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.

'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.

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.