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.

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.
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.”
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.
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.”
by Charles Phan··You?
by Charles Phan··You?
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.
by TailoredRead AI·
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.
by Jimmy Ly, Dan Q. Dao, Yen Vo·You?
by Jimmy Ly, Dan Q. Dao, Yen Vo·You?
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.
by Ruth Law·You?
by Ruth Law·You?
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.
by Periplus Editors··You?
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.
by TailoredRead AI·
by TailoredRead AI·
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.
by Corinne Trang, Christopher Hirsheimer·You?
by Corinne Trang, Christopher Hirsheimer·You?
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.
by Suzanne Ngoc Anh·You?
by Suzanne Ngoc Anh·You?
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.
by Deh'ta Hsiung·You?
by Deh'ta Hsiung·You?
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.
by Mai Pham··You?
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.
by Trieu Thi Choi, Marcel Isaak, Heinz Von Holzen·You?
by Trieu Thi Choi, Marcel Isaak, Heinz Von Holzen·You?
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.
Proven Vietnamese Cooking, Personalized ✨
Get expert-backed Vietnamese cooking methods tailored to your skills and tastes.
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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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