Review: Iron Chen Chen's Knockout Chinese by Kenichi, Chen

     Iron Chen Chen's Knockout Chinese by Chen Kenichi, is the legendary Iron Chef Chinese's first english language cookbook release. Unless your fluent in reading japanese you've probably been frustrated when learning that Chen Kenichi has had a steady release of cookbooks since the late 90's however only in japanese. Thanks to Vertical, Inc. chefs around the rest of the world have a chance at learning this beloved Iron Chef's techniques.

     A quick glance at the table of contents reveals that not only does Chen Kenichi feature his trademark Sichuan dishes that made him and his father famous but also a number of side dishes, desserts, and personal favorites.



     Finally an exact translation for Chen's authentic Mapo Tofu, which in case you didn't notice before was featured online at his restaurant chain Shisen Hanten's website.


     You can feel the japanese cuisine influence within his recepies, and his side notes give hints about technique and how his fathers recepies were adapted from the original Sichuan to locally palatable japanese versions.

     Do these deep fried morsels look familliar? They should, Chen's inventive use of Banannas and Mangos helped him win more than a just a few culinary challenges on Iron Chef Japan.

     In conclusion if your a fan of the Iron Chef Japan show this cookbook is a must. Lets hope that more of the japanese Iron Chefs will release english versions of their esteemed culinary literature.

Where to Find:
     Kinokuniya Book Stores.