I’ve never read a graphic cookbook, so reading Ying Chang Compestine’s“Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Other Curiously Named Classic Chinese Dishes,” was really interesting and enjoyable. I love Chinese cuisine and have read several cookbooks but have never read one so vividly illustrated and, to be completely honest, enthralling. With the translated names of recipes like Beggar’s Chicken, Ants Climbing a Tree, Old Pockmarked Lady’s Mapo Tofu, and Empress Lu Zhi’s Beauty Soup how can anyone not be drawn to this book?

This cookbook looks at a number of different regional cuisines in China, and also discusses etiquette rules for eating, drinking, and using chopsticks. Chang Compestine’s tips on making and using “training chopsticks” was particularly useful.

This book was illustrated by Vivian Truong who did a fantastic job. For example, when illustrating the story for Husband and Wife Lung Slices, the illustrator even ensured that the men’s hair—shaved bald on the top with a long braided pony tail on the back of the head that was required by Qing Dynasry law at the time—was historically accurate.

Unfortunately, the illustrator’s focus on historical accuracy seems to have evaded the author at times. For example, while telling the story for the recipe Ants Climbing a Tree. This story allegedly took place during the Yuan Dynasty (1272-1368) and the story included a reference to bird’s eye peppers. However, peppers didn’t exist in China during this era as peppers originated in the New World. Strangely, while peppers appear in the story, they don’t appear on the recipe page.

Another story, “The Youngest Prime Minister” discusses how a young boy in 475 BC made a dish using orange and red tomatoes, and King Qin rewarded the boy and also made the tomatoes and egg recipe his “signature dish.” Like peppers, tomatoes are indigenous to the Americas, so they didn’t exist in China during this era. While stories are naturally embellished over time, I was hoping for historical tales.

Chang Compestine grew up in Wuhan, China during the Cultural Revolution, and I love the fact that she included not just ancient cuisine-related tales, but also newer ones, such as those she told for Mongolian Beef, Chop Suey, and Rock Sugar Pears.

This graphic cookbook, overall, is fantastic and one that I definitely recommend to anyone interested in the history of cuisine, Asian food fanatics, and anyone who loves Chinese food.

I received an ARC of “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Other Curiously Named Classic Chinese Dishes,” by Ying Chang Compestine from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This wonderful little cookbook is informative as can all be, and I loved reading about the tales behind several different dishes I've eaten over the years. Also enjoyable were the accompanying recipes attached to each little section, complete with an illustrated step by step guide on how to prepare them. But also, on top of it all, the artwork is wonderfully cute as well. "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall" is just a joy all-around!

The first thing that caught my eye when picking up Ying Chang Compestine's cookbook was its unique title: "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Other Curiously Named Chinese Dishes." The second was its unique premise. A "graphic novel" cookbook that is part cookbook, part history lesson, part memoir, and part introduction to Chinese culture sounded so interesting that I simply had to read it. I was absolutely not disappointed.

This book is a wonderful read, even beyond its recipes. Compestine's memories of her Nai Nai and her childhood during the Cultural Revolution in China when paired with the tales that inspired these recipes elevate the book. If you've ever been to a family gathering where the stars of the event are the main courses on display at the dining table, you will enjoy this graphic novel. Food is at the heart of so many social moments; it is a connection to your culture and your history, be it traditional dishes or inherited "family recipes." This novel celebrates this and allows you to experience these dishes as more than a list of ingredients.

The illustrations are very well done, and I appreciated that the instructions for these recipes were graphically depicted. For a first-time cook, being able to visualize the exact order and sequence makes it so much easier to follow along with the recipes. It was also very welcome to see a cookbook that incorporated not just traditional Chinese dishes, but also American Chinese inventions (such as Chop Suey and the fortune cookie) as well as the author's own / family recipes. Moreover, the brief primer on Chinese ingredients and using chopsticks would be particularly helpful for beginners to Chinese cuisine.

All in all, I enjoyed reading this and saw it as not just a cookbook but a delightful foray into China's rich culinary culture. In fact, I plan to purchase this book for my own collection as soon as it becomes available!

So unique! This book is part cookbook, part Chinese cooking history, and part graphic novel. On the outset, it might sound a bit disjointed, but the whole thing worked surprisingly well.

I absolutely adored the stories that preceded each recipe. It was a completely different way to be inspired. Whereas most cookbooks rely on pictures to inspire cooks to try a recipe, this one relies on the history and the stories surrounding the dish. While I will never begrudge a good picture, I found the stories to be an exciting medium for inspiration.

And then there are the recipes themselves. They are appetizing classics that range from beginner level to more advanced, making this book accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

There is so much to learn and so much inspiration to be had from the fun graphic novel.

A comic book format cookbook with a nicely drawn folktale and recipe for each food. Storytelling and food is inherently tied together when it comes to appreciating one’s culture, and this book ties it all together nicely. Each step in the recipe is illustrated - what a labor of love!

This is a light and fun read for anyone who is interested in Chinese cooking or learn about the meaning behind some interesting food names, and the recipes seem delicious and approachable too. The author draws from her memories of food and her Nai Nai and family and growing up in Wuhan. I especially like the tea egg recipe and story - it’s simple and sweet!

Special thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest, independent review.

Ever thought a cookbook could be your next graphic novel obsession? Well, brace yourself, because it soon will be, on precisely March 4th — its release date. This isn't just for those with an interest in Chinese cuisine and culture; if you love cooking or are enchanted by graphic novels, this book is destined to become your new best friend.

I've explored countless cookbooks, but this one stands out as a top contender. It's not merely in my top 10; it's the most vibrant, quirky, and engaging cookbook I've ever come across. The idea of a graphic novel cookbook aimed at adults is nothing short of genius. You don't have to plan on cooking to enjoy this; it's a sheer delight to read, much like flipping through a captivating comic book.

The recipes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Imagine preparing Mango and Lobster Spring Rolls or perfecting Tea Eggs and Moon Cakes. The dish names alone are a source of amusement read: "Ignored by Doggy Buns," "Ants Climbing a Tree," "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall," and who wouldn’t love "Old Pockmarked Lady’s Mapo Tofu?”

For parents eager to spark culinary interest in their children, this book is a treasure. The illustrations aren't just charming; they're mesmerizing, transforming each page into a visual banquet. It doesn't just inform; it captivates, enriching your knowledge with every page turn. On a word — FABULOUS!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This should be the future of cookbooks! It is engaging, informative, and funny, especially for noncooking individuals. What a delight! This should be developed into a short anime as soon as possible. Thanks to Netgalley for giving me a review copy.

A visually appealing and informative cookbook; makes for an enjoyable read even if one does not intend to make the recipes. The author skillfully blends Chinese legend, personal family history, and the history of China itself to explain the names and origin of a variety of classic Chinese dishes. The art style is colorful and stylized without feeling overly cartoon-y. Would definitely appeal to teen readers, though certainly a fun read for adults as well.

This was such a fun book to read. I learned so much but was so delighted by the artwork to remember I was reading a cookbook.

This book is different from a typical cookbooks in that all the pictures are illustrated as well as the story of how the dish got its name. Between the graphic novel style of narrative and the personal connection the author brings to many of the recipes, this is a cookbook that really feels personal and heartwarming.

I know I have many people on my gift list that will be getting a copy for the next gift holiday.

This is a fantastic cookbook! Each dish comes with a little story or background, allowing you to learn about the history of the food before diving into the recipe. It’s such a fun way to not only learn how to cook but also gain a deeper appreciation for the dishes and their cultural significance.

The art in this book is absolutely beautiful—it complements the stories perfectly and makes the food look incredibly delicious. A must-have for anyone who loves cooking and storytelling combined!

Thanks to netgalley for the advanced reader's copy of this book.

What an absolute delight this book was! The author's recollections of the stories told to them by their family members about the different dishes along with simple recipes with ingredients and instructions made this book both enjoyable and easy to read. The illustrations are fun and cheerful and I would absolutely recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and Other Curiously Named Classic Chinese Dishes.

What a fun cookbook! I've never read a comic cookbook before but this was right up my alley since I also love to eat and learning historical facts.

The author introduces recipes from her childhood, the heartwarming ones her grandmother made for her as a child and we're lucky she's shared them with readers.

The illustrations of the step-by-step instructions are useful, as well as the visual storytelling of the legends and stories behind how the dishes got their names amusing are fun to read!

The author includes a full meal of dishes including appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

Some of them are straight forward to make and some are more labor intensive but they're worth it!

My only caveat is I wished there was a real photo of the final dish so I know what it looks like. I eat with my eyes, too!

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall will make a great gift for nearly everyone; children and adults learning to cook classic Chinese dishes, people interested in the history of cooking, foodies and lovers of comics and manga.

This will really appeal to a wide range of ages and people!

Thank you Netgalley, Chronicle Books, and Ying Chang Compestine for sending me this advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a really fun cookbook! The stories were great, and the recipes were authentic. The instructions were easy to follow with nicely drawn pictures to show the steps. The artwork was bright and cheerful too.

Some of the ingredients could be harder to find if you don't live near an Asian grocery store, but most of them can be bought online.


My only complaint is that the text in the comics, and the cooking directions were incredibly difficult to read because of the blurred font in the eARC version I received. I hope this is corrected in the final version.