Memory of Taste: Vietnamese American Recipes from Phú Quốc, Oakland, and the Spaces Between

The Memory of Taste: Vietnamese American Recipes from Phú Quốc, Oakland, and the Spaces Between by Top Chef alum Tu David Phu, co-written with Soleil Ho, is a deeply personal cookbook and memoir that explores the intersection of Vietnamese culinary traditions, refugee resilience, and the Vietnamese American experience. Rooted in the flavors of Phú Quốc and shaped by life in Oakland, the book celebrates resourceful, zero-waste cooking while honoring the ingenuity and perseverance of Phu’s family. Through more than 85 recipes, heartfelt storytelling, and reflections on identity, migration, and memory, The Memory of Taste serves as both a tribute to Vietnamese foodways and a powerful exploration of how culture, history, and family are preserved through the meals we share.