HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s passion for rice is being celebrated in a new book, perfectly timed with National Rice Month in September.
“The Hawaii Book of Rice, Volume Two” is a collection of stories, facts and 101 “rice-ipes” from local celebrity chefs and home cooks. The book celebrates the cultural significance of rice in the islands and the many ways it shows up on local tables.
Chef Joey Nguyen, owner of An Di Dzo in Ward, is one of the contributors. Nguyen says rice is essential in Vietnamese cuisine and a core part of his restaurant’s menu. He shared some of the popular rice dishes diners can find at An Di Dzo, as well as his own contribution to the book: an aromatic rice and chicken dish.
“Everyone in Hawaii has their own rice story,” Nguyen said. “Whether it’s a bowl of fried rice or a simple spam musubi, rice is part of our everyday life and our memories.”
“The Hawaii Book of Rice, Volume Two” is available online at bookshawaii.net, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.