Chow! Secrets of Chinese Cooking Cookbook by Dolly Chow

Join us for a conversation with Carolyn Hsu-Balcer to celebrate the newest edition of Chow!, a timeless and tasteful exploration into traditional Chinese recipes and eating customs. She will be in conversation with Lin Tan, followed by a signing.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Can't attend? Order your signed copy (please specify that you would like it signed in the comments box at checkout).

The provinces of China are united by their love of a good meal. Each has their own specialties and methods of preparation—all of which are, of course, purported to be "the best." Rather than attempting to cover the entirety of Chinese cuisine, this charming, little book instead focuses on recipes born from melding the author's favorite family menus with tips on traditional preparation and table etiquette as dictated by Confucius 2500 years ago. The result is an informative and delicious peek into the Chinese food culture of the early twentieth century. Requiring only minimal materials and expertise, the recipes are accessible and flavorful, while the insights into traditional Chinese eating customs will be of use for travelers hoping to dine authentically while abroad.

Chow! guides the reader through the basics—how to wash rice, serve tea, and make noodles from scratch—before introducing them to a variety of dishes based around meat, seafood, and vegetables. Whether you seek familiar tastes or adventurous dishes, Chow! has it all: from stuffed mushrooms and fried rice to minced pigeon, crab fat with green vegetables and duck tongue soup.

Text in English and Chinese.

Carolyn Hsu-Balcer is a designer, philanthropist, and art collector. Carolyn is founder and president of Snopea Inc., an infantwear company based in New York since 1997. A graduate of Wheaton College (Massachusetts), with a degree in Economics, she has dedicated herself to educational, cultural, and artistic exchanges between China and the West.

Lin Tan is a New York–based media professional and cultural commentator with a long-standing interest in cross-cultural dialogue and contemporary life.

With experience in media and public conversation, she is known for guiding thoughtful exchanges and creating spaces for reflection and connection. Her work often centers on how people understand identity, values, and meaning in an increasingly globalized world.

Lin brings a calm, intuitive, and articulate presence to her work, bridging perspectives with clarity and depth.