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Secrets of the Red Lantern: Stories and Recipes from the Heart
Most recipe books promise (as a matter of course) sumptuous recipes, but Secrets of the Red Lantern (subtitled Stories and Vietnamese Recipes from the Heart) really does deliver that, and a lot more besides. Pauline Nguyen's parents presented these recipes night after night at the highly successful Vietnamese restaurant The Red Lantern, and these were recipes which had been perfected and passed down over many years. The great majority of these recipes are easily achievable, utilising a relatively small range of ingredients; they include such delights as Pho Bo Tai Nam, a beef soup with sawtooth coriander and Vietnamese basil, or pork belly (Thit Ba Roi). All are presented here in a concise and accessible fashion.
But recipes are not all that Secrets of the Red Lantern has to offer. This is more than a cookbook: it is a candid and often moving story of Pauline Nguyen's family, beginning with their dangerous escape from Vietnam during the war and their ultimate settling down in Australia. The love of food is something more than a professional necessity for this family: it helped to assuage their home sickness, and even reconciled differences within the family (these personal passages are quite as beguiling as the more practical cookery aspects of the book). Most of all, though, this is a feast of the most tantalising of foreign recipes, burnished with food and personal photography -- and it is the latter which conveys the very individual nature of the food so resplendently on offer here. --Barry Forshaw
344 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 26, 2017
Pauline Nguyen's "Secrets Of The Red Lantern" is quite possibly one of the most challenging books that I've read in quite some time. Handsome and ornate in its presentation, it's a cookbook wrapped in a conundrum, a series of often painful personal recollections surrounded by sumptuous recipes and pictures of artfully prepared food.
Ms. Nguyen communicates the book's intentions early on, right there in chapter one, in fact. She states plainly, "In my family, food is our language. Food enables us to communicate the things we find so hard to say." It is thus that the book begins, thrusting us headlong into a series of often harrowing stories from the Nguyen family archives. Leaving their their native Vietnam as "boat people", the Nguyen family is eventually resettled in Australia, there to face the challenges of a refugee's life. Stories of her often troubled and complex relationships with her parents naturally make up a large portion of the narrative, as the author recounts her abuse at the hands of her dominating and controlling father and her mother's subservient role as household matron. Often disturbing and forthright, the stories make up an amazing document of the pressures and difficulties encountered by a family displaced.
In between chapters, the reader is treated to a variety of different family recipes, developed over the course of years and now proudly served at the real Red Lantern restaurant. It seems an odd juxtaposition, but I realized early on that the author was using food as catharsis, letting the recipes themselves speak the forgiveness and redemption that she herself has often found hard to convey with language. With time and experience, she comes to understand her parents better, letting the relationships gather flavor and depth much as a soup base would when cooked with labor-intensive care over a long period.
Most of the recipes presented here would be difficult for a Westerner to prepare without special training and a familiarity with the ingredients used. You would need to live close to an Asian market to be able to try your hand at most of these dishes, though there are a few easy to make exceptions. Personally, I will use the book as a reference guide as to what might be good to try on my next visit to a Vietnamese restaurant.
Coda: One of my goals over the next few years is to do some international travel. Reflecting on this book made me want to put The Red Lantern on my bucket list should we ever make it to Sydney. The menu looks great and the pricing is reasonable considering the pedigree.
https://www.redlantern.com.au
Ms. Nguyen communicates the book's intentions early on, right there in chapter one, in fact. She states plainly, "In my family, food is our language. Food enables us to communicate the things we find so hard to say." It is thus that the book begins, thrusting us headlong into a series of often harrowing stories from the Nguyen family archives. Leaving their their native Vietnam as "boat people", the Nguyen family is eventually resettled in Australia, there to face the challenges of a refugee's life. Stories of her often troubled and complex relationships with her parents naturally make up a large portion of the narrative, as the author recounts her abuse at the hands of her dominating and controlling father and her mother's subservient role as household matron. Often disturbing and forthright, the stories make up an amazing document of the pressures and difficulties encountered by a family displaced.
In between chapters, the reader is treated to a variety of different family recipes, developed over the course of years and now proudly served at the real Red Lantern restaurant. It seems an odd juxtaposition, but I realized early on that the author was using food as catharsis, letting the recipes themselves speak the forgiveness and redemption that she herself has often found hard to convey with language. With time and experience, she comes to understand her parents better, letting the relationships gather flavor and depth much as a soup base would when cooked with labor-intensive care over a long period.
Most of the recipes presented here would be difficult for a Westerner to prepare without special training and a familiarity with the ingredients used. You would need to live close to an Asian market to be able to try your hand at most of these dishes, though there are a few easy to make exceptions. Personally, I will use the book as a reference guide as to what might be good to try on my next visit to a Vietnamese restaurant.
Coda: One of my goals over the next few years is to do some international travel. Reflecting on this book made me want to put The Red Lantern on my bucket list should we ever make it to Sydney. The menu looks great and the pricing is reasonable considering the pedigree.
https://www.redlantern.com.au
April 19, 2009
Another five star review.
I first heard of this book via Margaret Throsby (and have now decided to create a shelf to that effect), who interviewed Pauline Nguyen last year. I tried to find it at one library, but couldn't; when I found it in the HCLC catalogue, I pounced.
While it is a cookbook, it's also a memoir, and even a survivorography. It was named one of Gourmet/Epicurious' Best Cookbooks of 2008. Between the sections of recipes Nguyen tells the story of her parents decision to leave Vietnam, how they came to Australia, and Pauline's own life under the shadow of her parents' experiences.
I came away from this book with two key things:
1) Next time I'm in Sydney, I want to eat at The Red Lantern (Nguyen's restaurant with her partner and one of her brothers) and,
2) I simultaneously have a great deal of respect for her father, and am horrified by his treatment of his children. Both at the same time. And that's a hard thing to reconcile.
Most of the recipes are a long way from vegetarian, so I'm unlikely to ever make any of them. But reading the recipes (and the comments of Mark Jensen and Luke Nguyen that accompany the recipes) was just as much of a joy as looking at this beautifully produced book and reading the memoir sections.
I first heard of this book via Margaret Throsby (and have now decided to create a shelf to that effect), who interviewed Pauline Nguyen last year. I tried to find it at one library, but couldn't; when I found it in the HCLC catalogue, I pounced.
While it is a cookbook, it's also a memoir, and even a survivorography. It was named one of Gourmet/Epicurious' Best Cookbooks of 2008. Between the sections of recipes Nguyen tells the story of her parents decision to leave Vietnam, how they came to Australia, and Pauline's own life under the shadow of her parents' experiences.
I came away from this book with two key things:
1) Next time I'm in Sydney, I want to eat at The Red Lantern (Nguyen's restaurant with her partner and one of her brothers) and,
2) I simultaneously have a great deal of respect for her father, and am horrified by his treatment of his children. Both at the same time. And that's a hard thing to reconcile.
Most of the recipes are a long way from vegetarian, so I'm unlikely to ever make any of them. But reading the recipes (and the comments of Mark Jensen and Luke Nguyen that accompany the recipes) was just as much of a joy as looking at this beautifully produced book and reading the memoir sections.
January 2, 2011
Painfully personal--with a mellow send-off...lovely book--beautifully crafted.
January 19, 2013
This cook book has been sitting on my bookshelf for years and I finally pulled it down the other night and read it cover to cover - I could not put it down! Pauline Nguyen opens up about her journey as a child fleeing Vietnam with her parents and brother, and eventual relocation to Australia as refugees. A heartbreaking and candid story that reminded me of Anh Do's recent novel The Happiest Refugee. And to top it off the recipes are amazing! What more could you ask for?
December 11, 2022
75% recipes 25% biography this book made me want to fly to Australia just to eat at Red Lantern! (yes, it’s open still in 2022! And with Chef Mark!). I loved the photos and Pauline’s writing. I took photos of many of the recipes for my own cooking (I borrowed this from the library!) and cannot wait to try the gà xào me, bó tài chanh and can chua cá. A beautiful heartbreaking story told around a cuisine resulting from those painful circumstances.
May 25, 2020
Excellent Vietnamese cookbook with a beautiful backstory.
Some people give it a bad review, because it uses the metric system and some herbs are used that are hard to get. With a little researching you can find similar herbs or combinations of herbs that give almost the same taste.
The recipes are delicious, easy to follow and often very fast to make.
Some people give it a bad review, because it uses the metric system and some herbs are used that are hard to get. With a little researching you can find similar herbs or combinations of herbs that give almost the same taste.
The recipes are delicious, easy to follow and often very fast to make.
March 26, 2023
This is not a book for vegetarians, although there is section for vegetable dishes. The value of this book, for me, is in the engaging and real story by the authoress on her life in Vietnam and afterward. Well written and insightful.
September 27, 2022
This is an unforgettable memoir wrapped in an artful cookbook. This sturdy large format book is beautifully produced -- a keeper. I've only tried one of the recipes so far but it was amazing.
June 10, 2013
I received Secrets of the Red Lantern by Pauline Nguyen as a Christmas present a few years ago from my mother-in-law; it has become one of my most treasured cookbooks. And it’s so much more than just a cookbook – Chef Nguyen has woven the stories of her family’s history into the pages of recipes and it makes for great reading curled up on a chair with a warm cup of tea. Here is a family that risked everything to escape Vietnam during the war and rebuilt their lives in Australia. Here is a family that set food as its centerpiece with each member of the family involved in restaurant operations. Here is a family, broken and bruised, held together at times only by their shared history and cuisine.
Aside from the compelling storytelling, Nguyen’s cookbook stands solidly on its authentic and well crafted recipes. All the traditional Vietnamese favorites are found within its pages and the flavors are bright and delicious. Some of my favorites include Nguyen’s family Pho recipe, Green Papaya Salad, and Grilled Pork Cutlets Marinated With Honey and Scallions.
Whether you are a seasoned home cook, well versed in Vietnamese cuisine or are just getting started, Secrets of the Red Lantern should be on your cookbook shelf. There are recipes here for every palate including vegetarian and gluten free. While some recipes have a lengthy ingredient list, all items can be found at your local Asian market and the preparations are easy to follow. Most of the recipes use low cost ingredients as well so the finished recipes are quite affordable.
Aside from the compelling storytelling, Nguyen’s cookbook stands solidly on its authentic and well crafted recipes. All the traditional Vietnamese favorites are found within its pages and the flavors are bright and delicious. Some of my favorites include Nguyen’s family Pho recipe, Green Papaya Salad, and Grilled Pork Cutlets Marinated With Honey and Scallions.
Whether you are a seasoned home cook, well versed in Vietnamese cuisine or are just getting started, Secrets of the Red Lantern should be on your cookbook shelf. There are recipes here for every palate including vegetarian and gluten free. While some recipes have a lengthy ingredient list, all items can be found at your local Asian market and the preparations are easy to follow. Most of the recipes use low cost ingredients as well so the finished recipes are quite affordable.
February 3, 2010
I liked this book a lot. The memoir section is touching and heartfelt. The horrible things Pauline (and her family) had to endure would drive most people crazy, but in the end it is a book about growth, progress, and overcoming the odds. The recipes, in my experience thus far, are practical, delicious, and fun! TO be honest, I cook a lot and have a good amount of experience cooking and a bit of formal training. As a result I tend to modify all the things I cook to my own tastes and never make the recipe exactly, often using the recipe as a jumping off point or as a way to fill in various techniques. In this respect the book is great. The instructions for how to do certain things are very clear and well written. The food is delicious. I highly suggest following the advice given many times in the book and take part6icular care to get fabulously fresh produce for cooking these recipes, it really does make all the difference.
Happy cooking!
Happy cooking!
February 10, 2014
This cover is worth a thousand words, it is a piece of art work.
Thankfully this Vietnamese cook book is full of color photos, but not just of the dishes. This book is like having a Vietnamese relative put together a book that is full of her incredible life punctuated with fabulous recipes and fantastic photos of the food, family and scenery.
You need to keep this book out of the kitchen to be read like a book and then carefully, so you don't ruin it, use it in the kitchen for some delicious Vietnamese cooking.
The recipes are very well laid out: Vietnamese name followed by English, then all the ingredients listed in two easy to read rows, and finally the very explicit directions for culinary success.
If you are looking for a great book for a cook book lover or lover of Vietnamese cooking; this is a no brainer!
Thankfully this Vietnamese cook book is full of color photos, but not just of the dishes. This book is like having a Vietnamese relative put together a book that is full of her incredible life punctuated with fabulous recipes and fantastic photos of the food, family and scenery.
You need to keep this book out of the kitchen to be read like a book and then carefully, so you don't ruin it, use it in the kitchen for some delicious Vietnamese cooking.
The recipes are very well laid out: Vietnamese name followed by English, then all the ingredients listed in two easy to read rows, and finally the very explicit directions for culinary success.
If you are looking for a great book for a cook book lover or lover of Vietnamese cooking; this is a no brainer!
May 13, 2008
This book is an excellent combination of cookbook and memoir, blending one immigrant family's story of transplantation with their dedication to food and its cultural significance.
If you want to have a reason to cook Vietnamese food (other than its tastiness), this book gives plenty of inspiration.
The one thing I found lacking was the inclusion of a glossary explaining some of the more unfamiliar produce (green papaya) and herbs (rice-paddy herb). It would be a help to amateurs who are coming to the cuisine for the first time. It sounds like a petty complaint in the face of such a fantastic read.
Don't try taking this on the train though - it is a bit heavy for commuting!
If you want to have a reason to cook Vietnamese food (other than its tastiness), this book gives plenty of inspiration.
The one thing I found lacking was the inclusion of a glossary explaining some of the more unfamiliar produce (green papaya) and herbs (rice-paddy herb). It would be a help to amateurs who are coming to the cuisine for the first time. It sounds like a petty complaint in the face of such a fantastic read.
Don't try taking this on the train though - it is a bit heavy for commuting!
September 27, 2015
Just bought this, September 2015, from a charity book shop in what appears to be unread condition, for £2.
I have very few Vietnamese cookery books so I am unaware whether the recipes are 100% Vietnamese, or whether they are with an Australian twist.
I think other reviewers have covered all the points that I would have said.
The only pity is that even though I have Asian shops, and one Thai shop locally, many of the ingredients particularly the herb/salad/vegetables are very difficult if not impossible to source.
Perhaps if I lived in London with its much wider selection of ethnic cultures and shops I would fare better.
I have very few Vietnamese cookery books so I am unaware whether the recipes are 100% Vietnamese, or whether they are with an Australian twist.
I think other reviewers have covered all the points that I would have said.
The only pity is that even though I have Asian shops, and one Thai shop locally, many of the ingredients particularly the herb/salad/vegetables are very difficult if not impossible to source.
Perhaps if I lived in London with its much wider selection of ethnic cultures and shops I would fare better.
November 17, 2010
I was given this book by a good friend after requesting a cook book for Christmas. Instantly I was excited because I had heard many good things about it. What I found was an interesting tale of Pauline Nguyen, and recipes that looked mouth watering but are actually convoluted to make. I say convoluted with purpose because while everything is fresh and delicious the recipes require careful planning and the purchase and creation of ingredients beforehand. As a result I have only used a handful of recipes more than once and now hardly ever open the book to use which is disappointing.
July 17, 2009
A heart wrenching but ultimately inspirational story of the refugee experience. What suprised me was that the post-settlement period was perhaps even more heart wrenching than the difficult times as a refugee.
The recipes look fantastic - and will certainly be making an appearance on our dining table soon! I love the stories behind the recipes - by eating the food you almost become part of the continuation of the narrative.
The recipes look fantastic - and will certainly be making an appearance on our dining table soon! I love the stories behind the recipes - by eating the food you almost become part of the continuation of the narrative.
January 25, 2013
If you take to this book's approach to personal story-telling with recipes, you will like this book. The recipes are fairly nice overall, but the health-conscious may be thrown off by some ingredients like "red food coloring." I found myself sometimes adapting some of the dishes in procedure and ingredients for personal tastes, but it is overall a nice book.
November 28, 2010
This book combines cuisine with the story of a family that lived through extraordinary times. Food becomes a medium of love and connection when words cannot possibly provide. Food is the river that connects this family to the past and the future. I have never considered food in this way before.
January 7, 2009
Great insight into the emigration and gives a snapshot of what life was like in at the time, particularly in australia.
May 24, 2009
What a beautiful book. Heart wrenching stories about Vietnam, refugees and family--paired with delicious recipes.
October 29, 2012
Love the pictures and stories. I've had this for a few years but sadly have made very few dishes from here.
January 30, 2013
Essential Vietnamese cookbook, blended with autobiography of an Australian Vietnamese family.
March 15, 2016
A good memoir of Pauline's personal and family life journey with great recipes!
February 17, 2009
A lovely balance of stories and recipes, not to mention the physical beauty of the book itself.
Want to read
January 10, 2013Goodgirl Dinette recommended.
June 15, 2013
The only cookbook that has moved me to tears.
May 3, 2017
I checked out several Vietnamese cookbooks because I needed a recipe for a cultural cooking club. This months theme was Vietnamese food and the recipe I made was Lemongrass and Chile Chicken from this cookbook. It was one of the simplest recipes in the book and I was able to find all the ingredients.
I'm sure all the recipes are good but it was the memoir of a Vietnamese family who migrated to Australia, woven throughout the cookbook, that held my interest. I got so sucked into the author, Pauline Nguyen's family story that I skipped over the recipes and read the memoir portions of the book cover to cover.
I'm sure all the recipes are good but it was the memoir of a Vietnamese family who migrated to Australia, woven throughout the cookbook, that held my interest. I got so sucked into the author, Pauline Nguyen's family story that I skipped over the recipes and read the memoir portions of the book cover to cover.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews