On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, the most prestigious international awards honoring the world’s top gastronomy books and considered the “Oscars” of the food and wine world, a special awards ceremony was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to recognize the best gastronomy books of the past thirty years (1995–2025) in each category.
The book by Vangelis Driskas, Happy Buddha. Stories and Recipes from My Travels in Asia, was named the top book in the world in the 30 years of the competition, receiving the honorary title of Best of the Best in the Asian Food Culture category.
All of my experiences, what I discovered during my travels in Asia, through research, reading, and especially tasting the most important dishes of each place in their authentic form, have been recorded to enrich the book you are holding in your hands.
And while as a professional of taste I may have no boundaries and enjoy even the most complex flavor expressions, I am able to distinguish those dishes that can impress a Western palate. Now I feel ready to share with you everything I learned and tasted during my travels in Asia.
The best dishes, the most characteristic of each place, with recipes written in detail and all the tips that will help you achieve the perfect result on your plate.
As for the Happy Buddha, that’s what I took away from Bali, where, walking down the street, many would stop me and rub my belly exclaiming: “Happy Buddha!”. There, they believe that a round belly promises wealth and prosperity, which will be attained if they pat it.
The Happy Buddha will take you on a journey through the places and flavors of Asia, and I am sure it will inspire you to enter the kitchen to create and excel. I want you, while flipping through this book, cooking and tasting all these wonderful Asian dishes, to feel the joy and well-being that only Asian cuisines can offer.
Gourmand World Cookbook Awards:
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, the most prestigious international awards honoring the world’s top gastronomy books and considered the “Oscars” of the food and wine world, a special awards ceremony was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to recognize the best gastronomy books of the past thirty years (1995–2025) in each category.
The book by Vangelis Driskas, Happy Buddha. Stories and Recipes from My Travels in Asia, was named the top book in the world in the 30 years of the competition, receiving the honorary title of Best of the Best in the Asian Food Culture category.
Key Features:
- Hobby Category: Cooking, Healthy Nutrition
- Content Type: Authentic recipes with accompanying stories and narratives
- Reader Level: For everyone (from beginners to lovers of Asian cuisine)
- Style: Warm, personal and inspiring journey, rich in narratives and photographs
Suitable for:
This book is ideal for those who love plant-based nutrition (vegan) and Asian cuisine, but also for those looking for a more balanced lifestyle. It is a valuable ally for anyone wishing to enrich their daily table with healthy and original recipes, while drawing inspiration from the travel stories that accompany the dishes.
Why This Book Is Special:
- Includes 80 authentic and fully vegan recipes, based on ingredients and techniques from Asia.
- Combines cooking with a deeper philosophy on nutrition, happiness, and energy.
- Offers travel stories and experiences that give the dishes a unique, personal character.
- Provides practical tips for transitioning to a plant-based diet and detoxification.
- Contains rich, full-color illustrations that make the reading and cooking experience even more enjoyable.
Format:
The book is a color edition, with a soft cover and 368 pages. The high-quality printing and the rich photographic content highlight the recipes and travel stories, making the book an extremely attractive and practical tool for the kitchen.
Suggestions for use:
Weekly Program: Use the book's recipes to create a weekly plant-based meal plan, incorporating daily dishes with Asian inspiration.
Inspiration for Projects: Read the travel stories and use them as inspiration to organize a themed dinner or a cooking night with friends, combining food and culture.
Learning Tool: Make use of the author's tips for detoxification and proper nutrition, so you can take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
With the book you can:
Try: New Asian recipes such as Vegan Pad Thai or dishes with homemade curry.
Experiment with: Exotic ingredients such as turmeric, lavender, ginger, and unique spices from the Far East.
Organize: Your kitchen to be plant-based friendly by creating a list of essential ingredients recommended by the author.
Record/Evaluate: Your energy levels and mood after adopting the dietary advice from the book.
A few words about the creator:
Vangelis Driskas is one of the most well-known and beloved Greek chefs, with a long-standing career in the culinary field. He is especially famous for his television shows, where he shares recipes and techniques, as well as for his prolific writing with many successful cookbooks. Through Happy Buddha, Vangelis Driskas records his gastronomic experiences and the authentic flavors he encountered during his travels in Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, bringing an exotic flair and new ideas to Greek cuisine.
Manufacturer
- Author
- Vagelis Driskas
- Publisher
- Patakis
- Language
- Greek
- Subtitle
- -
- Cover
- Soft
- Number of Pages
- 368
- Release Date
- 11/2023
- Publication Date
- 2023
- Dimensions
- 20x25 cm
- Award
- -
- ISBN-13
- 9789601684659
Important information
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can report it here.