10 Best Vietnamese Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

'Vietnamese Food Any Day' offers a blend of simplicity and authenticity, making Vietnamese cuisine accessible for home cooks. It features a wide variety of recipes, from traditional dishes to modern adaptations, ensuring there's something for everyone. The recipes are designed to use ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets, which is a significant advantage for those who may not have access to specialty Asian grocery stores.

This makes the book suitable for both beginner and intermediate cooks who want to explore Vietnamese flavors without too much hassle. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making it approachable even for those who are new to cooking. Additionally, the book provides cultural insights that enrich the cooking experience, giving readers a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

The visual appeal is another strong point, with beautiful photographs that not only illustrate the finished dishes but also inspire readers to get cooking. Some may find that the simplification of certain recipes might compromise a bit on authenticity. The hardcover format and high-quality pages add to the appeal, making it a lovely addition to any kitchen library. 'Vietnamese Food Any Day' is an excellent choice for those looking to dive into Vietnamese cooking with ease and enjoyment, though it may not satisfy everyone's craving for deeply traditional recipes.

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.

Wholesome Vietnamese Cooking offers more than 100 authentic recipes that capture the real flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, making it a strong choice for anyone wanting to explore traditional dishes. The recipe variety is broad, covering many classic meals that bring a good balance of taste and better health, which suits those looking for nutritious options.

The book is quite user-friendly, with recipes that range from easy to moderately challenging, so both beginners and cooks with some experience can enjoy it. Ingredient accessibility is handled well, with many dishes using common items you can find in regular US supermarkets or Asian grocery stores, though a few specialty ingredients might require some extra searching. The book also provides cultural insights, helping readers understand the stories and traditions behind the food, which adds depth beyond just cooking instructions.

Visually, it’s a solid package with clear layout and decent photos, but it might not be as flashy or heavily illustrated as some other cookbooks. At 342 pages, it offers a satisfying amount of content without being overwhelming. If you want a reliable, health-conscious introduction to Vietnamese cooking that respects authenticity and encourages home cooking, this book is a good fit, especially for those living in the US.