Koto: A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam

Fans of Vietnamese cuisine will flock to this stunningly beautiful paean to the food, culture, and history of this diverse land. Part cookbook, part travel guide, readers voyage with the authors as they tour the seven main regions, from Hanoi through Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta. Recipes are divided by region, from the north (fried sticky rice) and the center (squid filled with pork and noodles) to the coast (lemongrass tofu) and the central highlands (ginger chicken). In addition to gorgeous mouth-watering pictures of many of the dishes highlighted in the book, the reader is able to soak up more of the culture through the breathtakingly beautiful photos of local residents as they go about their daily lives. A useful section on the Vietnamese pantry helps demystify the unknown. This delightful and striking book will hold great appeal for home cooks and armchair travelers alike. (Dec.)