Delving into the rich culinary traditions of her homeland, Nguyen emerges with a treasure of recipes that directly translate–as opposed to transform–Vietnamese cooking for the American kitchen. In part because ingredients are increasingly available in grocery stores and farmers markets, Nguyen is able to demystify the cuisine of Vietnam and present it accurately - as a food at once comforting and elegant. After a brief primer on Vietnamese culinary history and lore, and tips on stocking a Vietnamese pantry, Nguyen proceeds to her recipes, which are comprehensive, where she provides personal history and a brief description of each dish. The result is the ideal introduction to a foreign cuisine, where you feel as if you’re cooking with an expert and a friend.