NPR's Book of the Day Cookbooks 'House of Nanking' and 'Boustany' honor rich family legacies through food
Oct 17, 2025
Explore the rich tapestry of food and family legacies with a visit to the House of Nanking, where the Fangs share their cookbook born from years of restaurant tradition. Discover the vibrant culture of Palestinian cooking with Sami Tamimi, who reflects on preserving culinary memories amidst conflict. From the significance of fresh vegetables and traditional spices to heartfelt childhood food memories, this journey connects us to heritage and identity through the flavors we cherish.
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From Solo Wok To Family Partnership
- Peter Fang opened House of Nanking in 1988 and cooked every dish alone in a single wok for years.
- Kathy grew up working there folding napkins and now runs the restaurant with her father as partner.
Adapt Tradition To Local Tastes
- Peter Fang says adapting traditional techniques to local ingredients and tastes keeps a restaurant relevant.
- He sees pleasing customers as central: cook to make people happy rather than insist on rigid authenticity.
A Table Full Of Family Favorites
- Kathy quickly brings a parade of House of Nanking dishes including baby Napa cabbage, flouring cauliflower with Chinese bacon, and onion cakes.
- The team shares plates and treats the restaurant like home, exactly how the Fangs intend.
