This book isn’t just a culinary journey through Vietnam, but the story of a brilliant philanthropic idea that has helped thousand of Vietnamese street kids to get out of poverty and into decent hospitality positions throughout Vietnam. Jimmy Pham, the founder of Koto is celebrated for his initiative and it is one that is now being followed in other countries. Andreas Pohl helped raise/funded some of the money at the start of the foundation’s life and Michael Fountoulakis came into the group by staging an exhibition to raise funds for Koto.

In many ways it is a pity that the quality of the printing doesn’t to more justice to Fountoulakis’ images which are lovely but the recipes are succinctly written and all of the ingredients readily available. The simplicity of some of the dishes mean they can be taken into daily cooking by virtue of the taste they deliver for the small amount of time they take to cook. There are also great ideas for canapés and whilst I am wary of wildly reviewing Vietnamese cookbooks because my knowledge is limited and I have never been to Vietnam, the authors of this book have expert knowledge and we are sure have not deviated from the truth of their old and modern cuisine.

Even if you don’t cook buy this book, buy several copies and give them to friends who do cook and support Koto for the brilliant job it does.

Photography Michael Fountoulakis, published by Hardie Grant Books, deluxe paperback $45.00