A Food Lover’s Guide to the Great Song

This book brings history and cuisine together. It carefully explores the eating habits of people in the Song Dynasty, vividly depicting food culture in the imperial court, official circles, and among ordinary people, and offering a comprehensive portrait of the Song people’s culinary world.

From crab-stuffed oranges, roasted pork jowl, five-color tripe, wolfberry-braised pork knuckle, and cherry fritters to traditional Henan dishes like the Four Treasures Platter and oven-roasted duck, this book uses food as a gateway to history. It explores the origins, stories, and secret recipes behind dozens of delicacies, along with anecdotes about the literati behind them. Readers can savor dishes from every level of Song society, from imperial banquets to night markets, while discovering the elegance and free-spirited charm of Song culture. Recipes for dozens of traditional specialties are included in full: they’re a treat to read and easy to make.