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Hawaii Culinary Classic Vintage 1980 Mary Sia’s Chinese Cookbook 3rd.. - $25
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Hawaii Culinary Classic Vintage 1980 Mary Sia’s Chinese Cookbook 3rd Printing - Spiral Bound
A rare opportunity to own a vintage 1980 printing of Mary Sia's Chinese Cookbook, published by the University Press of Hawaii (Honolulu).
About the Author & Her Legacy: Mary Li Sia (1899–1971) was a legendary Chinese-American culinary pioneer often called "The Julia Child of Hawaii." Educated at the University of Hawaii, Yale, and Cornell, she spent 15 years living in Beijing where she first began hosting highly sought-after Chinese cooking classes for international visitors. Upon returning to Honolulu, she revolutionized how people approached Asian cuisine, teaching packed culinary classes at the YWCA for decades which eventually named its entire kitchen after her.
Mary Sia’s Chinese Cookbook is widely considered a Hawaiʻi culinary classic even though it features Chinese recipes. the book represents an important part of the islands' multicultural food history.
Why This Specific Cookbook is Highly Collectible:
Acclaimed Quality: Jacqueline Newman, founder of the premier Flavor and Fortune collection of English-language Chinese cookbooks, publicly praised Mary Sia’s work as "one of the finest introductions to home-style Cantonese cooking" ever written, stating Sia was "years ahead of her time."
300 Authentic Recipes: Features everything from quick, budget-friendly everyday dishes to elaborate festive fare.
Bilingual & Cultural Value: Includes traditional Chinese characters alongside the English ingredients, offering deep historical insight into 20th-century Chinese-American heritage.
Culinary History: Includes Sia's original educational essays detailing traditional Chinese customs, beverage pairings (tea and wine), and visual food presentation rules.
Details: Author: Mary Sia
Publisher: University Press of Hawaii (Honolulu)
Year: 1980 Printing (Original Copyright 1956/1957)
Pages: Approx. 172 pages of culinary history
This is 172 page spiral bound cookbook. It is used in good condition with minor signs of wear. There is no writing, marks or tears. Book is complete.