"Food is both integral to and expressive of Thai culture, and Signavong's foray through the country's major regions and their distinctive cuisines is, with its wealth of photographs, a good introduction to Thailand's charms as well as its traditional food. Signavong contextualizes each recipe with bits of history, legend and gastronomy, noting a dish's origins or the way Thai people serve it. The largest section contains recipes from central Thailand, such as fiery Jungle Chicken Curry and Panang Beef, but Signavong also provides classics from Isan (the northeast region, where he was raised), northern and southern Thailand, as well as a chapter on Thai 'tapas' like Shrimp in Pastry and Chicken Satay� Signavong includes a helpful glossary and offers a few tips for possible substitutions� an excellent primer for Thai cooking." � Publishers Weekly