Indonesia, Malaysia, Singaporea - these names make one yearn for a distant, fascinatingly different culinary world. Without doubt, the Asian cuisine is centred around rice, which in its purity seems almost ascetic. On the other hand, the dishes that are served alongside are characterised by a beguiling variety and are very often artistically refined. Soya and tofu, herbs and spices, fruits, coconut, bean sprouts, manioc, yam, and sweet potato are just some of the ingredients used in Southeast Asian cuisine. However, this volume is more than an impressive collection of recipes. Articles offering background information and food coverage introduce the reader to the history and characteristics of the various ingredients, explaining the most typical kitchen utensils, illustrating the distinctive features of specific regional cuisine, as well as allowing an insight into the respective festivities and the various cultural influences that in the course of the centuries have had an impact on the gastronomic landscape of the Far East. In every aspect, this is a truly inspiring voyage of discovery!