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Sydney-based, Australian author, food and travel writer, Sally Hammond, shares her world ... and her table

PLAYING CHOPSTICKS

Paperback |2006 | New Holland Publishers (Australia) |
China – Description and Travel – Cookery , Chinese | ISBN 1 74110 397 5 | $24.95

Playing Chopsticks is a light-hearted visitor’s view of a vast country with a long and revered history.

Sally Hammond shares entertaining and informative stories about her visits to China: strolls through a Kashgar cattle market, meeting with nomads and searching for a western-style loo in the wilds of China.

Read about yak’s butter in Tibet, and her experiences on the Silk Road, the Great Wall, Macau, Hong Kong and Beijing.

There are tips on chopstick etiquette and how to cook rice as well as recipes for delicious regional dishes.

Anyone interested in life in modern day China, planning a visit there or wishing to recreate authentic Chinese cooking will find this an entertaining and informative book.

Reviews:

"It's a good read, valuable for anyone planning a trip to China, or just curious about the realities of life in that country.'" Pittwater Life, April 2006

"Playing Chopsticks ......full of interesting stories and anecdotes on places like Tibet, the Silk Road, Macau, Hong Kong and Beijing as well as useful tips on how to use chopsticks, cook rice and achieve authentic flavour in home-cooked Chinese dishes." Vacations, Autumn 2006

"AUSTRALIAN food writer Sally Hammond has produced an entertaining narrative on her China travels, Playing Chopsticks (New Holland, $24.95), which includes recipes (even for Tibetan butter tea, albeit made with Twinings Russian Caravan) and sections on chopstick etiquette and preparing perfect rice. The book is written in a chatty style, peppered with translations of Chinese proverbs: Don't open a shop unless you like to smile; the person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones; teachers open the door, you enter by yourself.
Hammond's photographer husband, Gordon, has contributed the pictures, including a snap of a sign announcing "Tourist complaining telephone". Which reminds me of a sign I saw by a dusty road in India, atop an empty booth: "Concerned citizens' bureau". The Australian – Travel.June 24, 2006


Feedback

Would you like to have your say about this book, and perhaps see your review on this page?

Email Sally

4 Feb, 2007:

"At Xmas I was given a copy of your book " Playing Chopsticks "

Just wanted to let you know it was one of the most enjoyable books I have read, felt as though I was making the journey as well!

I have read many books on China , a country that really fascinates me. I certainly learnt more from reading your book.

I'm passing it on to a friend who I am sure will get as much pleasure reading it as I did.

I would have liked to have seen a few more photos included though.

Keep up the good work & thanks for making my day .

M.M Adelaide.

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I had somewhat low expectations for this book when it first arrived in the mail: "Oh no, another basic travel book on China for inexperienced travelers." However, Ms. Hammond really knows her stuff,and is funny to boot! Really glad I got it!
Seajack (Feb 8, 2007)

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