Cookbook Giveaway - Hong Kong Food & Culture

March 15, 2017·Jenny

Hong Kong Food & Culture: From Dim Sum to Dried Abalone by Adele Wong is a book whose content will happily be devoured by those of us who love food and culture - a trip to Hong Kong between two vibrant red covers.

For more information on this title, please see our review post which shares a recipe for Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic Shoots.

We are pleased to offer two copies of this title to our EYB Members worldwide.

One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post:

What are your thoughts about a title that shares more about ingredients and technique than actual recipes?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won't be counted. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends at midnight on April 19, 2017.

81 comments

TitchMarch 16, 2017

I love it. it's a refreshing change to break down the recipes into ingredients & the culture of where the recipes come from :) x

obbigttamMarch 15, 2017

To me a cookbook has to speak to me. Whether that be through recipes, the author taking me on a journey, or more like a textbook it doesn't matter. The main thing is I need to get something out of the book that is beyond what is put on the plate. My recipe books have notes on everything I cook where I tweak the recipes, others that have stories behind the recipes I find I read many times like a novel, and those with techniques I do use like a textbook, to practice over and over until I'm happy with the result. This particular book gives the impression of opening a window on the Hong Kong food scene, a window I'd love to look through.

SueskitchenMarch 15, 2017

Recipes are important but sometimes I use them as a loose guideline. An ingredient list will give me an idea of how the flavors play with one another or meld together. I'm good with either.

AnnaZedMarch 15, 2017

I like the idea of a book that delves into ingredients and techniques; it's my idea of bedtime reading (marvelous!)

jahqdruhMarch 15, 2017

I like both -- I want to see what a culture's cooks work with, and have the choice myself to search for the ingredients as is or look for substitutes so I can "taste" what the foods might be like. And I love knowing the why of a culture's cuisine/techniques.

mziechMarch 15, 2017

I love books with large sections on ingredients and techniques not used in Western Europe.

jd5761March 15, 2017

I like a book that is something "more" as it has to be different to my current recipe books which are ingredient based

GinnytadMarch 15, 2017

I like the fact that it isn't just generic 'asian' but gives the area of Hong Kong a tip of the hat to their cuisine as not just part of something bigger.

SiegalMarch 15, 2017

I love culinry travelogues

sgumpMarch 15, 2017

I love the idea--particularly since I appreciate understanding why foods in certain places taste the ways they do. When, across cultures, we try to approximate "authentic" recipes with substitute ingredients (due to what's locally available), we're bound to lose *something* in the translation--and this sort of book helps explain those sorts of compromises.

lgroomMarch 15, 2017

This is the kind of book I love.

lilhamMarch 15, 2017

It depends on how well the ingredients and technique sections are written. For example, are they used in the actual recipes? Phoenix Claws and Jade Tree is a very good example of a book that discussed techniques in great details, but it's very clear they are very useful in teaching you how to create great dishes with variations, once the techniques are learnt.

motherofpearl81March 16, 2017

I would love to learn about the Chinese culture. My daughter is learning Mandarin and we would love to visit someday. We love Chinese food!

lhudsonMarch 16, 2017

Thie kind of book is a great addition to eveybodys collection of cookbooks.

monique.potelMarch 17, 2017

I love cookbooks that are more about ingredients and techniques than detailed recipes
i am very undisciplined and tend to always modify whats written in fact i like to read cookbooks to get inapiration and then work freely in the kitchen using the ingredients available
i am a terrible baker for the same reason baking for me demands to much discipline!!!!

trudys_personMarch 17, 2017

I think it would be an interesting challenge to cook from these recipes, but one might learn more about the food and culture by doing so ...

rahiscockMarch 16, 2017

I love books that go beyond recipes, but actually teach you the how and why of a cuisine

sarahawkerMarch 16, 2017

I love it, isn't that a problem we have now? People are afraid of other cultures? Let's celebrate them and food is front and center in the discussion, I love it! I'm a boring mid-westerner that is so far from any cultural roots you could say I don't have any. Bring it on!

kitchenfrolicMarch 17, 2017

I love learning about ingredients and techniques so enjoy books that focus more on this than on recipes. There are already tons of recipes in books - it's nice to learn more about other aspects of cooking!

hirsheysMarch 16, 2017

I was just in Hong Kong in December and loved it. I really like the idea of getting to learn more about HK cooking, though I also would love to be able to make some of the things I ate there.

sipaMarch 16, 2017

I love the idea. It is a more realistic way to cook. What do I have in the fridge and how can I use it.

rchesserMarch 16, 2017

I enjoy books that go beyond the recipes, ones that explore the culture and people as much as I like books with an abundance of recipes.

gjelizabethMarch 17, 2017

I'm more interested in ingredients and techniques than straight recipes when it comes to unfamiliar food cultures.

RSWMarch 17, 2017

It is more enticing to find out what is done with those ingredients.

percussion03March 17, 2017

Usually great! I don't often adhere to a strict recipe when cooking dinner from another culture. I like to compare recipes and work with what I have/what seems logical/ and taste memories of any authentic dining experiences.

UhmandanicoleMarch 17, 2017

Growing up in a Chinese American household, learning how to cook was knowing all about the ingredients used and the technique of how to achieve certain dishes. My grandmother had no recipes to pass on, everything was a hands on learning lesson and all about proportions of this to that, etc. So the fact that this book doesn't focus much on recipes really isn't a problem for me at all!

springandfallMarch 18, 2017

Recipes are now so abundant that a book on techniques and ingredients is at least as valuable as a book of recipes. Understanding these principles also makes it easier to adapt recipes to what's possible locally, while staying true to the spirit of the cuisine - which is what immigrants have always done to preserve beloved tastes in new surroundings. I'm all for such a volume.

stitchanMarch 23, 2017

Knowing ingredients and techniques of a cuisine can help one create unique recipes, so I love the idea.

SiegalMarch 20, 2017

I never measure when I cook

DimSumMammaMarch 20, 2017

I read cookbooks for lessons, stories and ideas. One is only as efficient in the kitchen as the techniques one has up their sleeves.

cocecitycookMarch 18, 2017

I like a book that is more than just recipes.

fiaroseMarch 17, 2017

i love to learn more about every aspect of cooking, so cookbooks that cover ingredients and techniques are perfect for me. like others have said, it becomes less of a list of things to eat and more of a book--an experience in reading as well as education. when that's done well it's my favorite thing ever!

westerMarch 21, 2017

I love all books about food, recipes or not. I just hope this one is not just a lot of pretty pictures but actually has some insights about Hong Kong.

madelainelcMarch 20, 2017

I really enjoy cookbooks that have some meaty stories to go along with their recipes. That's part of why I love Tessa Kiros' books so much. Technique sections can be great if it's something new, but I often find myself skipping a lot of information I already have.

niniacedoMarch 21, 2017

Cookbooks with lots of content are my favorite. I enjoy reading about history, development and characteristics of various cuisines before I go to bed.
I love learning new techniques and learn how ingredients are used in every cuisine.

hippiechick1955March 17, 2017

It makes no difference to me what the title is . It is what is inside the book that sells it for me.

ravensfanMarch 17, 2017

I like this unique presentation of recipes.

thecharlahMarch 23, 2017

I am a huge fan of cookbooks that take a deep dive into specific cuisines...the more on ingredients the better!

edyenicoleMarch 25, 2017

I love it! It adds a different dynamic.

skipetersonMarch 24, 2017

I think it's important to highlight, and thereby familiarize, us with the different ingredients and techniques.

JoyceeongMarch 25, 2017

Ingredients and techniques are the key to good recipes, so I'm all for it!

GillBApril 5, 2017

Enjoy the techniques especially if its a "new" cookbook but love the recipes

Astrid5555March 24, 2017

I like the idea that this is not just another Asian cookbook

kennethjohngilmourMarch 30, 2017

feel recipes are more a template from which to follow or adapt as needed

Karla123March 27, 2017

Despite being light on recipes, I would welcome this book. I'm always interested in learning more about ingredients and techniques used by another ethnic cuisine.

JuliaMarch 29, 2017

I know very little about Hong Kong food and culture so this would be a perfect introduction.

lindaeatsherbooksMarch 30, 2017

Truthfully, when a book is titled with techniques instead of recipes, I am a little intimidated because I am still learning good technique.

bstewartMarch 26, 2017

I love books that are more than just recipes -- either a lot of extra narrative (like in the recent F52 cookbook club's pick Deep Run Roots, which had some great storytelling) or that focus on techniques or culture.

auntietinaMarch 26, 2017

I think the idea of having a cookbook that focuses on techniques can help if you are trying to focus on learning new skills.

goldenpuddingMarch 30, 2017

I’d be interested to try a different approach...

elogibsMarch 30, 2017

It really reflects the way my mom cooks. She grew up in Hong Kong and cooks everything by instinct and understanding of the ingredients rather than measurements. That's the way to really get to the heart of Hong Kong cooking.

t.tApril 8, 2017

I think having both ingredients/ techniques and recipes are important if introducing a cuisine that is unfamiliar to many people.

SallyApril 8, 2017

"What are your thoughts about a title that shares more about ingredients and technique than actual recipes?" I like it. Understanding ingredients and different techniques help me with extemporaneous cooking

jd5761March 30, 2017

I think its a great idea to think people know their own tastes with spices and some flavours

HKGFoodieApril 7, 2017

I like both kinds. I think you need a little of each to learn specifics, how things come together and also the other so your imagination becomes more engaged to try new things.

ksadowski64April 8, 2017

I prefer it over a title that includes no reference to place, time, or occasion.

NancithApril 7, 2017

I love reading cookbooks. The ones with more descriptions, stories, techniques to read are definitely more interesting to read than recipes only. I appreciate all the information.

KatiefayhutsonMarch 31, 2017

I can be a great way to help inspire the user to be more creative with the recipes.

gjnmcApril 7, 2017

When you are exploring a new cuisine its essential to have a book that decodes the cooking techniques and new ingredients. Handling new types of ingredients is hard if the recipe had no other info.

silversandApril 8, 2017

I like it - it's nice to have something different :) there are so, so many recipe books out there one that focuses more on ingredients and techniques is interesting

htlibrarianApril 8, 2017

I do love a recipe, but although they give a predictable end result they only teach how to make that one thing. Explanations about ingredients and techniques allow the reader to explore the cuisine and build their own ideas about how things work together, giving confidence to go on and create authentic dishes.

poneillMarch 30, 2017

Great to see another view on Hong Kong's amazing food heritage.

carolwatsonApril 7, 2017

Great as an addition to existing books. Would not want it as the sole source as you need so much more time to organise around.

lebarron2001April 19, 2017

I think it is a different way of immersing oneself in another culture.

BikkieApril 8, 2017

What a lovely idea! A great opportunity to make the recipes your own!

TrishaCPApril 8, 2017

Many great comments from folks. This book seems very interesting.

ejsimpsonApril 10, 2017

I need this cookbook! I love Chinese cooking!

ejsimpsonApril 10, 2017

I tend to cook without measuring so the lack of amounts do not bother me!

herbyApril 14, 2017

I struggle with Chinese techniques and ingredients. The book that will explain these is very welcome to my shelves.

ddenkerApril 18, 2017

Sometimes when ingredients and technique are given priority over actual recipes, it helps me to further my understanding of why (or why not) the recipes I use work (or do not). Both types of books are helpful in their own way.

JanSchollApril 18, 2017

I can't travel so often this sort of book is the only way for me to find out about a culture and country.

sharifahApril 18, 2017

interesting concept!

KarinaFrancisApril 10, 2017

There is a place for both in my kitchen, generally I go to the traditional recipe books, but other times (when I'm experimenting) I want to know the base method, the science or the technique and do my own thing

BridieApril 9, 2017

I love any book that doesn't just give me recipes but ideas of the future

HihelenApril 12, 2017

I think it's great as it gives you the freedom to play with ingredients and combinations

bopperApril 9, 2017

I`m open to the idea as learning about preparation and its origins is an important part of enjoying the food

jim.windleApril 9, 2017

I think its a great idea. It not only tells you something about the culture that produced the food, but with an understanding of the dish and the cuisine you can better adapt to the local ingredients where you are.

AmandaSApril 17, 2017

I think understanding the ingredients I am using and learning different techniques to use ingredients makes cooking all the more enjoyable.

imaluckyduckyApril 14, 2017

Love it!

CindyinOttawaApril 11, 2017

I like to follow recipes, but the more I can learn about techniques, cultural cuisine and ingredients improves my confidence in being less bound to specifics of a recipe...that leads me to the type of cook I want to become. It is one of my favourite subjects to read about.

gourmet.joApril 14, 2017

Technique, ingredients, culture- all are important in understanding the recipe. I love to hear about all of this when I try a new recipe.