[.ca] Complete Asian Cookbook (ISBN 1904010180)

Essential - but you only need one copy:
I have owned and loved this cookbook for 20 years. It is a MUST for anyone who wishes to become conversant in Asian food. I have lived in Indonesia for 7 years and traveled extensively in the region, and find her recipes to always be authentic. My one complaint is that a few years ago the book was republished with "revised" in big letters on the front, and I bought a second copy thinking it would be updated inside. In fact, it is absolutely criminal that they refer to it as "revised." IF YOU OWN AN OLDER VERSION OF THIS BOOK DO NOT BUY A NEW ONE. Virtually the only noticeable difference is that the photos are smaller and the list of where to buy ingredients is replaced by a forward saying that ingredients are now more readily available and food processors are useful (duh). Although she mentions changes to one recipe, Singaporean laksa, I have not seen a single change to the rest of book - including corrections of the rare typo or mistake, or instructions for a food processor where it clearly would make sense. Solomon and the publisher should be ashamed that they called the new edition "revised" and thereby caused loyal fans like me to waste money on a new book.

Definately A Good Cookbook for Anyone's Collection:
I received this cookbook over the holidays, after noticing it in a bookstore and making it expressly clear I really wanted it. It's sheer size got my attention when sitting on the shelf, and simply looking at the table of contents, and the huge list of types of cuisine covered in the book, made me realize this was definitely something that I would love to have, as it would be a wonderful chance to try new types of food, and expand my cooking horizons. Each country is divided into a seperate section, with the exception of Indian and Pakistani cuisine being grouped together, as she states they are too similar to really be able to seperate. The beginning of each section takes a little time to describe the country, and to show the author's connection to the cuisine from that area - she's spent time working with people from every area, watching and talking to them, to learn their ingredients and cooking methods. And it shows, as after the description, she gets into information on those methods of cooking, how the food is presented, and how it is eaten. She'll also give a list of ingredients very common to the cuisines from that area, things you'll want to keep on hand if you make that type of cuisine often. Each recipe is presented in both it's native name (or English transliteration), along with the English equivalent underneath. The instructions are also nice and clear, making it less likely that there will be confusion during cooking. As Ms Solomon lives in Australia, and the book originates there, there are a number of minor differences in names of ingredients, utensils, and other items. There is a handly little chart in the back of the book to give a "translation" between American and Australian names. Usually this can be figured out quickly, as most of them are not that different. She also states substitutions for certain ingredients. The book tries to balance out the ingredients used in the dishes, sticking as much as possible to authentic ingredients, but listing others for some hard to find items. Those are listed in the book, so if you are able to find them, you can use them instead - and if you're in an area where some of the other ingredients are not available, you'll also see other choices to approximate the flavor and texture of the missing ingredients.

excellent!:
this is a wonderful, comprehensive book. includes history, shortcuts, and healthy alternatives. If you can read, you can cook great asian food with this book.

easy and delicious:
This book of Charmain Solomons is just wonderful, easy to read and understand. The reciepes are easy to make, the ingredients easy to find. A very popular dinner party book and just for a special family dinner. Lots of beautiful colour photos to drool over.The Indian section especially good, with alot of popular reciepes. She also leaves room in most of the reciepes for alteration or change of ingredients so you can add your own personal touch. An excellant book and well worth having in any cooks collection.

this is the one for you Mrs. M!!!!!!:
hey mrs.M and everyone else out there, this is a great book that my family uses alot. Every recipe is a gem. You get great recipes from all over asia. This is a great cookbook!!!!!!!