The Foods of Vietnam (Paperback)

~ Routhier (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With the large migration of Vietnamese to the United States in the late 1970s came an array of food and cooking techniques unfamiliar to most of us. New York City chef and teacher Routhier, born in Saigon to a Vietnamese mother and a French father, captures the simple elegance of a cuisine influenced strongly by China, Thailand and Vietnam's former French rulers. Her recipes evoke meals that could have been eaten at home by typical Vietnamese families or prepared in prewar Saigon restaurants, along with dishes that Americans might encounter in their neighborhood Vietnamese restaurants. The more than 150 recipes range from plain (rice and chicken casserole, stuffed cabbage rolls) to fancy (dilled squid cakes, fried, stuffed bananas). An extensive glossary and a list of mail-order suppliers of hard-to-find Vietnamese and Asian condiments are included. Routhier and Jacobs, a New York City commercial photographer, have created a gastronomical and visual delight.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

STC is reviving Nicole Routhier's award-winning classic, The Foods of Vietnam, in a paperback format, to satisfy the appetites of the broad audience that is attracted to Vietnamese cuisine.

Opening with the fascinating history of Vietnam's cuisine, Routhier then offers 150 of her favorite traditional recipes. A comprehensive glossary of ingredients, equipment, and techniques provide the background necessary to prepare these dishes. Award-winning food photographer Martin Jacobs presents stunning close-ups of fresh spring rolls, warm beef salad, and more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (June 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556709595
• ISBN-13: 978-1556709593
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #916,093 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST Vietnamese cookbook for anybody., July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Foods of Vietnam (Hardcover)

I bought many Vietnamese cookbooks in search for "THE ONE" that will teach me how to cook authentic Vietnamese food and I found "IT". This book not only teaches one to cook Vietnamese food in easy to follow instructions, but also teaches some Vietnamese cultures behind each dish. My Aunt is a great cook and after reviewing this book, her comments were "You will be a great Vietnamese cook if you follow the recipes in this book". I strongly recommend this book for anybody who wants to learn how to cook Vietnamese food. Yes, I still have to measure each tablespoon or teaspoon, but my dishes came out super every time. Another reason for this book to be so great are the outstanding pictures that came with each dish. Thanks Nicole.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunningly beautiful cookbook........., September 26, 2001

By	Margaret "fugirl" (NYC) - See all my reviews

.......filled with the most gorgeous cookbook photos I've ever seen and authentic Vietnamese cuisine!!! This cookbook was my first introduction to Vietnamese cooking and it keeps me coming back to try more. Nicole Routhier not only presents us with scrumptious recipes, she includes an introduction to the history of Vietnamese cooking, which she lovingly and proudly imparts. The cookbook also contains a glossary that is essential for newcomers to Vietnamese cuisine such as myself as well as suggested menus for various types of occasions.

This cookbook does not contain and "quick" recipes and is therefore not for someone who wishes to whip up dishes in a hurry. Instead, each dish takes some effort to prepare (from planning to shopping for each item to actually making the meal), but that almost comes with the understanding the effort will pay off with the grand reward of an authentic, delicious Vietnamese meal. I highly recommend this book to anyone even thinking of trying Vietnamese cuisine. All you need to do is open the book - you will instantly be compelled to start planning a menu and making out a shopping list!!!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An eye opener for those who love authentic Vietnamese foods, September 10, 2003

By A Customer

Many authentic Vietnamese recipes, and some of which even I have not heard of before, even though I am Vietnamese. Once you have gathered all the herbs, the condiments, and the other necessary stuff to cook Vietnamese foods, then the actual cooking itself is quite simple. It is well worth the effort to cook the yummy dishes in this book. You will have a greater appreciation for Vietnamese foods and culture. The author does a fantastic job of explaining the recipes. This book is a must-have for serious Vietnamese foodie.