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10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

The Food of Vietnam

The Food of Vietnam is a well-regarded cookbook offering a broad selection of authentic Vietnamese recipes. With 368 pages, it covers many traditional dishes, helping both beginners and more experienced cooks explore the cuisine. The book is illustrated, which adds visual appeal and makes recipes easier to follow. Since it’s published in English, it often includes ingredient suggestions accessible outside Vietnam, though some authentic ingredients might still require specialty stores. It also provides cultural insights that enrich the cooking experience, helping you understand the context behind the dishes.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,431
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility
Cultural Insights

Most important from
191 reviews

Authenticity
Recipes capture the authentic tastes and precise measurements, making it easier to recreate traditional dishes even without a native cook's intuition.
Ingredient Accessibility
Most ingredients are accessible from major supermarkets or Asian stores, though some specialty items may still require effort to source.
Cultural Insights
The book’s regional organization provides fascinating cultural context for each area of Vietnam, enriching the cooking experience.
Visual Appeal
The Kindle edition shines with beautiful photography and travel images that inspire exploration beyond just the recipes.
#2
9.4 score

The Pho Cookbook: Easy to Adventurous Recipes for Vietnam's Favorite Soup and Noodles

The Pho Cookbook: Easy to Adventurous Recipes for Vietnam's Favorite Soup and Noodles offers a delightful exploration of Vietnam's beloved pho. It provides a good variety of recipes, ranging from simple, everyday versions to more adventurous takes, catering to different skill levels. This makes it accessible to both beginners and more experienced cooks. The authenticity of the recipes is a strong point, with the author showcasing traditional techniques and ingredients that capture the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. However, some ingredients might be harder to find depending on your location, which could be a drawback for some users.

Rating
9.4
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Skill Level

Most important from
1247 reviews

Recipe Variety
Simple and quick pho recipes, meatless options, and pressure cooker instructions are included, making it versatile for all cooks.
Authenticity
The history of pho, thorough ingredient explanations, and helpful hints and tips make this book incredibly informative.
Skill Level
The book is concise yet informative, with clear instructions that ensure even inexperienced cooks can follow along easily.
Cultural Insights
The history of pho, thorough ingredient explanations, and helpful hints and tips make this book incredibly informative.
Visual Appeal
This book delighted and exceeded expectations with its beautiful, colorful, and vibrant pictures for every main recipe.
#3
8.8 score

The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food [A Cookbook]

The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food offers a diverse range of recipes that bring the flavors of Vietnam into your kitchen. The book stands out for its authenticity, as it is authored by Charles Phan, a renowned Vietnamese chef. Many of the recipes stay true to traditional Vietnamese roots while incorporating modern twists, which can be appealing for those looking to explore Vietnamese cuisine in new ways.

Rating
8.8
Recipe Variety
Authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
291 reviews

Recipe Variety
A cross between rustic, familiar, and sophisticated recipes, making this cookbook an irresistible addition to any kitchen.
Authenticity
Phan's recipes often use fish sauce, a versatile pantry staple that adds complexity and depth to dishes.
Ingredient Accessibility
The recipes are approachable with ingredients that are easy to find, especially if you have access to an Asian market.
Skill Level
Offers a range of recipes from simple to more complex, suitable for a leisurely day of cooking or quick, flavorful meals.
Cultural Insights
The cookbook tells the fascinating story of Charles Phan and the evolution of The Slanted Door restaurant, adding depth to the recipes.
Visual Appeal
Beautiful and plentiful pictures, coupled with an easy-to-read page layout, make this cookbook visually appealing and user-friendly.

Top 10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

The Food of Vietnam

Recipe Variety: broad selection of Vietnamese recipes
Authenticity: authentic Vietnamese recipes
Ingredient Accessibility: ingredient suggestions; some need specialty stores
Skill Level: beginner to intermediate
Cultural Insights: provides cultural insights enriching experience
Visual Appeal: illustrated

Chosen by 1431 this week

The Pho Cookbook: Easy to Adventurous Recipes for Vietnam's Favorite Soup and Noodles

Recipe Variety: good variety, from simple to adventurous
Authenticity: showcases traditional techniques and ingredients
Ingredient Accessibility: some ingredients might be harder to find
Skill Level: accessible to beginners and experienced cooks
Cultural Insights: valuable insights into pho's cultural significance
Visual Appeal: illustrated edition with vibrant photos

The Slanted Door: Modern Vietnamese Food [A Cookbook]

Recipe Variety: diverse recipes
Authenticity: authored by Charles Phan
Ingredient Accessibility: some common, others specialty market
Skill Level: moderate skill
Cultural Insights: shares stories and background
Visual Appeal: beautiful photography and layout

Vietnamese Food Any Day: Simple Recipes for True, Fresh Flavors [A Cookbook]

Recipe Variety: wide variety, traditional to modern
Authenticity: simplicity and authenticity
Ingredient Accessibility: easy to find ingredients
Skill Level: beginner and intermediate
Cultural Insights: cultural insights enrich cooking
Visual Appeal: beautiful photographs

Vietnamese: Simple Vietnamese Food to Cook at Home

Recipe Variety: variety of recipes
Authenticity: true Vietnamese flavors
Ingredient Accessibility: some specialty store
Skill Level: moderate
Cultural Insights: understanding of Vietnamese cuisine
Visual Appeal: beautiful photography
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Vegan Vietnamese: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes to Enjoy Every Day

Recipe Variety: good variety from favorites to vegan twists
Authenticity: respects Vietnamese flavors, adapts vegan needs
Ingredient Accessibility: basic Asian groceries, some vegan substitutes
Skill Level: suitable for beginners and intermediate
Cultural Insights: present but not deeply extensive
Visual Appeal: colorful photos of vibrant cuisine

Into the Vietnamese Kitchen: Treasured Foodways, Modern Flavors

Recipe Variety: collection of traditional and modern recipes
Authenticity: draws from family’s culinary heritage
Ingredient Accessibility: some ingredients may be hard to find
Skill Level: approachable for beginners and seasoned cooks
Cultural Insights: rich understanding of history and traditions
Visual Appeal: beautiful photography of Vietnamese cuisine

Vietnamese Home Cooking: [A Cookbook]

Recipe Variety: wide range of recipes
Authenticity: high
Ingredient Accessibility: mixed
Skill Level: for beginners and experienced cooks
Cultural Insights: context about dishes and origins
Visual Appeal: vibrant photos and illustrations

The Little Viet Kitchen: Over 100 authentic and delicious Vietnamese recipes

Recipe Variety: Over 100 recipes
Authenticity: Authentic Vietnamese recipes
Ingredient Accessibility: Specialty markets or online shopping
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cultural Insights: Cultural significance of dishes
Visual Appeal: Beautiful photography
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Pho Cookbook Authentic Vietnamese Soup and Noodles: Delicious and Flavourful Recipes that are easy to master

Recipe Variety: limited
Authenticity: traditional flavors
Ingredient Accessibility: depends on local stores
Skill Level: beginners to intermediate
Cultural Insights: limited
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Buying Guide for the Best Vietnamese Cookbooks

Choosing the right Vietnamese cookbook can be a delightful journey into the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Vietnam. To make the best choice, consider what you want to achieve with your cooking, your skill level, and the type of recipes that excite you. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting a Vietnamese cookbook.
Recipe VarietyRecipe variety refers to the range of different dishes included in the cookbook. This is important because it can help you explore various aspects of Vietnamese cuisine, from street food to traditional family meals. If you are a beginner, look for a cookbook with a broad selection of simple recipes. If you are more experienced, you might prefer a book that dives into regional specialties or advanced techniques.
AuthenticityAuthenticity in a cookbook means how true the recipes are to traditional Vietnamese cooking methods and ingredients. This is crucial for those who want to experience genuine Vietnamese flavors. Cookbooks written by native Vietnamese chefs or those who have spent significant time in Vietnam tend to offer more authentic recipes. If authenticity is important to you, check the author's background and the reviews to ensure the recipes are true to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredient AccessibilityIngredient accessibility refers to how easy it is to find the ingredients listed in the recipes. This is important because some Vietnamese ingredients might be hard to find depending on where you live. If you live in an area with limited access to Asian markets, look for cookbooks that offer substitutions or focus on recipes with more commonly available ingredients. If you have access to a wide range of Asian ingredients, you can opt for cookbooks that use more specialized items.
Skill LevelSkill level indicates how complex the recipes are and the level of cooking expertise required. This is important to ensure you can comfortably follow the recipes and achieve good results. Cookbooks often specify whether they are suitable for beginners, intermediate cooks, or advanced chefs. Choose a cookbook that matches your current skill level to avoid frustration and ensure a rewarding cooking experience.
Cultural InsightsCultural insights refer to the background information and stories about Vietnamese food culture included in the cookbook. This is important for those who want to understand the cultural context of the dishes they are preparing. Cookbooks that provide historical context, anecdotes, and explanations about the significance of certain dishes can enrich your cooking experience and deepen your appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.
Visual AppealVisual appeal refers to the quality and quantity of photographs and illustrations in the cookbook. This is important because good visuals can inspire you and help you understand how the finished dish should look. Cookbooks with high-quality images can make the cooking process more enjoyable and provide a clearer guide to presentation. If you are a visual learner, look for cookbooks with plenty of photos and step-by-step illustrations.

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