10 Best-Selling Vietnamese Cooking Books Millions Love

Discover expert picks from Christopher Kimball, David Lebovitz, and James Oseland featuring best-selling Vietnamese Cooking Books with authentic, proven recipes.

Christopher Kimball
Updated on June 25, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially when it comes to Vietnamese cooking. This cuisine's fresh herbs, bold flavors, and nuanced balance have captured millions of home cooks worldwide. Vietnamese cooking books offer a gateway into this vibrant culinary tradition, blending accessibility with authenticity. As Vietnamese flavors continue to influence global tables, having trusted guides in your kitchen matters more than ever.

Top experts like Christopher Kimball, founder of America's Test Kitchen, have praised Andrea Nguyen's Vietnamese Food Any Day for making complex flavors approachable. Culinary writer David Lebovitz echoes this, admiring how Nguyen demystifies ingredients for home cooks. Meanwhile, James Oseland, former editor of Saveur, highlights Charles Phan's Vietnamese Home Cooking as a journey that deepens culinary understanding and skill.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Vietnamese cooking needs might consider creating a personalized Vietnamese Cooking book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you get expert-backed recipes and techniques customized to your tastes, skill level, and goals.

Best for accessible authentic home cooks
Christopher Kimball, founder of America's Test Kitchen and Milk Street, recommends this cookbook for anyone serious about Vietnamese flavors. His praise for Andrea Nguyen as a "masterful and irrepressible guide" reflects how her approach brings bold yet accessible recipes into American kitchens, perfectly matching the tastes of home cooks looking for authenticity without complexity. This endorsement aligns with the book’s widespread acclaim, showing that it’s not just popular but also trusted by culinary experts. David Lebovitz, bestselling author known for his approachable cooking style, echoes this sentiment, highlighting how the book breaks down techniques and ingredients so anyone can succeed in making Vietnamese dishes from pho to spicy sweet tofu.
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Recommended by Christopher Kimball

Founder, Christopher Kimball's Milk Street and America's Test Kitchen

Andrea Nguyen is a masterful and irrepressible guide to Vietnam’s cuisine and culture. Vietnamese Food Any Day delivers big, bold flavors translated for the American kitchen. It’s exotic simplicity at its best.

2019·240 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Asian Cooking, Southeast Asian Cooking, Home Cooking, Ingredient Substitution

Unlike most Vietnamese cookbooks that lean heavily on exotic ingredients, Andrea Nguyen draws from her personal history and decades of culinary expertise to show you how to bring authentic Vietnamese flavors into your kitchen using everyday supermarket staples. The book teaches you to master dishes like banh mi, pho, and rice paper rolls with approachable techniques and recipes such as Honey-Glazed Pork Riblets and Turmeric Coconut Rice. You’ll also find tips for sourcing ingredients without specialty grocers, making Vietnamese cooking accessible any night of the week. This book suits home cooks eager to explore Vietnamese cuisine without intimidation or exotic shopping lists.

IACP Award Finalist
Named One of The Best Cookbooks of The Year by NPR
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Best for mastering traditional techniques
James Oseland, editor-in-chief of Saveur and author known for his deep knowledge of global cuisines, praises this book as "a truly magical and illuminating journey into the cooking of Vietnam," highlighting how its recipes deepen your grasp of Vietnamese food while refining your overall cooking skills. His endorsement carries weight given his expertise in culinary storytelling and flavor exploration, aligning well with the book's widespread acclaim. David Chang, a restaurateur and host of 'Ugly Delicious', echoes this sentiment, noting how Charles Phan breaks down complex flavors into approachable steps, making this an indispensable guide for anyone eager to cook Vietnamese dishes at home.

Recommended by James Oseland

Editor-in-Chief of Saveur, Author

A truly magical and illuminating journey into the cooking of Vietnam, with recipes so thoroughly brilliant they will not only allow you to better understand the cuisine of that country, but they will also make you a better cook, Asian or otherwise.

Charles Phan's decades running The Slanted Door led him to craft a cookbook that demystifies Vietnamese home cooking with an emphasis on core techniques and essential ingredients. You'll find guidance on making dishes like imperial rolls and lemongrass beef stew approachable, supported by vivid photography illustrating tools and methods. This book reveals how Vietnamese cuisine blends tradition with local influences, making it accessible beyond restaurant dining. If you want to deepen your culinary skills with authentic Southeast Asian flavors without feeling overwhelmed, this book is a solid companion, though those seeking only quick recipes might find it detailed.

James Beard Award Winner
IACP Award-Winning Cookbook
Inducted into James Beard Who's Who
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Best for custom flavor mastery
This AI-created book on Vietnamese flavor balancing is crafted based on your culinary background, skill level, and flavor interests. You share which seasoning techniques and flavor profiles you want to focus on, along with your goals, and the book is created to match exactly what you want to learn. Customizing for this subject makes sense because Vietnamese cooking relies heavily on nuanced flavor harmony that varies by region and personal taste. This tailored approach helps you grasp those subtleties without sorting through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Flavor Balancing, Seasoning Techniques, Herb Usage, Condiment Pairing

This tailored book explores the core principles behind Vietnamese flavor balancing and seasoning techniques, focusing on your unique interests and culinary background. It examines the essential flavor profiles that define Vietnamese cuisine and reveals methods to combine herbs, spices, and condiments to achieve authentic taste harmony. Drawing on popular knowledge and millions of reader experiences, this personalized guide matches your specific goals and skill level to deepen your understanding and confidence in crafting vibrant Vietnamese dishes. Whether you seek to master delicate balances or bold seasonings, this book offers a focused learning experience that brings authentic Vietnamese flavors directly to your kitchen.

Tailored Guide
Flavor Science
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Southern Vietnamese flavors
Madame Vo stands out in Vietnamese cooking for its unique blend of deeply personal storytelling and accessible, flavorful recipes. It captures the journey of Jimmy Ly and Yen Vo, whose East Village restaurant quickly became a culinary landmark by introducing bold southern Vietnamese dishes to New York. This cookbook offers more than just recipes; it shares the cultural roots and family narratives that shape the food, making it ideal for anyone wanting to bring authentic Vietnamese flavors into their own kitchen. With over eighty recipes, it invites you to explore and master Vietnamese home cooking with confidence and heart.
2024·256 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Cooking, Homestyle Recipes, Southern Vietnamese, Recipe Techniques

What started as a personal mission by Jimmy Ly and Yen Vo to bring authentic southern Vietnamese flavors to New York City's East Village evolved into Madame Vo, a cookbook that invites you to recreate those bold, homestyle dishes at home. This book goes beyond recipes; it shares the compelling story of resilience and family history behind the restaurant’s success, enriching your cooking experience with cultural depth. You'll learn to master signature dishes like Madame Wings and Perfect Phở, supported by over eighty approachable recipes that balance tradition with modern touches. If you’re eager to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese flavors and cooking techniques, this book offers a clear path without overwhelming you.

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Best for regional Southeast Asian context
"The Southeast Asia Cookbook" stands as a notable entry in Vietnamese cooking literature by offering readers a gateway into the culinary richness of the entire Southeast Asian region. Its wide-ranging recipes and techniques, covering soups to desserts, provide a valuable resource for anyone eager to understand the distinct flavors of Vietnam alongside neighboring countries. The book’s thorough introduction to ingredients and cooking styles makes it accessible for cooks wanting to bring authentic Southeast Asian tastes into their kitchen. This approach addresses a common challenge faced by home cooks seeking to explore this cuisine, making the book a useful companion for culinary discovery.
1990·452 pages·Asian Cooking, Southeast Asian Cooking, Vietnamese Cooking, Thai Cuisine, Malaysian Recipes

When Ruth Law set out to compile "The Southeast Asia Cookbook," she drew on a rich tapestry of culinary traditions spanning Thailand to Vietnam. This book goes beyond surface-level recipes, breaking down essential ingredients like fish sauce and tamarind and exploring techniques such as balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors unique to Southeast Asian kitchens. You’ll find detailed chapters on everything from appetizers to desserts, with practical insights on rice and noodle dishes that reflect local culture. If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge of Vietnamese cooking within the broader Southeast Asian context, this book offers a solid foundation and diverse recipes that suit both curious home cooks and culinary explorers.

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Best for exploring regional recipes
Nongkran Daks, a native of southern Thailand with a rich background in cooking, teaching, and catering, brings her expertise and passion for Southeast Asian flavors to this collection. Known for authentic Thai cuisine and winning a Food Network Throwdown against Bobby Flay, Nongkran's experience lends credibility to this approachable Vietnamese cookbook. Her knowledge helps you navigate the balance of fresh herbs and spices that define Vietnamese meals, making this an accessible resource for anyone wanting to bring these vibrant dishes into their home kitchen.
2005·96 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Easy Cooking, Quick Cooking, Herb Usage, Grilling Techniques

The breakthrough moment came when the Periplus Editors crafted this guide tailored for those new to Vietnamese cuisine, demystifying its fresh, balanced flavors and quick preparation methods. You learn how to combine herbs, spices, and traditional ingredients to create meals that harmonize salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes without heavy fats. The book covers over 50 accessible recipes, including grilled lemongrass chicken satays and caramelized fish dishes, making it ideal for home cooks eager to explore authentic yet uncomplicated Vietnamese meals. If you want an inviting introduction that emphasizes freshness and simplicity, this book fits perfectly, though seasoned chefs seeking advanced techniques might look elsewhere.

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Best for step-by-step pho mastery
This AI-created book on pho mastery is crafted based on your cooking background and kitchen environment. It focuses on the specific aspects of pho broth and noodle preparation you want to develop, matching your current skills and goals. By creating a tailored guide, it helps you avoid generic instructions and instead offers focused content that suits your interests. This personalized approach makes learning pho techniques more engaging and efficient, perfect for cooks eager to master this beloved Vietnamese staple.
2025·50-300 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Pho Broth, Noodle Preparation, Ingredient Selection, Broth Flavoring

This tailored book offers a focused journey through the art and science of pho broth and noodle mastery, designed specifically to match your kitchen setup and culinary experience. It explores authentic techniques for crafting rich, balanced pho broth, alongside noodle preparation and ingredient selection, ensuring you grasp each element's role in this iconic Vietnamese dish. The content is personalized to address your specific goals and interests, helping you refine your skills efficiently. By concentrating on your unique preferences and background, it reveals a step-by-step process that makes mastering pho approachable and rewarding, blending traditional knowledge with practical kitchen adaptations.

Tailored Guide
Broth Perfection
3,000+ Books Created
Best for in-depth regional diversity
What sets "Authentic Vietnamese Cooking" apart is the way Corinne Trang channels her multicultural background into a vivid, approachable collection of recipes that reflect Vietnam's culinary diversity. This book has become a trusted staple for home cooks drawn to authentic regional flavors, blending tradition and accessibility. It offers a thoughtful look at the Simple North, Sophisticated Center, and Spicy South culinary styles, enriched with cultural insights and practical cooking guidance. Whether you’re making Pho or exploring lesser-known dishes, this volume invites you to experience Vietnamese food as a family affair, making it a valuable addition to anyone’s kitchen library.
Authentic Vietnamese Cooking: Food from a Family Table book cover

by Corinne Trang, Christopher Hirsheimer·You?

1999·256 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Regional Cuisine, Recipes, Cooking Techniques, Culinary Traditions

What makes "Authentic Vietnamese Cooking" both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is Corinne Trang's unique heritage and firsthand experience, which she brings to the kitchen with refreshing clarity. Drawing from her upbringing across Phnom Penh, Paris, and New York, Trang demystifies regional Vietnamese dishes, offering more than 100 recipes that capture distinct flavors from Vietnam's North, Central, and South. You’ll find approachable guidance on classics like Pho Bo and Spring Rolls, alongside insightful cultural anecdotes that enrich your cooking journey. This book suits anyone eager to explore Vietnamese cuisine beyond the usual, whether you're a curious home cook or someone wanting to deepen your culinary repertoire with authentic, region-specific techniques.

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Best for straightforward traditional dishes
Suzanne Ngoc Anh’s "The Best of Vietnamese Cooking" offers a practical gateway into Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. This guide compiles over 80 traditional recipes, from Buddhist Monks' Soup to Shrimp Toast, alongside fundamental sauces and ingredient lists, making it approachable for anyone interested in Vietnamese cuisine. Its straightforward format and focus on authentic dishes help demystify a cuisine renowned for its vibrant flavors yet often overlooked in home kitchens. Whether you’re a curious food enthusiast or someone wanting to deepen your international cooking repertoire, this book provides a solid foundation in Vietnamese cooking’s distinctive tastes and techniques.
2002·80 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, International Cooking, Soups, Seafood, Poultry

What started as a quest to capture the essence of authentic Vietnamese flavors became an accessible culinary guide in Suzanne Ngoc Anh's "The Best of Vietnamese Cooking." Drawing from traditional roots, the book offers more than 80 recipes spanning soups, seafood, poultry, meats, and desserts, complete with essential sauces and ingredients. You gain practical insights into dishes like Buddhist Monks' Soup and Stirfried Rice with Oysters that reveal Vietnam's unique culinary identity distinct from its neighbors. This book suits anyone eager to explore genuine Vietnamese cuisine with straightforward recipes that don’t demand exotic ingredients or advanced skills.

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Best for step-by-step visual guides
The Book of Vietnamese Cooking offers a distinctive approach to Vietnamese cuisine by presenting eighty recipes that are both authentic and accessible, enhanced with vivid, step-by-step photographs. This collection has resonated widely, helping home cooks of varying skill levels bring the rich flavors of Vietnam into their kitchens with confidence. By focusing on traditional dishes like Lychee Sorbet and Coconut Custard, the book bridges cultural culinary practices and practical home cooking needs. It's an inviting resource for anyone eager to explore Vietnamese cooking through clear guidance and visually engaging instruction.
1997·96 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Recipes, Traditional Dishes, Desserts, Ingredient Preparation

After years of exploring Vietnamese cuisine, Deh'ta Hsiung developed a collection showcasing eighty authentic recipes that bring traditional flavors into your kitchen with ease. The book guides you through dishes like Lychee Sorbet and Coconut Custard, supported by full-color photographs illustrating each step, making it accessible whether you're a novice or seasoned cook. You'll gain hands-on skills in balancing sweet, savory, and aromatic elements unique to Vietnamese cooking, along with insights into ingredient selection and preparation techniques. If you're eager to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culinary traditions and impress your guests with authentic dishes, this book serves as a practical and approachable companion.

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Best for cultural and culinary stories
Mai Pham was born in Vietnam and raised in both Vietnam and Thailand. Now chef and owner of the acclaimed Lemon Grass Restaurant in Sacramento, California, Mai is a food columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Times, and a regular guest chef instructor at the Culinary Institute of America. She also owns the popular La Bou Bakery and Cafe group in Northern California. Her rich culinary background and frequent returns to Vietnam inspired this collection, offering you a window into authentic Vietnamese cooking enriched by her firsthand experiences.
2001·242 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Recipes, Culinary Traditions, Street Food, Home Cooking

Mai Pham’s decades of experience as a chef and restaurateur shine through in this immersive exploration of Vietnamese cuisine. Drawing from her upbringing in Saigon and travels throughout Vietnam, she shares over 100 recipes that capture authentic flavors — from pho to caramelized garlic shrimp. You’ll not only learn how to prepare iconic dishes but also gain insight into the cultural traditions behind them, with stories and photos that enrich each recipe. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese cooking beyond basics, especially home cooks who appreciate both technique and context.

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Best for quick, fresh recipes beginners
Authentic Recipes from Vietnam offers a vivid exploration of one of Asia's most beloved culinary traditions. This cookbook stands out by presenting over 80 recipes accompanied by rich illustrations and clear instructions, capturing the essence of Vietnamese cooking's fresh, herb-filled approach. It guides you through classic dishes from various regions, making it an excellent resource for anyone eager to embrace this vibrant cuisine. Whether you are new to Vietnamese cooking or looking to deepen your skills, this book delivers an inviting and well-rounded experience that celebrates food as a daily joy.
Authentic Recipes from Vietnam: [Vietnamese Cookbook, Over 80 Recipes] (Authentic Recipes Series) book cover

by Trieu Thi Choi, Marcel Isaak, Heinz Von Holzen·You?

2005·112 pages·Vietnamese Cooking, Cooking, Vietnamese Cuisine, Recipes, Herbs

When Trieu Thi Choi and her co-authors set out to explore Vietnamese cuisine, they created more than just a cookbook; they offered a cultural journey through Vietnam's diverse regions. You learn to prepare over 80 recipes that bring to life the fresh herbs, light seasonings, and raw vegetables that define this cuisine, such as Pork Rice Paper Rolls and Braised Duck with Ginger. The book’s detailed ingredient guides and cooking techniques help you master dishes from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta. If you’re keen to understand the culinary traditions behind the food while cooking authentic meals, this book fits your needs.

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Proven Vietnamese Cooking, Personalized

Get expert-backed Vietnamese cooking methods tailored to your skills and tastes.

Authentic recipes simplified
Techniques for success
Customized flavor profiles

Validated by culinary experts and thousands of home cooks

Vietnamese Flavor Formula
30-Day Pho Mastery
Fresh Vietnamese Foundations
Home Cooking Success Blueprint

Conclusion

These ten Vietnamese cooking books collectively reveal clear themes: they provide proven, authentic recipes; offer insights from respected experts; and balance tradition with accessible techniques. If you prefer proven methods, start with Andrea Nguyen's Vietnamese Food Any Day for approachable home cooking. For validated, in-depth approaches, combine Charles Phan's Vietnamese Home Cooking with Madame Vo's Southern flavors.

Exploring regional diversity? Authentic Recipes from Vietnam and Authentic Vietnamese Cooking delve into distinct culinary traditions across Vietnam. For visual learners, The Book of Vietnamese Cooking offers step-by-step photos that clarify complex techniques.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Vietnamese Cooking book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in bringing authentic Vietnamese flavors to their tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Andrea Nguyen's Vietnamese Food Any Day. It's praised by Christopher Kimball for making authentic Vietnamese cooking accessible with everyday ingredients and clear instructions.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Vietnamese Cooking?

Not at all. Books like Vietnamese Cooking Made Easy focus on quick, fresh recipes perfect for beginners, while others offer deeper exploration as your skills grow.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with approachable guides like Vietnamese Food Any Day. Then explore regional and cultural depth with Authentic Recipes from Vietnam or Pleasures of the Vietnamese Table to expand your culinary horizons.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Newer books like Madame Vo offer fresh takes on Southern Vietnamese cooking, while classics such as The Best of Vietnamese Cooking provide foundational recipes trusted over time.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one to start, but combining books like Vietnamese Home Cooking and Vietnamese Food Any Day offers a balanced approach blending technique and accessibility.

Can I get a Vietnamese cooking book tailored to my specific skill level and tastes?

Yes! While expert books provide solid foundations, you can create a personalized Vietnamese Cooking book that adapts popular methods to your unique goals, skill level, and preferred flavors for the best learning experience.

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