Have You Eaten Yet: Stories from Chinese Restaurants Around the World

Have You Eaten Yet? is a People Magazine Best New Book, a New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice, and a New York Post Best New Book. It is a journey through Chinese food around the world, exploring the cultural outposts of far-flung settlers and the personal stories of chefs, entrepreneurs, and laborers who populate Chinese kitchens. The book reveals how Chinese immigrants have resisted or been prevented from assimilation into their new homes, and how the Chinese restaurant and its food have become seamlessly woven into towns and cities worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Pegasus Books

A captivating and soul-enriching exploration of Chinese cuisine across the globe, "Have You Eaten Yet?" has been hailed as a groundbreaking work by various esteemed publications. This captivating book, published by a People Magazine, has also received the prestigious distinction of being an Editor's Choice from the New York Times Book Review. Furthermore, it has been acclaimed as a "Best New Book" by the New York Post.

Spanning from the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, to the picturesque small-town Saskatchewan, family-run Chinese restaurants have emerged as iconic symbols of immigration, community, and delectable cuisine. These cultural outposts, established by far-flung settlers, serve as beacons of culinary innovation, offering a delightful array of dim sum, Peking duck, and unique culinary hybrids. Chinese restaurants, serving as microcosms of larger social forces, provide a window into time, history, and place.

Author and filmmaker Cheuk Kwan, affectionately known as a "card-carrying member of the Chinese diaspora," skillfully weaves a global narrative by interweaving the personal stories of chefs, entrepreneurs, laborers, and dreamers who populate Chinese kitchens worldwide. Behind these kitchen doors lies an intriguing paradox that characterizes many of these communities: while Chinese immigrants have often faced barriers to complete assimilation into their new homes, their economic survival has been intricately linked to the success of Chinese restaurants and the food they serve.

"Have You Eaten Yet?" is an exhilarating travelogue that unfolds across vast landscapes, offering thrilling adventures and serendipitous encounters. It serves as a living atlas of global migration, unveiling the intricate connections between people, cultures, and cuisine. Through its pages, readers embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders, revealing the profound impact that an excellent meal has on storytelling.

In conclusion, "Have You Eaten Yet?" is a must-read for anyone with a passion for food, travel, and cultural exploration. It offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Chinese cuisine, showcasing its rich diversity and global significance. This book serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Chinese immigrants, as well as their profound impact on the culinary landscape of the world.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 139 x 209 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639365784