds

I recommend Swallowing Clouds to anyone curious about Chinese food and culture. It will have particular appeal to those learning Chinese, or curious about Chinese characters, but it is presented in such a way that those without an involvement in the language can easily follow it. Zee's approach is informative but above all fun.

Like to be able to speak Chinese but even the thought of studying it intimidates the pants off you? You might be pleasantly surprised once you read ten pages into Swallowing Clouds. A. Zee is a wonderfully patient, fun teacher. You won't learn Chinese simply be reading this book but you might just get hooked enough to want to learn more. So this book is a great starting point. You will learn some very interesting stuff about Chinese food and culture.

I first read Swallowing Clouds 12 years ago and it started me on the endlessly fascinating hobby of learning to read Chinese characters. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Chinese culture, cuisine, and history. Dr. Zee's effortlessly entertaining, yet thoroughly knowledgeable, style will entrance the neophyte as well as the seasoned scholar.

before picking up Swallowing Clouds the Chinese language seemed to me to be completely impenetrable. now, thanks to Swallowing Clouds and the insights it provides, i am frequently able to recognize characters wherever i go, but most notably on the menus in Chinese restaurants. needless to say, my dining companions are always interested in the little insights i can tell them about their meals that i learned from Swallowing Clouds. This book is utterly delightful, engaging and fun--it's one of my favourites, and it's near impossible to put down. it's perfect for anyone who's ever picked up a Chinese menu and scratched their head at what intially appears to be a complex and intimidating language.

A. Zee has written a very intelligent book on the finer aspects of Chinese cuisine explained with easy to understand Chinese names, their gastronomic connections and the cultural implications. Zee beautifully intertwined food with history, poetry and language. He has spiced his topics with true life stories like a famous Chinese poet eating the poisonous Fugu (puffer fish) and proclaiming it was worthwhile dying for. Truly an inspirational and accomplished work, cerebral and delightful. A must for all who love Chinese food.