Yan-Kit's Classic Chinese Cookbook Hardcover – January 26, 2015

Lots of recopies but food is sort of bland.

This cookbook has many of the "famous" Chinese dishes in it, in what looks like reasonably authentic styles (more actual Chinese than American-Chinese). It also has even more enticing dishes that are not as common in the West.I am on a personal quest for a reasonably easy yet delicious hot-and-sour soup, and while I have a number of Chinese cookbooks of varying styles and authenticities, this is the one I'm starting with. And while perusing it, I've found a bunch more recipes I want to try...The directions are very clear and well-described. Most have good photos. There is an excellent section in the beginning that not only lists things like the vegetables called for, but shows pictures of them to make them easier to identify in the wild.It's not as comprehensive as Tropp's, but it's more accessible and has lots of delicious ideas!Edited to add: We just made the hot and sour soup from this, and it is AMAZING. We did dress it with a bit of hot sesame oil. We just used canned low-sodium chicken broth, and even so- truly splendid! A little bit fussy to make, but not hard, and the results are gorgeous!

Disclaimer: the book is great, HOWEVER…BUYER BEWARE: I purchased the book for $17.95 on Amazon and it was delivered as “new” with flaws that make me think otherwise. You’re better off buying it for MSRP from an actual bookstore where you can ensure that you are not being price gouged or ripped off from being sold a book that is clearly used but advertised as new. I was very unhappy with this experience.

This hardcover version contains a lot more recipes than the original paperback edition. The layout is also slightly different but it is the recipes that counts as this is probably the best authentic Chinese cook book written for the English speaking audience. The instructions are clear and concise with many useful pictures.A must have cookbook if you are interested in real Chinese cooking and not some watered down adaptation catered to the Western palette.

I really love it, I even drove 90 miles to the nearest Asian superstore to buy ingredients! It is more than just a book of recipes, it introduces you to an ancient culture in a brand new way. There are a lot of pics that help you identify things like golden needles and a dozen or so essential sauces and pastes.I especially enjoyed the 'Fish Fragrant Eggplant' It neither smells or tastes like fish, I love the explanation of the name!

Missed this book entirely. Was reading an interview with Fuchsia Dunlop author of  Every Grain of Rice: Simple Chinese Home Cooking  who mentioned this book and another by Yan Kit were several that had great influence on her. The book is excellent I'm enjoying reading it and making dishes from it.

yay

I originally checked this book out from my public library...renewed it to the limit...I had to own it. The recipes are practical, achievable at home (assuming you have basic Asian cooking equipment) and all have been delicious. This is one of the best Chinese cookbooks I've found anywhere.

Once I had purchased a handful of basic ingredients: thick and thin soy, and oyster sauce, dried red chillis, potato flour, chilli sauce, fermented black beans, and Shaohsing wine, all readily available at a Chinese Supermarket, I was able to prepare some excellent meals with ease. Black bean sauce, made from scratch surpasses that from a bottle, and my efforts beat any restaurant I've been to, in this country, bar one, hands down. A book to be highly recommended.

Loved it so much I bought it twice. Originally bought this in the 80s - and I used it a lot. This time was to replace my original version that had somehow gotten lost into the 'charity pile' during a house move. I was mortified when I couldn't find it, but thrilled to find it available in a hard back version. Recommended. Real, 'do-able' recipes with explanations on many fundamental techniques and equipment for the newbies to Chinese cookery. Treat yourself.

I like the book. It is good. I have not tried the recipes yet. I keep keep picking it up and putting it down. I need to get the ingredients and give some a go they look good. Thanks B. Dunlop.

Bought as a replacement for my well-used original from 1984. Still the best of many chinese cook books that I have bought!

comprehensive and clearly a very good guide to chinese cooking.