Synopsis: Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey is an ambitious journey, avoiding the beaten track and tourist hot-spots, in search of the authentic food of Southeast Asia. In this accompanying book to the major BBC series, Rick shares his favourite recipes and some well-known classic dishes inspired by the fragrant ingredients and recipes he sampled from local chefs, family-run restaurants, street vendors and market stalls.

In Cambodia, Rick learns how to make a national dish Samlor kako, a stir-fried pork and vegetable soup flavoured with an array of spices; in Vietnam he is shown the best recipe for Pho Bo, a Vietnamese beef noodle soup; and in Thailand, Rick tries Geng Leuong Sai Gung Lai Sai Bua, a yellow curry made with prawns and lotus shoots that you won’t find outside the country.

Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey includes over 150 new recipes from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bali each complemented by Rick’s colourful anecdotes from the trip and beautiful on-location photography. This is a visually-stunning culinary tribute to Southeast Asian cooking that evokes the magic of bustling markets, the sizzle of oil and the aromatic steam from a Far Eastern kitchen.

Hot Brands Verdict
We love Rick Stein’s television programmes, the relationship between him and his Director is legendary, and this is a fabulous book capturing the very essence of his journey.

There is something for every taste; he also adapts some of the ingredients to take account of what is available in the UK. We loved the Crisp Spring Rolls with Pork, Prawns and Dried Mushrooms, contrasted with the Fresh Spring Rolls, Barbecued Pork Ribs with Star Anise, and the delicious Aromatic Chicken Pilau with Cinnamon, Tomato and Nutmeg.

But it so much more than recipes, it is a catalogue of the journey, what is fabulous, is that as you watch the programme you can then go and make the meals, if you missed the programme Rick’s commentary takes you on the journey describing the food and where they tasted it on the journey. A wonderfully atmospheric tribute to Far Eastern Food, taking in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh.

As well as stunning photographs, there are 150 new recipes, a really helpful reference guide including Basic Recipes, Key Ingredients, Useful Equipment and Suppliers. A wonderful book! Highly Recommended!

Buy Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey from Amazon.co.uk