Hawker Fare: Stories & Recipes from a Refugee Chef's Isan Thai & Lao Roots

Chef James Syhabout came to the US as a small child with his family as a refugee from the "secret war" in Laos. His family settled in northern California where the foods of Laotian refugees blended into the increasingly-popular broad label of Thai food.

After traveling full-circle through the culinary profession, Syhabout now tells his story; the story of an Isan Thai-Laotian-American Michelin-starred chef's cultural and culinary roots through recipes and recollections of his family, community, and journeys to his familial homeland.

With his highly-acclaimed Hawker Fare restaurant in San Francisco, Syhabout brought Lao-Isan Thai cuisine to the forefront—giving expression to its more umami-rich, savory flavors (less sweet than its Americanized relatives), including staples such as sticky rice, traditional green papaya salad, and the seasoning padaek—a style of fish sauce that plays a huge role in the cuisine of Laos.

The recipes in the book are simple and straight forward, even if the ingredients may be new or challenging for some. Each has a great story and clear instructions to inspire you through the cooking adventure. There are also sections on using a mortar and pestle, building a Laotian meal, and a description of the Lao and Isan pantry of ingredients.

Recipes include: fried chicken with charred chili jam; rice congee with pork meatballs and fried garlic oil; tart and aromatic fish salad; banana & coconut milk rice pudding steamed in banana leaves; and many popular condiments and sauces.

Hardcover. Rich, vibrant color photography throughout.