Thai Vegetarian Cooking [Hardcover]

Vatcharin Bhumichitr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2003

In Thai Vegetarian Cooking Vatcharin Bhumichitr has put together his own selection of original Thai vegetarian dishes. Subtly combining the flavours of China and India with a dash of its own inimitable style, Thai food is an exotic concoction of rapidly-cooked fresh ingredients, herbs and spices. Quick to prepare, it is an authentically delicious cuisine for vegetarians or indeed anyone seeking a healthier, meat-free diet. The 130 recipes range from the seductively delicate 'crispy rice with coconut and mushroom sauce' to the more robust and tangy 'stir-fried chilli with water chestnuts'. There are soups, starters and one-dish meals, and a selection of more elaborate delicacies, including curries, main dishes and desserts to tantalize and captivate the palate. Along with advice on equipment, ingredients and how to plan a full Thai meal, the author also creates an evocative picture of Thailand as he explores the religious and cultural importance of vegetarian food in his homeland. Containing atmospheric location photography and succulent food images, this book is both a travel companion and culinary guide.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Bhumichitr, a London restaurateur and author of The Taste of Thailand (Macmillan, 1988), has compiled an unusual work, for there is no long-established vegetarian tradition in Thai cuisine as such. Most dishes served as "vegetarian" have tended to be classic dishes with the meat left out; now, however, Bhumichitr has discovered that a new vegetarian cuisine is developing with its own unique dishes: Lemon Grass Spicy Vegetables, Chili Pumpkin, Palm Hearts with Kaffir Lime Leaf. Headnotes provide background on ingredients and on the culture. Recommended.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

The pungent flavor of lemon grass, the creamy richness of coconut milk, the crispness of stir–fried vegetables, and the fiery punch of chili have all contributed to the phenomenal popularity of Thai cooking. Now Vatcharin Bhumichitr, proprietor of London’s famous Chiang Mai restaurant, presents a personal selection of authentic Thai vegetarian dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The recipes range from the delicate Crispy Rice with Coconut and Mushroom Sauce to the more robust Stir–fried Bean Curd with Garlic and Pepper. Also included is advice on equipment, ingredients, and planning a meal, as well as a gorgeous selection of color photos. Vatcharin Bhumichitr, who is descended from the Thai Royal Family, is also the author of A Taste of Thailand and Vatch’s Thai Cookbook.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Pavilion Books (October 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1862055807
• ISBN-13: 978-1862055803
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,524,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite simply, an excellent Thai cookbook., July 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Thai Vegetarian Cooking (Paperback)

For people who long for a taste of true Thai cuisine, this cookbook offers recipes for many well- and little-known authentic Thai dishes. For example, my mother used to make the "White Radish Cake with Beansprouts" for me when I was growing up, but I've never seen it on any menu in the States. Now I can make it myself!

A few of my friends have bought this cookbook, and without exception, each one loves it. A couple of my favorites are the hot and sour vermicelli salad and chickpea curry.

These recipes are the genuine thing and even if you're not a vegetarian, you will enjoy the recipes. If you are a vegetarian, you will be delighted with the variety of tastes and textures to discover.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Bother With Other Thai Books, October 21, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thai Vegetarian Cooking (Hardcover)

I wish I had found this book a long time ago. It would have saved me much $$. This book has all the classic Thai recipes you would want (and for some reason many Thai cookbooks aren't all inclusive) - Pad Thai, Pad Si Ew, Mee Krob, Laad Nah, Curry Pastes, etc., etc. And, judging from past experience and other books I've read, the recipes look genuine, practical, and delicious. I'm vegetarian; however, you could easily add meat into these dishes if you'd like. If you only looking to get one Thai cookbook this is it.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious!!, September 6, 2003

By 

merrymousies (Waterford, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thai Vegetarian Cooking (Hardcover)

One of the most authentic thai cookbooks I've used. English and Thai names of the recipes are included as well as great pictures that inspire. Lots of tasty curries which I love (have only tried a couple so far but all have been tasy). Ingedients are all things we can find in the store or easily online for something like kaffir lime leaves. Highly recommend this one.