Chow!: Secrets of Chinese Cooking Cookbook (China Culture Perspectives)

The provinces of China are united by their love of a good meal. Each has their own specialties and methods of preparation - all of which are, of course, purported to be 'the best'. Rather than attempting to cover the entirety of Chinese cuisine, this charming little book instead focuses on recipes born from melding the author's favorite family menus with tips on traditional preparation and table etiquette as dictated by Confucius 2500 years ago. The result is an informative and delicious peek into the Chinese food culture of the early twentieth century. Requiring only minimal materials and expertise, the recipes are accessible and flavorful, while the insights into traditional Chinese eating customs will be of use for travelers hoping to dine authentically while abroad.

Chow! guides the reader through the basics - how to wash rice, serve tea and make noodles from scratch - before introducing them to a variety of dishes based around meat, seafood and vegetables. Whether you seek familiar tastes or adventurous dishes, Chow! has it all: from stuffed mushrooms and fried rice to minced pigeon, crab fat with green vegetables and duck tongue soup.

Text in English and Chinese.

Dolly Chow is the daughter of Sir Shouson Chow, a well-known Qing Dynasty official, financier and international scholar who was one of the first students chosen by the Chinese government to attend an American university. Raised in Shanghai, Dolly was a renowned hostess who introduced many Western officials to the tastes of Chinese cooking. She published the first edition of Chow! in 1936, in both English and Chinese.