A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America

by Julie Leung, Melissa Iwai (Illustrator)

Relish in the savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy dishes of Cecilia Chiang, a revolutionary who changed the way Americans viewed Chinese food.

From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever.

Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Food, Nonfiction, Childrens, Immigration, Cultural

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

JULIE LEUNG is an award-winning author of numerous children’s books. Her picture book, The Truth About Dragons is a Caldecott Honor and winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. By day, she works in book publishing. She was raised in the sleepy suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, though it may be more accurate to say she grew up in Oz and came of age in Middle-earth.

Reviews

[John Mullarkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is both an interesting story about food and culture as well as a unique and enlightening biography. Most people outside of culinary circles, or the San Francisco food scene might not have any idea who Cecilia Chaing is or what she is known for; and a great deal of us have no idea how complex and vast real Chinese cuisine can be. After reading this terrific biography, those two questions can be answered. Born and raised in an upper class family in Bejing, China (who savored traditional Chinese recipesfoods) Cecilia was forced to flee mostly on foot - 1000 miles away from her home in during the Japanese occupation of her part of China in World War II. Eventually she came to the United States after the war as communism took hold of the country. She settled in SanFrancisco along with many of her fellow countrymen and women and eventually opened her own restaurant - where he practiced preparing and serving over 200 traditional Chinese dishes. The difference being that her recipes were altered from what Americans of that time considered Chinese food which more like fast-take-out food : greasy, quick, and inexpensive. The book is complete with examples of (picture only) of varied recipes from expansive parts of China, most not known - along with the traditional fresh ingredients, sauces, and spices. . There is ample back matter with photographs that further explain Ceciliaś contributions to the cultural and culinary world. The artwork by Melissa Iwai is full of color and detail which truly brings the food to life. This is a book that appeals to a wide audience and makes a great read aloud as well!

[Tiffanie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading about this important story in Chinese American culinary history. I particularly enjoyed the thematic threads Leung teases and weaves throughout decades across several countries. The way she named the dishes to evolve with the time and usage was genius, and I appreciated learning in the back matter how her own childhood with parents who owned a restaurant contributed to her interest in the topic. The book is informative for readers of all ages, but little ones will especially enjoy choosing their favorite pictures of food and pointing out those they already recognize. Iwai's illustration is as warm and inviting as the mouthwatering dishes themselves. Overall, it's a lovely depiction of an inspiring and lesser-known part of Asian American history.

[Robin Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of Cecilia Chiang, a very successful restaurateur who owned the Mandarin Chinese restaurant in San Francisco.

She had a menu of "authentic" Chinese foods from different regions of China. She started the trend of upscale, high quality Chinese restaurants.

Some of her dishes are mentioned throughout the book, with both actual Chinese letters and the English translation, drawing and description of the food dish.

In the back of the book are actual photos of Cecilia, and an Author's Note with some more information.

I had never heard of her, and I'm curious if her restaurant is still open. She died in 2020 at 100 years old.

The book also mentioned historical events, and how they effected her life.

[Holly Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and detailed story of renowned San Francisco chef and restaurateur whose life began in a palace in China. She flees her home traveling over 1000 miles throughout China ultimately fleeing to the US. Through all these experiences she acquired knowledge of the depth and complexity of Chinese cuisine which she brings to the American palate as a contrast to the chop suey that was synonymous with Chinese food.

Absolutely fascinating!

Loved the illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bio of one of the first women to be successful in owning a Chinese restaurant in the united states. Was easy to read, interesting and written more like story, which is appealing to younger readers. It was really interesting seeing how she came to create the restaurant and included history about China. Great enonfic.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

An interesting biography about upscale Chinese food. Not my favorite biography but still a worthwhile read.

I was slightly disappointed with the back matter though as I found the description of the food to be really confusing and if an adult finds it confusing, I doubt a kid would be able to understand.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Cecilia Chiang's life and how she was such a driving force in putting Chinese food on the map in San Francisco. The art and depictions of all the food was great. I think this book might be a little difficult for younger toddlers (3 years old) to follow and stay interested in the plot. It was really cool to see real pictures of Cecilia Chang at the end of the book.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

About a woman who was a key force behind bringing more regional Chinese food to the US and expanding US ideas of what Chinese food is.

I appreciated the food information spread through the illustrations (especially because the backmatter is minimal).

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the inviting, inspiring account presented in A BANQUET FOR CECILIA. Such an insightful read for how she impacted how Chinese Food is seen (and eaten) in America!

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written with gorgeous illustrations! This is a terrific picture book biography!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This picture book biography highlights Cecelia Chiang's dedication to being a successful business woman by introducing Americans to Chinese food.

[Lupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely story about the origins of authentic Chinese food in the US.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary level picture book biography of a Chinese American opening a restaurant with authentic Chinese food

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

We are missing any context as to how Americanized Chinese food came to be a thing.

[Tawanza Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Narration is 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating overview of how Cecilia chiang introduced and popularized more traditional Chinese food to America.