Travel the World in Books Reading Challenge is the brainchild of three great book bloggers: Tanya of Mom’s Small Victories, Becca of I’m Lost in Books and Savvy of Savvy Working Gal.

I am intrigued by the idea of Travel the World in Books, as the hosts encourage to expand our horizons and read books set in or written by authors from countries other than the one we live in. I can visit as many different countries in books as I wish.

In a way I will experience the benefits of travel without leaving the comfort of home.

To keep informed of news, updates and events regarding this challenge, however, members should follow each of the 3 hosts by at least one social media or bloglovin, RSS, and GFC.

As with any challenge, there are “Rules,” but the rules in this challenge are fun, we choose our own adventures. The following are my goals, but I can change them over time.

Members determine how many countries they would like to read about during their adventures. They also decide what criteria they use to determine the number of countries they read about, for example book setting, author background or both.

The hosts of this challenge provide links for sign up and book reviews, namely Africa Book Reviews; Antarctica Book Reviews; Asia Book Reviews; Australia and New Zealand Book Reviews; Europe Book Reviews; North America Book Reviews and South America Book Reviews.

I plan to review books about countries in Asia but will concentrate on ASEAN countries. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a group of ten member countries with a total population of 600 million people that encourages political, economic, and social cooperation in the region.

Presently the ASEAN consists of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The ASEAN countries have warm weather, diverse geography, rich and fertile soil, making the area one of the richest regions of the world in terms of natural produce; hence, a unique range of cuisines, well-received around the world.

As such, in 18 months time I will read books about Food Travel in the area, except Indonesia.

We are all “travelers” of a sort and we are all “eaters”. Therefore, we can also all be regarded as “food travelers”.

The World Food Travel Association defines Food Tourism as “The pursuit and enjoyment of unique and memorable food and drink experiences, both far and near.”

The books that I will reading are not necessarily cookbooks as I will try to find books that describe cultures and cuisines of each ASEAN member countries

There are several ways members can track the countries they visited in books. Among them a map in Google Maps, track on your blog or on a Goodreads shelf.

Since I will only review books from 9 countries, I will make a wrap-up blog post. Here is my wish list:

Rasa and Warna Brunei Darussalam. Flavours and Colours Brunei Darussalam by Kamisah Haji Rahmat (ed).

This book reflects the Bruneians' taste buds and a zest of flavors available. It also provides informative pieces on the significance and role of local food and markets in the Bruneian society. Among them is a piece on Brunei's local rice, 'Beras Laila', providing details on its health benefits together with recipes on the type of food that can be made from the local rice or as a side dish.

Ambarella, Cambodian Cuisine by Sorey Long and Kanika Linden 

Some people said that much of the traditional Cambodian cuisine was lost during the time of the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent turmoil. This book makes a significant contribution to helping with the cuisine revival process, featuring more than 100 authentic Cambodian recipes, illustrated by beautiful pictures.

Ant Egg Soup – The Adventures of a Food Tourist in Laos by Natacha Du Pont De Bie.

Du Pont De Bie will trek for hours or even days in search of a good lunch. Ant Egg Soup is the result of her adventures in Laos, the stories of the people she met, and the places she visited and, of course, the amazing food she tasted.

Flavors of Malaysia: A Journey Through Time, Tastes, and Traditions by Susheela Raghavan.

Susheela Raghavan serves up treasured recipes, touching family stories, and fascinating notes about the origins of Malaysian food in this collection. It features: over 150 authentic, easy-to-follow recipes; 16-page color photo insert; detailed introduction to Malaysian history and its culinary origins.

Burma: River of Flavors by Naomi Duguid  

The author takes boats up Burma’s huge rivers, highways to places inaccessible by road; spends time in village markets and home kitchens; and takes us to the farthest reaches of the country, along the way introducing us to the fascinating people she encounters on her travels.

Memories of Philippine Kitchens by Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan.

In Memories of Philippine Kitchens, Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan, owners and chef at the Purple Yam and formerly of Cendrillon in Manhattan, present a fascinating—and very personal—look at Filipino cuisine and culture. The authors trace the origins of native Filipino foods and the impact of foreign cultures on the cuisine.

Eating Her Curries and Kway: A Cultural History of Food in Singapore by Nicole Tarulevicz.  

Analyzing a variety of sources that range from cookbooks to architectural and city plans, Tarulevicz connects food culture to the larger history of Singapore, she discusses various topics including domesticity and home economics, housing and architecture, advertising, and the regulation of food-related manners and public behavior.

Pok Pok: Food and Stories from the Streets, Homes, and Roadside Restaurants of Thailand by Andy Ricker.

Pok Pok is more than just a collection of favorite recipes: it is also a master course in Thai cooking. Filled with thoughtful, colorful essays about Ricker’s travels and experiences, the book is not only a definitive resource for home cooks, but also a celebration of the rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled deliciousness of Thai food.

The Food of Vietnam by Luke Nguyen.

Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam describes his trip from northern Vietnam down to the south, through marketplaces and kitchens of strangers and family alike to find the best recipes Vietnam has to offer. Luke records his experiences with the people he meets and the places he visits along the way, breathing life into the classic recipes of Vietnam.

With such an impressive list, I am signing up for Travel the World in Books Reading Challenge and preparing to experience my travel the world in books.

Bon Voyage to Me …

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Text: Amanda Niode

Images: Didecs/Shutterstock, ASEAN, WFTA, Rasa & Warna, Ambarella, Ant Egg Soup, Flavors of Malaysia, Burma Rivers of Flavors, Memories of Philippine Kitchens, Eating Her Curries and Kway, Pok Pok, The Food of Vietnam, Mom's Small Victories,