Ho, Alice Yen; At the South-East Asian Table
Food as a daily meal or as a religious offering is fundamental to the cultures of Southeast Asia and is a source of utmost enjoyment to its people. Methods of preparing tasty and economical meals are often discussed with passion, and sacrifices to gods and spirits are invariably conducted with great rejoicing. This book explores the multifaceted aspects of food in Southeast Asia. Beginning with a historical and sociological survey of Southeast Asian food and eating habits, it goes on to discuss the ingredients and spices used in the region, the character of the food markets, the changing styles of the kitchens, and the different styles of cooking and eating from the past to the present. A final chapter examines common Southeast Asian sayings based on the food and culinary habits of the region.

Choden, Kunzang; Chilli and Cheese: Food and Society in Bhutan
This is a pioneering book offering insight into Bhutanese food culture within its historical and geographical context, as well as looking at food-related beliefs and practices. The book discusses the changing socio-cultural meanings of food in Bhutan. Kunzang Choden, from her perspective as a privileged member of the gentry in a feudal society in the 1950s, shares her perceptions, observations and experiences. She highlights the importance of food as a socio-economic signifier and illustrates how food has meaning beyond nourishment, particularly in its symbolic forms in religion and ritual. The author explores regional agricultural and herding practices, the use of wild plants and the resulting food customs and habits. This informative but also deeply personal book includes simple and easy to follow recipes of some typical dishes. It invites readers to try out the unique taste of Bhutanese foods. Color and black and white photographs bring the narratives to life with vivid depictions of Bhutanese food and society.

Danell, Eric & Anna Kiss & Martina Stoehrova; Fruits and Vegetables in Southeast Asian Markets
This guidebook is your companion on visits to markets, restaurants and orchards. In this first volume we have selected 120 species of fruits, vegetables and mushrooms commonly found in Southeast Asia, Southern China and India. Thereby you will be sure about what you eat, which is important to fully enjoy the local food. The author, Associate Professor Eric Danell, is a specialist on Southeast Asian plants. If you wish to learn more, you can visit him at Dokmai Garden in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The information in this book is packed in a handy format, which enables you to bring it to the market with no efforts, and to keep it in your luggage without causing space or weight problems. Scientific accuracy, paired with personal and down-to-earth descriptions make this book unique, entertaining and helpful!

Fischer-Zernin, Vincent; Lao Cooking and the Essence of Life
How the book happened
Ten years ago,after having spent the better part of my time in Thailand, life sent me to laos. Contrary to knowing everything, with only a river separating these two countries, I knew nothing. There is to this day no book available about Laos which is written with insight, respect and deep appreciation in discovery of the wonder that is Lao people’s attitude to life.
The seeker in me had no choice but to set out on his own. Three years into this pursuit Sisavanh Manlom became my friend and teacher opening up a spectacular new world where simplicity and sanity reign supreme. He handed me the keys to Lao society and culture.
In Laos, conversation about such earth shaking matters is carried on with leisure and for pleasure, which is obviously done over food. This I prepared for the occasions, creating the mood, and challenging his taste buds. His tastes buds said: ‘Listen to me, write this down’.
The beginning of a cookbook was made. Eating and talking, or rather listening, made it soon clear that the way Lao people cook to nourish body and soul is nothing other than an extension of their ‘being’, going about life with ease and humility. To understand Lao Cooking one needs to understand all things Lao. The cookbook became a book about the Lao, a universal book about Cooking and Life

Hinsch, Bret; Ultimate Guide to Chinese Tea, the
This is the first comprehensive and accurate book in English on the fine art of Chinese tea. Given its light taste and wholesome properties, Chinese tea is the ideal natural beverage. The book clearly explains how to intelligently buy, prepare, and appreciate the world’s healthiest drink. There are hundreds of kinds of tea, distinguished by confusing Chinese names. The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Tea divides teas into just six types: white, green, yellow, oolong, red, and black. When you understand this simple system that the Chinese themselves use, you can start to explore the world of tea with confidence. Although most people think they can brew a proper pot of tea, in actual fact they’re probably doing it wrong. Through centuries of trial and error, Chinese connoisseurs have come up with clever strategies for getting the most flavors out of the leaves. This book describes the different Chinese methods for brewing tea and explains when to use them. Chinese tea connoisseurship is even more sophisticated than wine appreciation. Experienced drinkers use refined concepts to discuss every nuance. The guide explains how subtle variations in flavor, aroma, color, density, and water impact the drinking experience. Once you learn how to control these factors, you can brew the world’s best cup of tea.