The Memory of Taste

Praise

“Many kinds of Vietnamese cuisine exist, and this vibrant and very memorable version from Tu David Phu and Soleil Ho emerges from the ways Vietnamese people have loved and lived through colonialism, war, poverty, and the refugee experience. Stripped of Oriental exoticism, this is a cookbook infused with the intense flavors of refugee kitchens and the inauthentic authenticity of the diaspora.”—Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of Pulitzer Prize winner The Sympathizer, Nothing Ever Dies, The Refugees, The Committed, and A Man of Two Faces

“Tu confidently walks the line of his Vietnamese American heritage in his food and the impact of his memories and stories play out in his recipes. The Memory of Taste is a great book for readers who want to learn about the context of traditional Vietnamese food through Californian influences that makes Tu’s food unique, but can also help make sense of your own cherished food memories.”—Brandon Jew, James Beard award–winning author and chef of Mister Jiu’s

“Bold and unapologetic in its words and flavors, The Memory of Taste is a testament to how powerful diasporic stories are in the language of food. In an intimately familiar story, Tu reminds me that those of us who have survived the generational trauma of war and forced migration, are blessed to honor the past and pave a more beautiful way forward with delicious nourishing meals that connect us all to our shared humanity.”—Reem Assil, award-winning chef and author of Arabiyya

“Chef Tu’s The Memory of Taste beautifully intertwines culture, cuisine, and personal revelation, offering an enlightening and heartwarming exploration of heritage through food. The engaging narratives and unique recipes provide a fresh perspective on cultural representation. The portrayal of fish sauce embodies the soul of Chef Tu’s story and Vietnamese cuisine, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to food and heritage.”—Leah Cohen, chef and owner of Pig & Khao and Piggyback NYC, author of Lemongrass & Lime

“The Memory of Taste resonated with me deeply as a refugee child with parents who had to flee a war-torn country. Tu’s candid storytelling took me on a journey of profound emotions filled with delightful recipes. Most importantly, it shows how cooking and food can help us connect more deeply with our family’s history and identity.”—Nite Yun, chef and owner of Nyum Bai and Lunette Cambodia