Customer Reviews

Gypsy Feast: Recipes and Culinary Traditions of the Romany People (Hippocrene Cookbook Library)

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The Romany are a fascinating people and the author provides some interesting information on their culture and history. The problem is with the culinary aspect of the book. First, the vast majority of Romany (originally from northern India) live in Eastern Europe, in countries such as Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Russia. The author, Carol Wilson, is British, and spends most of the book describing the culture and foods of the relatively small and atypical gypsy population of the British Isles. Indeed, serum protein studies suggest that many British gypsy populations (often referred to as Tinkers) are not even genetically related to Romany. In my travels in Eastern Europe, many restaurants featured dishes with "Gypsy Style" in the title. While these may or may not be authentic Romany dishes they suggest a strong influence of Romany culture in these regions. I expected a more detailed study of Eastern European cuisines. A second problem is that, from my reading of this book, there does not appear to be an actual gypsy cuisine. For example, gypsies in Spain eat Paella (a typical Spanish paella recipe is provided), gypsies in Scotland eat Cranachan (a traditional Scottish dessert), while those in Eastern Europe eat stuffed cabbages (a typical Slavic recipe is given). I was waiting to read that American gypsies eat hamburgers and french fries. Rightly or wrongly, this book suggests a complete assimilation to the culinary traditions of the countries the Romany live in. This may be factual and related to their nomadic lifestyle, but the fact that the Romany have kept so many of their other distinct cultural traditions alive leads me to wonder. In conclusion: not a bad book if you are interested in learning about the cultural traditions of British gypsies.

The author has compiled some nice recipes and, if the reader's aim is to learn a new dish, this can be a fun addition to one's kitchen.

Unfortunately, she has very poorly researched her project and is utterly confused. She seems unable to understand the difference between the several, vaguely related cultures that are mentioned in the book. She includes as authentic Romani dishes many foods that are not a part of Romani culture across borders or not even possible for people living a more traditional Romani lifestyle to make.

If A Rom in New Jersey eats a corndog at the county fair or a Rom in Sydney, Australia goes to a sushi restaurant one afternoon, should we include a sushi recipe in a book of Romani dishes? She would if someone told her with a straight face that this is what all Roma grew up eating.

This book will not be useful to someone trying to better know Romani culture(s) or culinary norms. It will be useful for someone who wants to bake some unusual English and Balkan dishes.

Carol Wilson has written a true classic. Packed with facts, history and tons of great recipes that work when you cook them, this book is truly a Gypsy feast. With enough detail to meet any question you might have, this book is literally a Bible of Romany cooking. I can't wait for her next book. This one's a keeper. My copy is already dog-eared from using the delicious recipes. Truly, a Gypsy charm.

Nourishes body & soul. Skip the fast food & try a recipe or two. Authentic & natural & savory. Transports you to a distant time.