Chicken and green mango rice paper rolls

For best results, choose quality Vietnamese-made rice paper sheets, such as the Horse brand.MethodPut rice on baking tray in hot oven, shaking occasionally until golden. Cool, grind in mortar and pestle...

Lemon grass chicken, jasmine rice and Vietnamese slaw

This recipe can be used for a dinner party on a tight budget.MethodFor the chicken and riceRub five spice powder over both sides of chicken pieces. Combine remaining ingredients (except rice) in a bowl...

Barramundi with bananna bell, Hmong style

Banana bell is the correct term for the reddish-purple pod that often gets called banana blossom. They are available from Asian grocery shops.MethodFill a large bowl with cold water and add half the lemon...

Grilled pork balls with mint and coriander

The defining characteristic of Vietnamese cooking is the presence of basket-loads of fresh herbs and salad greens. These little meatballs, nem nuong are typically eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves with...

Brisket broth

This broth is a bit of work but the complex flavours make it worth the effort.MethodMarinate brisket in fish sauce overnight. Heat oil in a heavy-based saucepan and fry ginger, onion and garlic on high...

Crab and sweet mango rolls

Every bite of these snacks is fresh and fruity. Make them just before serving to prevent the wrapping drying out, or pack in an airtight container, each roll separated by a sheet of baking paper.MethodSoak...

Easy Holiday Gifts: Mini Vietnamese fruitcakes and other ideas

I love to bake holiday sweets but this year, I unfortunately have little time to do it. I used to stay up late baking up to a dozen different kinds of cookies to gift friends and family. Given my current...

Pandan and Coconut Tapioca Cake (Banh Bo Nuong) Recipe Challenge

This is one of the strangest things I’ve ever baked. I went three rounds with it as part of a small project with Thu N., who emailed me a while back asking for help in making one of her favorite Vietnamese...

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

I didn’t come up with this idea on my own. I borrowed it from a salad that I ate at Michael Chiarello’s Bottega restaurant in Napa Valley. It’s basically a cabbage slaw but made elegant by the fine shavings...

Pumpkin Soup with Lime Leaf and Coconut Recipe

My husband and I are spending Thanksgiving with our families in Southern California. His Auntie Helen, 88, is fighting cancer and the prognosis is not good. We’re driving down with a ready-made dinner...

Avocado Shake Recipe (Sinh to Bo)

The first time I saw avocado in a savory dish, I suffered culture shock. In Vietnam, like elsewhere in Southeast Asia, avocados are used for sweets. Most often times, the flesh of this rich berry is ...

Hmong Cucumber Mint Cooler

If you are keen on Asian produce at the farmers’ markets, you’re likely buying from Hmong farmers.  They are amazing cultivators of the land and have transported their agricultural skills from Southeast...