Modern Asian Kitchen

I just preordered this cookbook after reviewing the digital copy. Love that there are photos of each dish, which is a must have for any cookbook imo. I already know I want to make all the noodle recipes, they look very doable! My favorite part is that I think I have most of the ingredients on hand in my pantry. The pandan tres leches cake looks sooo good! I definitely want to try making that one day too. Can’t wait for the book release already!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity for this arc!

The pictures in the cookbook are beautiful and help give insight to what the meal will ‘hopefully’ look like. I am most excited to try making the dumplings!

<3 amazeballs as always! <3 beautiful pics and lovely blurbs with each recipe, a must-have for every busy mom, dad, work from home folks, college dorm student-- love this book, will definitely preorder!

Loved Kat’s first book and honestly hate having to wait for the release date!! So glad to be able to see it. Not sure what I was expecting. It was her usual style of simple delicious food. Seattle is such a HUB of culture and this book really shows the diversity that she is surrounded by and exposed to. I’m so excited to try a few of the recipes!! Some of them are basic recipes that we all have in our own Asian back pocket (I’m Korean) but the other Asian dishes will be fun to try. Love her style. Knew I liked her when I found out she played Overwatch! 🤣

A great collection of unique and traditional Asian recipes. I am so excited to try so many of these dishes. There are beautiful pictures and imagery featured throughout the book of the wonderful foods featured and family pictures from the writer. The recipes are easily made vegan or gluten-free in many cases, so adaptable and easy to follow recipes. Great for chefs everywhere.

We could say TELL ME WHAT YOU EAT AND I'LL TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE!
COOKING has become a lifestyle thanks to the media.
This visually and content-wise modern and high-quality cookbook offers healthy recipes that are the exact opposite of fast food,
The recipes are creative and awaken the palate.
Although the ostrich cuisine is different, I will try a couple of recipes.
Praises.

Modern Asian Kitchen is an incredible cookbook, filled with delectable dishes inspired by Asian diaspora. Kat Lieu's recipes are delicious, and most of them involve fewer than 10 ingredients and not a huge amount of time input. Brief anecdotes are peppered throughout, and the writing is personal and approachable without reading like a blog. Can't wait to add this one to my cookbook shelf once it's published.

Some strong recipes alongside gorgeous pictures.really enjoyed the anecdotes and writing style
The milk bread is a favourite here

Thanks to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.

It was great to see all those pictures, diving into the family of the author and the stories too. The recipes looked so yummy, too. There are quite a few that I would love to try.

Yum! I cook a lot of asian food so I was interested to see what I could learn from this book. I’m not usually a book by the book person, but this is a great one. I love the section explaining basic ingredients, and the photos for certain specific techniques are so helpful. I am vegan and basically all of these recipes are adaptable to the way I cook. I can’t get over how beautiful the photography in this book is!

Holy hell this book is amazing. It starts rather conventionally, with a recommended pantry, common ingredients, and some nice stories about the author's family life. Then it comes out swinging with a perfect recipe to explain "velveting" proteins (Marinating and then parcooking meat, fish or tofu to prevent toughness) and a recipe for miso garlic naan that is my new obsession. Lieu offers pun-filled commentary on customization and serving that is thorough and funny, and her recipes are joyful taste explosions. Asian American food at its wildest and most enjoyable, all from your own kitchen.

There are so many different recipes from different Asian countries, which I love. Love how there are so many different dishes to try. Going through the cookbook had me salivating from how delicious the dishes look in the pictures.

The hallmark of "Modern Asian Kitchen" is its irreverent and fun approach to cooking, coupled with an unwavering commitment to incredible flavor. The recipes are a testament to this ethos, inviting readers to embark on a journey that celebrates bold experimentation and culinary fusion. This book encapsulates the spirit of "third culture" foods, bridging the gap between diverse culinary traditions and embracing the rich tapestry of Asian flavors.
One of the standout features of this cookbook is the simplicity of its recipes. Lieu's instructions are clear and concise, making the dishes accessible to both novice and experienced cooks alike. The inclusion of a key indicating whether a recipe is gluten-free, vegetarian, or other dietary considerations is a thoughtful touch, catering to the diverse preferences of modern palates.

Always such a delight to read Kat's recipes! A great addition to any kitchen, and I can imagine giving this as a gift or sharing with friends.

Wow this was a beautiful cookbook. The photos were crisp and artistically shot, making the food look absolutely scrumptious. There were so many recipes of foods that I actually enjoy eating so I'm looking forward to trying out most of them, especially the Korean soup! I appreciate that this cookbook focuses on more than one type of asian cuisine.

I enjoyed this cookbook though it is above my level of cooking talent at this time. The author tells about each dish before the recipe and I enjoyed learning about it. I also like that she included a tool list at the beginning of the book so I knew what was needed for this specific cuisine. I also loved that the recipes had beautiful full color photos so I know what the dishes should look like.

I liked Modern Asian Cooking a lot!!

These are the things that I liked best in the book:
- A section about Fundamentals of Asian cooking.
- Introducing each dish with a background of the dish, personal anecdotes and/or what to expect (for example recipe execution and technique, the flavor profile of the dish).
- Offers a wide variety of recipes from the different countries in Asia.
- Measurements are given both in cups and grams/ ml.
- Info on yield.
- The instructions are clear and easy to follow since each step in the cooking process is numbered.
- The dessert section!

This book will be perfect for beginners in asian cooking as well as foodies who would like to broaden their asian cooking repertoire. I'm already looking forward to trying all the recipes in the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

An absolutely delightful book of great recipes from Asian countries, adapted for home kitchens and easy to make.

I’m purchasing this book for the Dim Sum section alone. What a fantastic collection of recipes. We love Asian food in my household, so I can’t wait to get in the kitchen and try some of these out!

Loves the labeling of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and all the pictures! Even the conversion of both grams and cups is refreshing to see. I highly recommend this book.

Great detailed cookbook with plenty of unique tips for alternatives or even reusing leftover ingredients. I was specifically intrigued with the Pandan Tres Leche and Gochujang Chocolate Mochi Cake. Adding savory elements to desserts really takes it up to the next level and I can’t wait to make these.

I’m a fan of Kat Lieu and her previous cookbook, so I was excited to read her new cookbook. I love the blend of the recipes from a mix of various cultures with Kat’s spin on it. I also appreciate how easy and unfussy the recipes are and with ingredients that are easy to find in any Asian markets.

What a beautiful recipe book!

Each photo is drool-worthy and all instructions are written clearly and are easy to follow. Also, lovinggg the mixture of traditional and fusion recipes!

I hadn’t heard of Kat Lieu before requesting this book, but the little snippets about her and her life made me smile— it was like I was reading something a friend wrote.

Beautiful.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for e-ARC of the book.

I like Kat Lieu and was really excited for this book. I love that every recipe comes with a little personal story or a short explanation of a dish. I was pleased with the variety of recipes - some are viral food recipes (like sushi bake or spiral cucumber salad), some are more traditional. Tips and notes that accompany the recipes are helpful and often provide variations of the dish.

I was so excited to find out the creators of one of my favorite baking cookbooks, was coming out with another cookbook!

Modern Asian Kitchen is have a wide variety of recipes from fundamental rice dishes to street food appetizers, dumplings, and not too sweet desserts (my favorite kind!). They even have a whole section of sauce recipes, including a peanut sauce I’ve already added to my cooking rotation. The dishes I’ve tried so far have easy to follow instructions and have turned out super tasty, like the Auspicious Longevity Noodles. Plus, the pictures of each dish are mouthwatering! I can’t wait to try even more recipes from this book.

Modern Asian Kitchen has a good amount of accessable recipes which are doable and instantly recognizable accompanied by beautiful photographs.
There are also recipes which are more in depth and would need a specialist store for some ingredients which I also love, a wonderful way to learn new techniques and flavors.

I don't cook. However, I could use this book to make it look like I can. This book is about a modern Asian kitchen, and there are multiple kinds of cuisines, such as Chinese and Vietnamese dishes.
The author starts with the basics, telling you the best way to cook rice, which is a staple. Then there is a list of what kinds of spices you need to keep in your kitchen to recreate these tastes.
There are several different recipes, with beautiful photos of every finished product. The cooking itself is simple, even for someone like me.
While I don't eat much meat,I still feel I could enjoy these dishes if I made vegetarian versions. There was a wide variety, and everything looked amazing.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

My husband and I love eating Asian food. Since he is vegan, it's difficult for him to eat many of his favorite dishes. While not a vegan cookbook, Modern Asian Kitchen recognizes that many people limit the amount of meat in their diet and offers many vegan and vegetarian recipes (gluten-free too!). The cookbook has a plant-forward approach, meaning that their are more plant-based recipes than meat-based. It's a perfect cookbook for those who wish do add more plan-based eating to their diets. The recipes are yummy, the photos are delectable and ingredients are very accessible. The cookbook is a must for anyone who loves eating healthy Asian dishes!!

I love the stories written throughout the book. It makes the cookbook feel more personal and special. There was a nice variety of recipes from different Asian cultures and overall the cookbook was well-organized and pleasing to the eye. A few of the recipes that I’m interested in include the Hong Kong Cafe-Style Baked Pork Chop and Rice, the Sizzling Sisig, the Green Onion and Kimchi Korean Pancakes, the Cheesecake Baos, and the Gochujang Chocolate Mochi Cake.

Thank you to Net-Galley and to the publisher for providing me a copy of the cookbook in exchange for an honest review.

"Modern Asian Kitchen" is a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly marries cherished childhood Asian flavors with a contemporary twist, delivering a culinary experience that's both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. This cookbook is a true gem for anyone seeking to recreate the comforting and familiar tastes of Asian cuisine with a fresh, accessible approach.

The recipes featured in this book are a testament to the author's culinary expertise and dedication to preserving the essence of traditional Asian dishes while infusing them with modern simplicity. What truly stands out is the book's emphasis on making these recipes approachable for all skill levels. With clear, easy-to-understand instructions accompanied by vibrant photos, even those new to Asian cooking can dive in with confidence.

The modern twists infused into childhood favorites add an exciting dimension to each dish. From beloved comfort foods to flavorful classics, every recipe invites a journey into the heart of Asian culinary heritage while offering a contemporary edge that appeals to today's palates.

What's particularly commendable is the book's ability to evoke nostalgia while embracing innovation. It captures the essence of cherished flavors from childhood and presents them in a way that feels both authentic and refreshingly new. Whether it's the aroma of aromatic spices or the familiar tastes of home-cooked meals, every recipe transports the reader to a place of culinary delight and fond memories.

The inclusion of vivid photography alongside the recipes not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves as a guide, providing a clear vision of what each dish should look like, making the cooking experience even more enjoyable and accessible.

For anyone yearning to recreate the flavors of childhood Asian cooking infused with a modern touch, "Modern Asian Kitchen" is an indispensable addition to the cookbook collection. It doesn't just offer recipes; it presents an opportunity to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates tradition, innovation, and the joy of creating delicious meals that resonate with the soul.

What a yummy cookbook, with recipes that look quite doable, even for a non-chef like me. A winner!

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.

This book made me hungrier than any cookbook has made me in a long time. Goodness, I want to cook these things. They all look so good and the instructions are so easy to follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity for this ARC!

I have Kat Lieu's other book, Modern Asian Baking at Home, and it's chock full of a bunch of delicious recipes, many of which I've grown up with and loved + always wanted to learn how to make, so Modern Asian Kitchen has been up there on my want list + this definitely didn't disappoint!

The book is split into 9 different chapters:
-"The Fundamentals" covers basic recipes, e.g. making rice, onigiri, naan, + techniques on blanching veggies + making stir-fries.
-"Garden Party" = all things veggie=related! This includes things like cucumber salad, braised mushrooms, green papaya salad, spinach goma-ae (spinach salad with sesame dressing/sauce).
-"Dim Sum" - if you've ever been out for dim sum, you'll recognize a bunch of popular favorites here, from char siu bao + har gow/siu mai to steamed spare ribs + lotus-leaf wrapped sticky rice.
-"One-Pan Wonders" = where it's at for me (the less to clean up, the better...) - tandoori chicken, tonkatsu, sweet + soy salmon, sushi bake, saucy egg/beef/gai lan stir fry...everything looks amazing!
-"The Sharing Table" is aptly named, with different recipes that are great for sharing "family style" - Taiwanese three-cup chicken to soondooboo chigae (Korean spicy tofu stew), barley tea + cocoa-smoked chicken, chicken tinola...
-"The Rice is Right" - lots of tasty rice dishes included in this chapter, including bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, Hong Kong cafe-style baked pork chop and rice, congee...
-"Life is Noodiful" - yay for more carbs! Tteokbooki (stir-fried Korean spicy rice cakes), chili crisp butter garlic pasta, curried vermicelli (Singapore chow mei fun), pho ga (Vietnamese chicken soup), laksa noodle soup, miso ramen...
-"Essential Sauces" - lots of different types of sauces, including nước chấm (Vietnamese fish sauce), peanut dipping sauce, tonkatsu sauce, chili crisp oil...
-"Not-Too-Sweet Treats" = In my experience, "not too sweet" is the best compliment an east Asian parent can give to a dessert. You can learn to make milk bread, sesame balls, mochi cake, Hong Kong bubble waffles (gai daan jai), Pandan Tres Leches with Kaya drizzle + a bunch more in this chapter!

Each recipe includes a short intro, an ingredient list, prep time, cook time, inactive time, serving size, instructions, and little notes/pieces of advice (e.g. how to add flavor, make it vegan, sauce substitutes, etc.).

I love that most of the recipes don't require a whole ton of ingredients + am looking forward to getting a physical copy of this book when it comes out!

A lovely cookbook with lots of different recipes. My boys love Asian food and this book had lots of recipes that are easy to follow. I loved that the recipes were on one page, no having to turn pages mid cooking especially when your hands are already messy. I also loved that there wasn’t too much writing in the instructions so it was easy to see what I was doing in each step.

We really enjoyed the garlic greens beans, pop chicken and Hong Kong bubble waffles. We’re also looking forward to trying the melty cheesecake

This is a very informative book, not only has it got many recipes, but throughout, the photographs are really good. The food certainly has an Asian bent but with a little twist of fresh ideas and a mixture.of various Asian cuisine..
The book starts of with tools, equipment and ingredients, which gives a very good explanation of uses and how to use. There is a section on vegan,gluten free and vegetarian food, with a mention how some of the recipes can be made to fit these criteria by changing ingredient. There are chapters on noodles, rice, essential sauces, street food,, one pot wonders, sweets and much more.
I very much like this book, it is down to earth, easy to follow instructions, with the fundamentals well explained. . Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DR

Love this book! Recipes are approachable and categorized so that it’s very easy to use, not to mention delicious. With vegetarians in our family, there was something for everyone.

I'm a fan of Asian cuisine and as a vegetarian, I appreciated the options to adapt to these recipes. The artwork is so inviting. Unlike many other Asian cookbooks I have, the recipes here don't all call for a tonne of obscure ingredients. The authors personal stories and their connection with food was really warming. I also liked the little details: advice on how you might want the butcher to prepare meat, and the notes and tips boxes which make the recipes less daunting.
The Mapo Tofu recipe went down a storm this week! Thank you!!

5/5 stars! Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Harvard Common Press for this eARC of Modern Asian Kitchen cookbook by Kat Lieu in exchange for an honest review.

This is my kind of cookbook! (And the type of cookbook I would have in my kitchen!) I love that there is a photo for each listed recipe and clear details on the instructions on how to execute the dish. I love how some of the listed recipes just provide me with priceless feelings because it bring back memories of how my mom would cook these fresh hot meals every day when my sisters and I would get home. My favorites so far have been the recipes that are cooked in a clay pot. I'm currently exploring how that cooling tool can be used in the kitchen (cooking rice, chicken, pork belly, fish, etc - pretty much all of the above haha). I'm going back to my roots and a majority of these recipes are similar to how my mom cooks food, but I'm sure that other cultural moms - my mom never writes down the recipes, it's all in her head and she goes based on a "dash of this and a taste of that". Modern Asian Kitchen helps me replicate the home comfort foods and I love that I can share it with my husband and kids. A huge plus is when my kids eat everything off their bowl/plate!

I also love the sauces and am so glad that this cookbook offers that towards the end of the entree section. Oh, and importantly, list the fundamentals/suggestions of what tools to have in the kitchen before starting! My parents always poke fun at my husband and me because of how much we sauces and spices we have in our fridge and spice rack. Anyway, love how easy this cookbook is to follow instructions the list of ingredients needed, and the time it takes to cook and prep. Highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone.

Absolutely loved getting to try some of these recipes. The sushi bake was a definite highlight! I really liked how the book gave recipes for basic sauces that are commonly used and told us about little things like spices, condiments, and etc that are common in Asian culture and recipes. That was really helpful.

Delightful and beautiful cookbook. I typically get my recipes online, but this is a staple for any kitchen. The progression of sections are natural and informative, and the photos draws the home cook in. The recipes break down techniques for someone to easily follow along. Can't wait to get my hard copy!

Ahh I was so excited to read this after modern baking! The photographs, story and recipes all look so amazing and I can’t wait to try them out

This book was full of so many Asian dishes that I cannot wait to incorporate into my weekly meal preps! The author had little anecdotes along with each recipe, that were well thought out. The included meals seemed easy and doable, all while looking delicious!

I particularly liked the must have equipment and tools section, detailing everything you need for the recipes. It's one of the worst greivances trying to collate every ingredient or tool you need for an individual recipe, so at the beginning of the book, this is a handy section. There are lots of recipes here, which are sure to capture the interest and hunger of everyone. The make it vegan post its are handy as well, to transform the dishes for other dietary needs. I enjoyed the sauce section, something that is missed in a lot of recipe books and I was surprised at how extensive the collection was, with baked goods included too.

This is a huge book, with lots of recipes and I enjoyed reading.

I liked it a lot. Nice recipes, it made me go buy ingredients and embark on a learning journey. I've always wanted to start cooking aasian recipes, I guess this was the right moment.

I could literally eat asian food everyday for the rest of my life and be happy about it! Cant wait to try these recipes

Thank you Net Galley, Subtle Asian Baking team, and the publisher for this ARC.

After reviewing their first book, Modern Asian Baking, I quickly got requested an ARC for their second installment, Modern Asian Kitchen.

I must say that this is a loaded cookbook. From first glance, I already knew I would fall in love with Chapters 1 and 3. I also spotted some intriguing recipes such as Melty Cheesecake Baos and Matcha Miso Ramen. The pantry section is superb as usual. But I wish they specified recommended brands so that cooks can have the same experience as the authors. The recipe key and recipe notes are a welcome addition. I love this note in particular: “When no quantity is specified, quantities are flexible and discretionary to taste.”

As of this writing, I have managed to try the Queen of Milk Bread recipe, which I believe was also on their first book. And wow, I think this might be the best milk bread I've tried in a while!

Overall, I love this book and I will definitely try more recipes! Thank you so much for this wonderful cookbook.

Wow, what a fantastic cookbook. It starts with a pantry list, ingredients list, and some short personal stories. I love that each recipe includes a photo and that most of the ingredients are things that I have on hand or can easily obtain. The commentary that accompanies the recipes is also witty and enjoyable, and the recipes look like things that I will actually make and eat. I think this will be a great addition to my cookbook collection, and I look forward to seeing the physical copy.

Lots of very tasty looking recipes and look forward to trying them out. Good variety of different variations of Asian dishes. Some familiar ones and lots of new ones. Good photographs to accompany the recipes.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book very informative with some interesting ideas. Recommended.

This book is chock full of yummy looking Asian meals and treats! There will be plenty of recipes in this book that you'll want to try if you love Asian food. There are traditional pieces of equipment listed in the book but surprising me, also listed is an Air Fryer, a Stand Mixer, and an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker. Certainly a modern lineup! Most kitchens will already have the suggested equipment already.

The author has a list of products that she stocks in her Asian Pantry. If you already cook Asian foods regularly, you will have many or most on your shelf. If this is a new type of cooking for your household, you may want to buy the special items you need for a few recipes at a time.

The book is filled, not only with mouthwatering photos of the food, but also sprinkled with family photos. The ingredients for the recipes are clearly laid out and the instructions are written well.

I think this book will provide hours of enjoyment to the lover of Asian foods, both reading about them. cooking them, and certainly eating them.

This book has a lot of amazing authentic recipes. As someone who enjoys asian food a lot and loves cooking them, I truly enjoyed this book. This would benefit someone just exploring asian cooking as the book begins with basics and the instruments needed for cooking. It explains the way to cook basic stuff like rice and simple dishes. But it also moves on to more difficult recipes with ease. Would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys asian food.

Loved all of the recipes and how it spans different Asian cultures. So many gems I've always wanted to learn how to make and now within easy access. I did notice that page 62 seems to have as caption TK repeatedly which I was unsure if that was intentional. Otherwise, solid recipes with content any Asian would appreciate. Thanks for adding in details for the cooking challenged folks like myself. I also appreciated that so many of the recipes are pretty quick time wise to prepare and make. When you have life on the go, generally there isn't 2+ hours to make one meal. This is more realistic cooking that is achievable to most individuals.

This is a neat easy book to follow. Good recipes that are an introduction to cooking Asian food. The colors and photos look pretty high quality and beautiful.

NOODLES FREAKS REJOICE!

Kat Lieu, founder of the award-winning site @subtleasian.baking, has published a comprehensive, accessible, and easy to follow cookbook for anyone and everyone who loves Chinese and other Asian foods, “Modern Asian Kitchen—Essential and Easy Recipes for Dim Sum, Dumplings, Stir-Fries, Ramen, Rice Bowls, Bibimbaps, Pho, and More.”

With Kat Lieu’s easy instructions and accompanying photographic guides, readers will soon be creating beautiful dumplings 🥟 by the 100s in no time at all; mastering the most basic, yet critical component of Asian cuisine—rice 🍚; and my personal favorite, learning all about Asian noodles 🍜 ! And for you no-wheat freaks, lots of these noodles are made from rice!

An American ex-pat in London for several years, my palate quickly became an international traveler just in England’s Capitol due to the extensive choices of cuisines available to stimulate both my imagination and taste buds because London is a global destination inhabited by people from around the globe.

No, I’m definitely not referring to gray/green mushy peas (they do not call such a veggie, ‘English peas’); over-done beef roast; bangers and mash (sausages and creamed potatoes); nor a full English breakfast of over-easy fried eggs glistening with grease accompanied with baked beans (yup—like the type Yanks serve at BBQs), grilled tomatoes, rashers of bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and toast (alas no crumpets). Do you have indigestion yet?

Consequently, when a dear friend introduced me to the delectably delicious nuances of Singapore Mei Fun (rice noodles 🍜 prepared with garlic, red pepper, curry, veggies, and three meats—typically chicken, pork and shrimp, I was hooked from the first spicy mouthful and rejoiced during the experience.

Since that time, I am always thrilled and grateful when a Chinese restaurant offers this delicious dish because it’s my favorite of all oriental fare since that first experience in London because I’m a true noodle-freak, and Singapore Noodles are my heart’s desire when asked, “What’s your favorite food?”

However, just as locating a restaurant that prepares an excellent version of this dish (if at all) can be difficult, finding an authentic and easy to prepare recipe for Singapore Mei Fun, also known just as Singapore Noodles, is even rarer indeed.

Look no further, noodle freaks, Kat Lieu is our new patron saint of Noodledom and all things yummy Asian. A few of her other recipes that are on my soon to try list include: Tandoori Chicken, Garlic Naan Bread, Oven Baked Crispy Fried Chicken, and Garlic Green Beans among others.

My mouth watered the entire time I was reading through this cookbook because the photos of the dishes looked so delicious. Thank you Kat Lieu for bringing Asian cooking into American homes in a straightforward manner that is appetizing, inspiring and entertaining.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks, NetGalley, Author Kathleen Lieu, and Publisher The Harvard Common Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

Note: I received a free unpublished proof of this book, for a limited time, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.

After buying a copy of Lieu’s earlier book, Modern Asian Baking, which I loved, I had to review this one once it became available on NetGalley! (A review of Modern Asian Baking is forthcoming; I particularly love the green tea Swiss roll!)

Lieu’s introduction and running narration to Modern Asian Kitchen are instantly inviting to the reader. Her books come across as the best sort of passion projects, rife with personal anecdotes, notes on her favorite dishes, and tributes to her friends and family who contributed or inspired many of the recipes. This book really makes me wish there was someone like her in my family who knew how to cook traditional dishes from our own culture and could pass down this sort of knowledge. (There isn’t, but I’m making do with a box of recipes that my great-grandmother clipped from newspapers and a few Polish cookbooks. Maybe one day I can become an expert and write a book like this…)

The photography in this book, done by studio iida, is awesome and everything looks very appealing and delicious. There are some particularly detailed instructional illustrations for things like folding dumplings, which I find very helpful in a cookbook. The pictures make me want to cook and eat everything in this book!

Instructionally-speaking, Lieu does a great job of explaining how to make the recipes. I don’t have time to recipe-test the cookbooks I review due to my hectic review schedule. However, based on my experiences with cookbooks, I feel that if I had all the right ingredients I could pick up this book and make anything in it according to the instructions and have something roughly like the picture. This book is not like some of the older Betty Crocker books, or some of the vintage ones I have on European cuisines, that expect the reader to know how to do certain things, know to use certain equipment for certain tasks, or otherwise know stuff that’s not written on the page and not necessarily obvious to the reader.

I saved my recipe opinions for last because those are highly-subjective. When I first picked this up I was on the fence about it, since I already have a few good cookbooks related to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine. However, I’m actually thinking of getting this one once it’s released, since everything in it looks very approachable and there are some classics in here that I love. Highlights include ma po tofu, bibimbap, dim sum spare ribs, char siu, kimchi pancakes, tteokbokki, pho, and multiple classic sauces and desserts.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend to this for anyone looking for a great cookbook with lots of heart and mouthwatering photography!

This is a gorgeous cookbook absolutely chocked full of delicious recipes. Most of the recipes are simple with few ingredients and most items I believe would be readily found as I have many in my pantry already. Lots of recipes are quick to prepare making them great weekday meals.

As a casual beginner at Asian cooking, I am thrilled with this cookbook. I was impressed by the helpful list of tools and common ingredients, which makes it perfect for beginners.

Even if you are a more experienced cook of Asian cuisine, this book still offers plenty of great recipes and technique tips. The beautiful photography brings the recipes to life and makes me eager to start cooking. The layout is clean and easy to follow, making navigating the recipes a breeze.

I can't wait to try out all the delicious recipes in this cookbook, including the dessert recipes. Whether you're new to cooking or looking to improve your Asian culinary skills, this cookbook will be a valuable addition to your kitchen. I'm excited to start cooking up a storm with this wonderful resource!

Easy to follow recipes with a nice layout. I didn't have a hard time sourcing ingredients which is always a bonus. I was able to try five recipes and all of them came out as expected.

Such a fun and beautiful cookbook! So many recipes I want to try. I love the stories shared in this book. The recipes appear well written and laid out in a way that should be easy to follow. The food photography is lovely. I'm honestly most excited about the noodle recipes and the sauce recipes, but I'm looking forward to giving them all a try.

"Here's to feeding our bodies and, little by little, our souls."

I've been following Kat Lieu on Instagram for ages so I already knew this cookbook would be right up my alley. What I appreciate the most about this book as well as her social media presence is just how approachable the recipes are. It's a great pick whether you're a beginner or someone just looking for variety in your dinners. There's a good reason why Lieu starts the book with a recipe for cooking the perfect rice - something that can seem so fundamental yet is so easy to mess up.

As someone with certain dietary restrictions, I really appreciate the tips and notes Lieu has left for each recipe. I may not be able to find everything for all recipes in my region, but there's a good amount of options to play around with. Speaking of regions - thank you thank you thank you for including metric units and Celsius in your instructions, this tiny European appreciates it greatly 🙏🏻

The photography is simply lovely - and I'm not just talking about the quality of the food images, shining a spotlight on shapes and colours and almost letting you imagine the scents. I appreciate the inclusion of photos of friends and family, adding that sweet personal touch - to top it all of, the scan of the handwritten recipe from Lieu's mum.

The earnestness and personality are really what make this book stand out. Even if you're in it just for the food, take time to read Lieu's introductions between each chapter and the small stories for each recipe, talking about personal experiences of her own, her peers', family members, as well as the histories of dishes. Lieu is equal parts witty and earnest, making you smile and feel tender as she speaks of her love for food, her history with it, and how it binds her to those closes in her life. She dedicates certain chapters and recipes to both those still in her life and those lost, and it's a beautiful tribute throughout.

"Modern Asian Kitchen" isn't just a great cookbook to add to your shelf - it's proof that food is the sixth love language.