Ghillie Basan

Ghillie Basan is a food writer, broadcaster, and food anthropologist whose work connects recipes with the places, histories, and traditions that shape them. Vietnamese Food & Cooking introduces the culinary heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia before moving into a large collection of step-by-step recipes. Published by Southwater, the book covers regional variation as well as staple ingredients such as rice, noodles, beans, vegetables, and fresh herbs. Its dishes range from Hanoi fried fish with dill to star anise ice cream, supported by extensive photography. Basan’s training in social anthropology and at Le Cordon Bleu informs her wider writing on culinary cultures, while her own account of Vietnamese cooking emphasizes carefully tested recipes and practical guidance. The result is both a working cookbook and an accessible introduction to the ingredients and food traditions of the region.