10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

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.

The book provides valuable cultural insights, giving readers a deeper understanding of pho's significance in Vietnamese culture. Visually, the book is appealing with its illustrated edition, featuring vibrant and mouth-watering photos that complement the recipes. Weighing 2.31 pounds and with dimensions of 8.3 x 0.7 x 9.3 inches, it is a substantial hardcover book that feels durable and well-made. Published by Ten Speed Press in English, it’s a reliable resource for anyone looking to master the art of pho.

While it may not cover the entire spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine, it is a focused and well-crafted guide for pho enthusiasts.

Simply Pho (Volume 3) is a focused Vietnamese cookbook centered around authentic pho and related dishes. It offers a solid selection of recipes that dive into one of Vietnam’s most famous meals, which is great if you want to master pho specifically. The book emphasizes authenticity, aiming to teach traditional preparation methods that bring genuine Vietnamese flavors to your kitchen. However, since it specializes in pho and similar dishes, the variety might feel limited if you're looking for a broader range of Vietnamese recipes beyond noodle soups and accompaniments.

Ingredient accessibility is fairly good—most recipes use common items found in Asian markets or larger grocery stores, but some authentic seasonings might be less familiar or harder to find for absolute beginners. The skill level required is moderate; the book is designed to guide home cooks step-by-step, but some techniques like making broth can be time-intensive and require patience.

Cultural insights are present but not deeply explored; the focus stays mainly on cooking rather than storytelling or history. Visually, the book is illustrated and well-laid-out, helping users follow along easily and making the cooking process more approachable. If your goal is to learn how to prepare authentic pho and related dishes well, this book serves as a helpful and practical resource, though it’s less suited for those wanting a comprehensive look at the full spectrum of Vietnamese cuisine.

“Vietnamese Home Cooking: [A Cookbook]” offers a comprehensive look into the culinary world of Vietnam. With 256 pages, this hardcover book is fairly substantial and provides a wide range of recipes that aim to cater to different skill levels. The variety of recipes is a strong point, making it a versatile choice for anyone interested in Vietnamese cuisine, from appetizers to main courses and desserts.

The authenticity of the recipes is likely high, given the book's focus on traditional Vietnamese home cooking rather than fusion or modern interpretations. This is ideal for those seeking a genuine culinary experience. Ingredient accessibility, however, could be a mixed bag. While some ingredients might be readily available in well-stocked grocery stores or Asian markets, others could be harder to find, potentially requiring some effort or substitutions.

The book is considerate of different skill levels, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced cooks. Each recipe is likely explained in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Cultural insights seem to be another highlight, providing readers with context about the dishes, their origins, and their place in Vietnamese culture. This adds depth and understanding, enhancing the cooking experience. In terms of visual appeal, the book’s dimensions and weight suggest it is a high-quality, visually engaging book, likely filled with vibrant photos and illustrations that showcase the dishes and possibly the culture, making the cooking process more enjoyable and the end results more appealing.