Vibrant Hong Kong Table

by Christine Wong

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Vibrant Hong Kong Table is a gorgeously presented vegan cookbook with recipes developed and curated by Christine Wong. Due out 10th Sept 2024 from Chronicle Books, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Iconic Hong Kong dishes are rightfully world renowned for their color, presentation, and unforgettable deliciousness. There's nothing pretentious and everything about hospitality, delicious complex flavor profiles, and camaraderie. The author has taken the assignment seriously: beloved dishes translated into vegan versions whilst maintaining the same appeal and flavor profiles as the non-vegan originals.

The recipes are arranged thematically: introduction & pantry/supplies lists, breakfast & dim sum, cha chaan teng & lunch, dinners festival foods & dai pai dongs, and finally snacks sweets & siu yeh. Recipes include a description, yields, and name in Pinyin, English, and Chinese characters. Ingredients are provided in bullet lists, with measurements in both imperial (American) and metric units (yay!). Many ingredients will require a trip to a very well stocked grocery store, or (more likely) an international food store or market. The author has included helpful resource lists in the appendices for sourcing some ingredients. The step by step prep and cooking instructions are easy to understand and follow. 

Each recipe is accompanied by a clear color photograph. Serving suggestions are appetizing and appropriate and the food is well (professionally) styled. There are dishes which would be great for both casual family meals as well as more formal gatherings. 

Five stars. There are partial and ingredient recipes such as mushroom powder and twists on DIY tofu that are likely worth the price of the book by themselves. Additionally, the appendices, bibliography, resource lists, and sample menus are -very- useful.This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.