Real Thai: The Best of Thailand's Regional Cooking

by Nancie McDermott, Jennie Oppenheimer (Illustrator)

Nancie McDermott, widely regarded as the American expert on Thai cooking, offers a clear, straightforward approach to dishes that many Westerners have tasted only in restaurants. In Real Thai, she demystifies once and for all every aspect of this flavorful, healthy cuisine. Organized geographically by region, over 100 tempting, easy-to-follow recipes explore not only dishes that may be familiar to Americans, such as Chicken Coconut Soup and Pork Satay, but also lesser-known local specialties such as Crab Cakes with Cilantro Paste, Fish with Yellow Curry Steamed in Banana Leaves, Sticky Rice with Mangoes, and Son-in-Law Eggs. Including advice on basic utensils and techniques, a glossary of ingredients, a list of shopping sources, and a section of suggested menus, this is the definitive guide for novice and expert alike to the diverse flavors of a regional Asian cuisine that is rapidly becoming an international favorite.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Asian Literature, Nonfiction, Food and Drink

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1992

Reviews

[Rina Chamkra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I buy many cooking books, especially thai cookbooks. I'm not comfortable in the kitchen....but i love eating, reading, and talking about food. So, i figured at my age...it's really time to learn to cook because fast food can only take you so far and i would want my family enjoying coming to the table to eat a feast of a meal that yours truly has prepared.

Out of the (more than 20) thai cookbooks i've bought/read, this book offers the easiest step-by-step and ingredients while still maintaining the traditional taste. Some books list very traditional thai ingredients that require you to search long and hard...or require you to make it from scratch. This book gives the shortcuts that even thai restaurants use.

The easy to follow instructions and the ingredients listed (which can be found in asian markets or markets with an asian section) make it a sure shot that you'll be able to feel like ur really in a thai kitchen in no time.

Let's just say....i cooked, i ate, and i was happy.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're only going to buy one Thai cookbook, this is the one. It's been a favorite on my shelves and in my kitchen for 30 years, now. Nancie was indoctrinated to the food while serving in Thailand for The Peace Corps and this book presents her experiences and knowledge in preparing everyday Thai family cuisine. It sparked my love of all Southeast Asian cooking, including nearly a hundred books and hundreds of meals eaten both at home and in Philadelphia area restaurants. Thanks Nancie!!

[Avis Black]

Mainly a cookbook; not much about the cuisine or the food culture of Thailand.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic cookbook for Thai recipes It's simple enough for less experienced cooks but still not dumbed down or Westernized; the author just doesn't assume that the reader has experience with this style of cooking. Ties the recipes into the various regional Thai food traditions. Not at all a "coffee table book" (no pictures at all). I give this a 3.5.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the recipes are better than others. I was disappointed in the Phad Thai recipe, but the Yellow Curry is really yummy (just add more vegetables like red peppers, bamboo shoots, etc.). And the Beef Waterfall Salad is fabulous as is the Mango Sticky Rice. YUM! I'm hungry now. :)

[George Schlossnagle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent Thai cookbook. Accessible, but not re-cut for a western palate.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

No pictures, but amazing and authentic recipes. Best Thai recipe book I have found to date.