A culinary reference features southern Chinese recipes, shares a comprehensive introduction to key seasonings and techniques, and offers such options as smoky eggplant with garlic, twice-cooked pork, and emergency midnight noodles.

Basics -- Cold dishes -- Tofu -- Meat -- Chicken & eggs -- Fish & seafood -- Beans & peas -- Leafy greens -- Garlic & chives -- Eggplant, peppers & squashes -- Root vegetables -- Mushrooms -- Soups -- Rice -- Noodles -- Dumplings -- Stocks, preserves & other essentials.