11 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks to Add to Your Collection

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If you’re looking for the best Vietnamese cookbooks, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of my top picks that will teach you everything you need to know about this delicious cuisine.

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh, healthy ingredients and flavorful combinations. The use of herbs and vegetables is a hallmark of Vietnamese cooking, and dishes are often built around a core of rice or noodles.

Meat and seafood are also popular, but they are typically used in smaller quantities than in Western cuisine. This focus on fresh, healthy ingredients results in dishes that are both delicious and nutritious.

Vietnamese cuisine has something to offer everyone, from simple home-cooked meals to classic Vietnamese dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic Vietnamese pho, a dish of lemongrass chicken, or honey-glazed pork riblets, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Vietnamese cuisine.

 From traditional Vietnamese recipes to modern Vietnamese food, these Vietnamese cookbooks have it all. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these Vietnamese cookbooks will have something for everyone.

11 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks to Add to Your Collection

Table of Contents

My Top Pick for Best Vietnamese Cookbooks

Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors by Andrea Nguyen.

This cookbook is a great starting point for anyone interested in learning about Vietnamese cuisine.

Andrea Nguyen provides a comprehensive guide to Vietnamese cooking in her book providing a wealth of information on Vietnamese ingredients and approaches to cooking. She covers everything from the basics of pho and banh mi to more advanced Vietnamese dishes like cha ca la vong.

The result – a Vietnamese cookbook that is an essential reference for anyone interested in exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

11 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks to Add to Your Collection

Best Vietnamese Cookbooks by Andrea Nguyen

Andrea Nguyen is a Vietnamese cooking chef who has won accolades for her dishes. She was born in Saigon and fled to the United States during the Vietnam War. Nguyen has worked in several restaurants, including Zuni Café and The Slanted Door.

 In 2012, she won a James Beard Award for her cookbook, Into the Vietnamese Kitchen.

 Nguyen’s cuisine is known for its fresh flavors and unique use of ingredients. She has said that her goal is to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to a broader audience.

 In addition to her cookbook, Nguyen has also written articles for publications such as Saveur and Bon Appétit. Andrea Nguyen is a talented chef who has helped to bring authentic Vietnamese cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world.

1. Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors by Andrea Nguyen

Vietnamese cuisine is all about simplicity and freshness. In her cookbook, Vietnamese Food Any Day, chef Andrea Nguyen offers up a collection of recipes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor.

The book is organized by season, with Spring and Summer recipes featuring light and refreshing ingredients, while Fall and Winter dishes tend to be heartier and more filling.

Whether you’re in the mood for a light summer salad or a vibrant turmeric coconut rice, you’re sure to find a recipe in this book to suit your tastes. And best of all, each dish can be made using readily available ingredients at your local grocery store.

So, if you’re a home cook looking for a way to add some new flavors to your cooking repertoire, check out Vietnamese Food Any Day.

2. The Banh Mi Handbook: Recipes for Crazy-Delicious Vietnamese Sandwiches by Andrea Nguyen

Andrea Nguyen’s The Banh Mi Handbook: Recipes for Crazy-Delicious Vietnamese Sandwiches is a fun and informative guide to making delicious banh mi at home.

Nguyen begins by providing an overview of the history and evolution of the banh mi, from its humble beginnings as simple street food to its current status as a global culinary phenomenon. 

She then details the key ingredients and techniques needed to make authentic banh mi, demystifying the process for home cooks. Finally, she offers a mouthwatering array of recipes, from traditional classics to inventive new takes on the classic sandwich.

Whether you’re a banh mi aficionado or a newcomer to this delicious sandwich, The Banh Mi Handbook provides all the guidance you need to make fantastic sandwiches at home.

3. The Pho Cookbook: Easy to Adventurous Recipes For Vietnam’s Favorite Soup and Noodles

For anyone who loves Vietnamese cuisine, The Pho Cookbook is a must-have. Author Andrea Nguyen provides an in-depth look at the ingredients and methods used to make this delicious soup, as well as over 50 recipes for both traditional and modern versions of pho.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic beef noodle soup or looking to try something new, The Pho Cookbook has something for everyone.

With clear instructions and beautiful photos, this cookbook makes it easy to create authentic pho at home.

Best Vietnamese Cookbooks by Charles Phan

Charles Phan is a Vietnamese chef specializing in modern American cuisine with Vietnamese influences. He was born in Vietnam in 1962 and immigrated to the United States as a child.

He began his career as a cook in New York City before moving to San Francisco in 1995 to open his first restaurant, The Slanted Door. Phan’s cooking style has been described as “elevated comfort food,” and he has won numerous awards for his work, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef West in 2013.

 In addition to his restaurants, Phan has also authored several cookbooks, and he has been a regular contributor to food and lifestyle magazines.

Charles Phan is an accomplished chef who has brought Vietnamese cuisine to the forefront of American gastronomy. His inventive dishes and commitment to using fresh ingredients have earned him widespread acclaim, and his restaurants are some of the most popular in the country.

Thanks to chefs like Phan, Vietnamese cuisine is no longer relegated to obscurity; it is now celebrated as a flavorful and exciting culinary tradition.

4. The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food by Charles Phan.

The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food is a cookbook by Charles Phan that offers a unique take on Vietnamese cuisine. Phan’s recipes are grounded in traditional flavors but often incorporate modern ingredients and cooking techniques. 

The result is a collection of dishes that are both familiar and unexpected. One of the standouts is the pho, a noodle soup that is typically served with beef or chicken. Phan’s version features a coconut-infused broth and tender shrimp. 

Another favorite is the banh mi, a classic sandwich that is usually made with pork. Phan’s version features grilled chicken and flavorful pickled vegetables. 

With its mix of traditional and contemporary recipes, The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food is sure to please any fan of Vietnamese cuisine.

5. Vietnamese Home Cooking: by Charles Phan

See Inside

Vietnamese Home Cooking is a cookbook by chef Charles Phan that offers a unique take on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Phan includes classic recipes and modern twists on familiar dishes, all designed to be easily prepared at home. He also guides how to select the best ingredients and how to create authentic flavors.

In addition to being a valuable resource for home cooks, Vietnamese Home Cooking is also an interesting read for anyone curious about Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Phan’s writing is engaging and informative, and his love for Vietnamese food shines through on every page.

Best Vietnamese Cookbooks by Luke Nguyen

Luke Nguyen is a cookbook author and television personality who specializes in Vietnamese cuisine. He was born in Thailand to Vietnamese parents and raised in Australia.

Nguyen began his career as a chef in Sydney, where he owns the Red Lantern restaurant in Surry Hills, before moving to Vietnam, where he opened the successful restaurant Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.

He has published several cookbooks, including The Food of Vietnam and My Vietnam: Stories and Recipes, and hosted a television series Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam.

Nguyen’s cooking is deeply influenced by his Vietnamese heritage, and he strives to create dishes that are both authentic and accessible to home cooks.

His passion for Vietnamese cuisine has made him one of the most respected chefs in the country, and his TV show is required viewing for anyone interested in exploring this vibrant food culture.

6. The Food of Vietnam, by Luke Nguyen

Look Inside

In his book The Food of Vietnam, Luke Nguyen provides readers with a detailed and mouth-watering exploration of Vietnamese cuisine. The Vietnamese Australian chef begins by tracing the country’s culinary history, from its early days as a Chinese colony to its modern fusion of French and Southeast Asian flavors.

He then delves into the various regional cuisines of Vietnam, highlighting the unique ingredients and cooking techniques used in each area. 

Throughout the book, Nguyen interweaves his personal experiences and anecdotes, giving readers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture.

The result is an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most vibrant and delicious cuisines.

7. My Vietnam: Stories and Recipes by Luke Nguyen

Luke Nguyen’s My Vietnam: Stories and Recipes is a collection of personal essays and recipes that offer a unique and rich perspective on Vietnamese culture. Nguyen draws on his own experiences growing up in Vietnam and Australia, as well as his travels throughout the country, to provide readers with a deep understanding of Vietnamese cuisine and its history.

The recipes included in the book are inspired by Nguyen’s family and friends, as well as by the diverse range of ingredients and flavors found in Vietnam.

From traditional dishes like pho and banh mi to lesser-known specialties like ba thang soup and fried rice cakes, My Vietnam provides a delicious and fascinating glimpse into the world of Vietnamese cuisine.

More Best Vietnamese Cookbooks

8. The Little Viet Kitchen: Over 100 authentic and delicious Vietnamese Recipes by Thuy Diem Pham

In her cookbook The Little Viet Kitchen, Thuy Diem Pham provides readers with a delicious and authentic taste of Vietnam. Drawing on her childhood memories, Pham has created a collection of easy to adventurous recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

From starters and snacks to main courses and desserts, the book offers something for everyone. With clear and concise instructions, the Vietnamese recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to produce authentic Vietnamese cooking.

Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite Vietnamese restaurant dishes at home or expand your culinary repertoire, “The Little Viet Kitchen” showcases authentic Vietnamese flavors and is essential to any cook’s bookshelf.

9. Tasting Vietnam: Flavors and Memories from My Grandmother’s Kitchen

When Anne-Solenne Hatte’s grandmother passed away, she left behind more than just cherished memories. She also left behind a wealth of knowledge about Vietnamese cuisine. 

In Tasting Vietnam, Hatte shares her grandmother’s recipes, cooking tips, and stories about her life and family. The result is a delicious and poignant tribute to a vanishing way of life.

The book begins with a brief history of Vietnamese food, tracing the influences of French and Chinese cuisine. Hatte then introduces readers to the essential ingredients and cooking techniques used in Vietnamese cooking.

The book’s heart is the recipes, which range from simple Vietnamese dishes like pho and spring rolls to more elaborate Fare like Braised pork with star anise and coconut rice pudding.

Whether you’re looking for a new culinary adventure or a sentimental journey, Tasting Vietnam is sure to leave you hungry for more.

10.  Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese Food to Cook at Home by Uyen Luu

In her cookbook Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese food to cook at home, Uyen Luu provides a delicious and straightforward guide to preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes.

From starters to main courses to desserts, the book includes a wide variety of Vietnamese recipes that are sure to please any palate. The book makes it easy to recreate your favorite Vietnamese dishes in your kitchen with clear instructions and beautiful photographs.

Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese food to cook at home is a must-have for anyone who loves great food.

11.  Lemongrass, Ginger and Mint Vietnamese Cookbook: Classic Vietnamese Street Food Made at Home by Linh Nguyen

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, and the Lemongrass, Ginger, and Mint Vietnamese Cookbook offers a delicious taste of this diverse cuisine.

This Vietnamese cookbook features a wide range of street food staples, from pho and banh mi to spring rolls and noodle salad. Each recipe is packed with flavor, and the clear instructions make it easy for the home cook to recreate these dishes at home.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchtime meal or a leisurely dinner party feast, Lemongrass, Ginger, and Mint Vietnamese Cookbook contains enough popular Vietnamese recipes to have something for everyone.

Summary: Best Vietnamese Cookbooks

So whether you’re a beginner or an expert at making Vietnamese food, there’s sure to be a book on this list of the best Vietnamese cookbooks that will whet your appetite for Vietnamese cuisine. 

Whether simple recipes or adventurous recipes, these Vietnamese cookbooks will help you cook real Vietnamese food. So why not take your taste buds on a journey and explore the world of Vietnamese food today? Bon appetit!

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