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10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors [A Cookbook]

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,388
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
1272 reviews

Recipe Variety
The cookbook is filled with quick, delicious recipes that can be made with either traditional ingredients or more accessible substitutions.
Authenticity
This cookbook helps non-Vietnamese cooks achieve authentic flavors with easy-to-follow methods and little secrets to elevate their dishes.
Ingredient Accessibility
Andrea Nguyen's recipes are unique, distinct, and extraordinary, with ingredients that are easy to find in any good-sized neighborhood grocery store.
Skill Level
Andrea Nguyen writes with a personable style and provides thorough explanations, making it hard to fail at any recipe.
Cultural Insights
Readers gain more knowledge and experience from Nguyen's worthwhile information and strategic shopping advice.
Visual Appeal
The visual appeal is enhanced by well-done four-color pictures, though not every recipe has a photo.

'Vietnamese Food Any Day' offers a blend of simplicity and authenticity, making Vietnamese cuisine accessible for home cooks. It features a wide variety of recipes, from traditional dishes to modern adaptations, ensuring there's something for everyone. The recipes are designed to use ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets, which is a significant advantage for those who may not have access to specialty Asian grocery stores.

This makes the book suitable for both beginner and intermediate cooks who want to explore Vietnamese flavors without too much hassle. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making it approachable even for those who are new to cooking. Additionally, the book provides cultural insights that enrich the cooking experience, giving readers a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

The visual appeal is another strong point, with beautiful photographs that not only illustrate the finished dishes but also inspire readers to get cooking. Some may find that the simplification of certain recipes might compromise a bit on authenticity. The hardcover format and high-quality pages add to the appeal, making it a lovely addition to any kitchen library. 'Vietnamese Food Any Day' is an excellent choice for those looking to dive into Vietnamese cooking with ease and enjoyment, though it may not satisfy everyone's craving for deeply traditional recipes.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,388
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
1272 reviews

Recipe Variety
The cookbook is filled with quick, delicious recipes that can be made with either traditional ingredients or more accessible substitutions.
Authenticity
This cookbook helps non-Vietnamese cooks achieve authentic flavors with easy-to-follow methods and little secrets to elevate their dishes.
Ingredient Accessibility
Andrea Nguyen's recipes are unique, distinct, and extraordinary, with ingredients that are easy to find in any good-sized neighborhood grocery store.
Skill Level
Andrea Nguyen writes with a personable style and provides thorough explanations, making it hard to fail at any recipe.
Cultural Insights
Readers gain more knowledge and experience from Nguyen's worthwhile information and strategic shopping advice.
Visual Appeal
The visual appeal is enhanced by well-done four-color pictures, though not every recipe has a photo.
#2

Into the Vietnamese Kitchen: Treasured Foodways, Modern Flavors

Rating
9.6
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
306 reviews

Recipe Variety
Andrea's cookbook covers a wide range of regional cuisines and explains the fundamentals of cooking techniques, making it a comprehensive and respectful guide.
Authenticity
The use of Vietnamese names for ingredients is incredibly helpful for sourcing exact herbs and ensuring authenticity.
Ingredient Accessibility
While some ingredients may seem daunting, the cookbook simplifies Vietnamese cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Skill Level
The book is beneficial for both established cooks looking to expand their repertoire and beginners aiming to produce their first meals.

Into the Vietnamese Kitchen: Treasured Foodways, Modern Flavors offers a comprehensive collection of recipes that span traditional and modern Vietnamese cuisine. One of its strong points is the variety of recipes, which cater to different tastes and occasions, providing options for both everyday meals and special occasions.

The authenticity of the recipes is notable, as the author draws from her family’s culinary heritage, ensuring readers get a genuine taste of Vietnamese food. However, some ingredients may not be easily accessible, depending on where you live, which could be a drawback for those not near Asian grocery stores. The cookbook is designed to cater to various skill levels, with clear instructions that make it approachable for beginners, while offering enough depth for seasoned home cooks.

Cultural insights are woven throughout the book, giving readers a rich understanding of the history and traditions behind the dishes. The visual appeal is another highlight, with beautiful photography that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of Vietnamese cuisine, making the recipes not only delicious but visually enticing. The book's heft and hardcover format provide durability, though its weight might make it less convenient to handle during cooking sessions. Those passionate about exploring authentic Vietnamese cuisine and willing to source specific ingredients will find this book particularly rewarding.

Rating
9.6
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
306 reviews

Recipe Variety
Andrea's cookbook covers a wide range of regional cuisines and explains the fundamentals of cooking techniques, making it a comprehensive and respectful guide.
Authenticity
The use of Vietnamese names for ingredients is incredibly helpful for sourcing exact herbs and ensuring authenticity.
Ingredient Accessibility
While some ingredients may seem daunting, the cookbook simplifies Vietnamese cooking, making it accessible and enjoyable.
Skill Level
The book is beneficial for both established cooks looking to expand their repertoire and beginners aiming to produce their first meals.
#3

An: To Eat: Recipes and Stories from a Vietnamese Family Kitchen

Rating
9.4
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Skill Level

Most important from
91 reviews

Recipe Variety
The recipes are easy to understand and deliver a perfect balance of traditional and modern Vietnamese flavors.
Authenticity
This cookbook beautifully combines family photographs, rich history, and authentic recipes into an inspiring and well-crafted collection.
Skill Level
Clear instructions and detailed techniques make it accessible for home cooks ready to explore authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Cultural Insights
The book offers delightful storytelling that enriches the cooking experience beyond just following recipes.

An: To Eat offers a rich collection of Vietnamese recipes intertwined with family stories, making it more than just a cookbook—it's a glimpse into Vietnamese culture and home cooking. It tends to excel in authenticity, as the recipes come from a family kitchen, which means you’re likely to get traditional flavors rather than overly simplified versions. The variety covers many classic dishes, giving a good range for anyone interested in Vietnamese cuisine. Ingredients are generally accessible, though some may require a visit to an Asian market depending on your location.

The recipes strike a balance in skill level, catering mostly to home cooks with some experience, rather than complete beginners or professional chefs. This makes it approachable but also a bit challenging if you’re new to cooking Vietnamese food. The cultural insights embedded in the stories add depth and context, enriching your cooking experience and understanding of the food’s background.

Visually, the book is nicely illustrated, with appealing photos that inspire you to try the dishes. However, it might be a bit heavy and large to handle comfortably in a busy kitchen. If you appreciate cookbooks that combine recipes with personal narrative and cultural history, this book is a great match. It’s ideal for those who want to explore authentic Vietnamese cooking with some guidance in ingredient sourcing and techniques.

Rating
9.4
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Skill Level

Most important from
91 reviews

Recipe Variety
The recipes are easy to understand and deliver a perfect balance of traditional and modern Vietnamese flavors.
Authenticity
This cookbook beautifully combines family photographs, rich history, and authentic recipes into an inspiring and well-crafted collection.
Skill Level
Clear instructions and detailed techniques make it accessible for home cooks ready to explore authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Cultural Insights
The book offers delightful storytelling that enriches the cooking experience beyond just following recipes.

Buying Guide for the Best Vietnamese Cookbooks

Choosing the right Vietnamese cookbook can be a delightful journey into the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Vietnam. To make the best choice, consider what you want to achieve with your cooking, your skill level, and the type of recipes that excite you. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a Vietnamese cookbook.
Recipe VarietyRecipe variety refers to the range of different dishes included in the cookbook. This is important because it can help you explore various aspects of Vietnamese cuisine, from street food to traditional family meals. If you are a beginner, look for a cookbook with a broad selection of simple recipes. If you are more experienced, you might prefer a book that dives into regional specialties or advanced techniques.
AuthenticityAuthenticity in a cookbook means how true the recipes are to traditional Vietnamese cooking methods and ingredients. This is crucial for those who want to experience genuine Vietnamese flavors. Cookbooks written by native Vietnamese chefs or those who have spent significant time in Vietnam tend to offer more authentic recipes. If authenticity is important to you, check the author's background and the reviews to ensure the recipes are true to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredient AccessibilityIngredient accessibility refers to how easy it is to find the ingredients listed in the recipes. This is important because some Vietnamese ingredients might be hard to find depending on where you live. If you live in an area with limited access to Asian markets, look for cookbooks that offer substitutions or focus on recipes with more commonly available ingredients. If you have access to a wide range of Asian ingredients, you can opt for cookbooks that use more specialized items.
Skill LevelSkill level indicates how complex the recipes are and the level of cooking expertise required. This is important to ensure you can comfortably follow the recipes and achieve good results. Cookbooks often specify whether they are suitable for beginners, intermediate cooks, or advanced chefs. Choose a cookbook that matches your current skill level to avoid frustration and ensure a rewarding cooking experience.
Cultural InsightsCultural insights refer to the background information and stories about Vietnamese food culture included in the cookbook. This is important for those who want to understand the cultural context of the dishes they are preparing. Cookbooks that provide historical context, anecdotes, and explanations about the significance of certain dishes can enrich your cooking experience and deepen your appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.
Visual AppealVisual appeal refers to the quality and quantity of photographs and illustrations in the cookbook. This is important because good visuals can inspire you and help you understand how the finished dish should look. Cookbooks with high-quality images can make the cooking process more enjoyable and provide a clearer guide to presentation. If you are a visual learner, look for cookbooks with plenty of photos and step-by-step illustrations.

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