Having previously been based in Hong Kong for nearly two decades, I was not surprised when an old friend from that dynamic and exotic city sent me a copy of The Taste of Old Hong Kong. Essentially a combination recipe book and memoir, it places each of a wide variety of primarily Asian dishes into their historical and cultural contexts. The author’s insouciant approach to the myriad of life’s discoveries and adventures has captured the flavor of the China coast and its evolution over many decades. While not a cook myself (I’m allowed into the kitchen only for dish washing, sink scouring, and floor mopping), it proved fascinating to learn what actually goes into the East Asian foods that I enjoyed for so long, and continue to enjoy at every opportunity. But, this is not just another Chinese cook book. It is a tale of travel, adventure, misadventure, family fun, and a touch of philosophy about following the path of discovery. The author’s joy in the variety of cultures as expressed through their respective cuisines is a clear message for all of us.
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