Mango and Peppercorns: A Memoir of Food, an Unlikely Family, and the American Dream

by Tung Nguyen, Katherine Manning, Lyn Nguyen

A powerful memoir of resilience, friendship, family, and food from the acclaimed chefs behind the award-winning Hy Vong Vietnamese restaurant in Miami.

Through powerful narrative, archival imagery, and 20 Vietnamese recipes that mirror their story, Mango & Peppercorns is a unique contribution to culinary literature.

In 1975, after narrowly escaping the fall of Saigon, pregnant refugee and gifted cook Tung Nguyen ended up in the Miami home of Kathy Manning, a graduate student and waitress who was taking in displaced Vietnamese refugees. This serendipitous meeting evolved into a decades-long partnership, one that eventually turned strangers into family and a tiny, no-frills eatery into one of the most lauded restaurants in the country.

Tung's fierce practicality often clashed with Kathy's free-spirited nature, but over time, they found a harmony in their contrasts—a harmony embodied in the restaurant's signature mango and peppercorns sauce.

• IMPORTANT, UNIVERSAL STORY: An inspiring memoir peppered with recipes, it is a riveting read that will appeal to fans of Roy Choi, Ed Lee, Ruth Reichl, and Kwame Onwuachi.
• TIMELY TOPIC: This real-life American dream is a welcome reminder of our country's longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants. This book adds a touchpoint to that larger conversation, resonating beyond the bookshelf.
• INVENTIVE COOKBOOK: This book is taking genre-bending a step further, focusing on the story first and foremost with 20 complementary recipes.

Perfect for:

• Fans of culinary nonfiction
• Fans of Ruth Reichl, Roy Choi, Kwame Onwuachi, and Anya Von Bremzen
• Home cooks who are interested in Asian food and cooking

Genres: Memoir, Food, Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Cooking, Culinary, Book Club

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Jessaka]

Great story great recipes

1 day I was looking for a book with mango in the title I didn't know why but that's what I was looking for. I came up on this book and the title was so delicious that I ordered it. And it proved to be a great read

The 2 women in the story opened up a Vietnamese restaurant in Miami, and it came to be a very famous restaurant. They now share their recipes with you. Actually the recipes came from only 1 of the women, a woman who came to America when the communist took over Vietnam. She was taken in by woman named Kathy and soon they were opening up a restaurant. What I like about this book is that a story actually a true story, is involved and it's a wonderful story

[Kru · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first - I totally love this cover.

This is an alluring compilation of recipes on Vietnamese cooking alongside a narrative of friendship, faith, harmony that blends in the American dream and the refugee story. A delightful read, that I would recommend to all readers that love food and getting to know people.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love food memoirs! Mango and Peppercorns is the story of a Vietnamese refugee, the family she forged with an American woman, and the restaurant they opened together.

Tung escaped from Vietnam as a refugee in the mid 1970's. As a pregnant young refugee, who spoke no English, she wound up living in the Miami home of Kathy, a college student who opened her home to a number of Vietnam refugees. Kathy and Tung established a connection and Kathy helped encourage Tung's cooking talent. Later they decided to open a small Vietnamese restaurant, one of Miami's first. The place quickly became popular for its delicious dishes. Kathy and Tung raised Tung's daughter together.

The memoir is written by Tung, Kathy, and Tung's daughter Lynn. The narrative alternates between each of their perspectives. Each chapter also ends in a recipe or two that go along with what was written about in that chapter. I found it fascinating and heartbreaking reading about Tung's experiences. It must've been so tough moving to a new country where she didn't know the language, losing touch with her family back in Vietnam, having to face America as an unwed mother. There is a lot in the book about how even in the US, Tung was judged by others from Vietnam since she grew up as a poor rural farmer. The friendship of Tung and Kathy lasted through the years despite their differing opinions on how to run a business. It is clear that these two women care for eachother.

What to listen to while reading...
Lonely People by America
You've Got a Friend by Carole King
Hope by Arlo Parks
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Marrow by Thao & the Get Down Stay Down
Light On by Maggie Rogers

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly moving memoir from two Miami restauranteurs. I loved the dual perspective narration as we get to know both of the women's history behind a popular Miami restaurant. Full of insightful Vietnamese immigrant experiences, this was a hard to put down audiobook that will delight fans of Ruth Reichl and was full of delicious recipes! Highly recommended!!!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mango and Peppercorns was a compelling read that kept me hooked from start to finish. I really enjoyed getting to know Tung, Kathy, and Phuong Lien over the course of the book. The recipes at the end of each chapter fit perfectly with the topic of each chapter, which was a real delight. If you're a fan of memoirs about complex, interesting people and/or a food lover, Mango and Peppercorns is definitely worth a read.

[Cathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through powerful narrative, archival imagery, and 20 Vietnamese recipes that mirror their story, Mango & Peppercorns is a unique contribution to culinary literature.

Mango and Peppercorns is a memoir by Tung Nguyen, Katherine Manning, and Lyn Nguyen who share their stories and perspectives.

It reflects on a Vietnamese refugee landing in Miami, and the relationship between herself and her sponsor, that spans over three decades. It also reflects on the relationship between mother and child, influenced by two vast cultures, and how the essence of time open up to understanding.

It's never easy to leave home, especially in harsh circumstances much less live with fear and regret. Coming to grips to survive and heal and how they persevered is the journey they are taking us.

Having established one of top Miami restaurants, Vietnamese cuisine was a lucky gem for the community; that opportunity to experience diversity through food.

Personally, I felt this to be a story of healing for Tung than American dream propaganda, although I do feel some of that in the narrative. May we be reminded of cultural diversity and shared generational traditions.

There is beauty in food writing which is why I am enthralled by this genre. As always, appreciate recipes - wished pictures were included for some of the dishes. The flan with ginger sounds delish!

[Lalitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I loved the inclusion of Tung Nguyen's recipes in Mango and Peppercorns, I was less impressed by the format of this memoir, particularly because Tung's voice felt a bit muffled by Kathy's narrative. Some of the writing was somewhat salvific...particularly from Kathy's end, which seemed problematic to me.

There was definitely a complex story here, but a lot of the details were glossed over (e.g. Tung's marriages, mother-daughter relationship between Tung and Phuoung) such that it was difficult to really connect to the narrative. I also really struggled with the stigmatization of mental health, as well as Kathy's insertion of her opinions related to the class stratification in Vietnamese culture, which felt pretty inappropriate to me.

I think the relationship between Kathy and Tung was extremely co-dependent and dysfunctional but little is really said about that.

[Oyinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 238 of 2021

This was such a beautifully written memoir.

[Dominic Piacentini · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about unexpected found family. I read it slowly, savory-ing it. The relationship between Tung and Kathy is a bit salty at times, but their love of “their” daughter never sours. Their story displays some bitter truths about immigration and tensions among and between contested homes and families, but I nevertheless left the book with a somewhat odd aftertaste in my mouth concerning American optimism and capitalism. Maybe it’ll pass once I cook one of their umami recipes.

[Audrey Approved · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I love the cover, I'm hard pressed to think of a recent memoir I've read with worse writing... I give a bit of a pass to Nguyen, who learned English reading/writing later in her life, but the words of Manning and Nguyen's daughter feel really basic. There's also sooooo much that is not opened up, examined, reflected on and picked apart here - Nguyen's relationship with her daughter, the (toxic?) relationship between Nguyen and Manning, Nguyen's romantic relationships, Nguyen's pull to her homeland's culture, her family's betrayal, everything! All we hear is that these things/conflicts happened, but we never dive deeper. Mango & Peppercorns is a regurgitation of what Nguyen went through (which one cannot belittle because she's an absolute survivor), but it doesn't come close to what I personally from a memoir.

I think this should have been a cookbook. The two authors had a famous and critically acclaimed restaurant! It would have made a lot more sense to have bits and pieces of memoir/backstories/memories intermixed with a main body of recipes, explaining why certain dishes are sacred and important.

Ending on a positive note, this has a gorgeous cover!

[Sarah Nealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very endearing quick read! A unique story of two very different people from two very different cultures and languages coming together and building not only a life and a restaurant but a home. Recipes are included but I have a feeling they won't taste the same without Tung making them.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mango and Peppercorns" is a story about the author's mother. In 1977, Tung Nguyen was a Vietnamese refugee that came to the US during the Vietnam War. Kathy was the American who took her and resettled her. Tung went to the United States without family, without knowing the language, and then survived by creating a restaurant people flocked loved. This story speaks to Tung's perseverance, and food was Tung's way of communicating.

The most interesting thing is that Tung was able to create a unique family and community that was brought together by food. I think eating, especially during COVID, brings people together. Tung's story was told through food that was really a means of survival for her. I love when books include recipes because it adds another element of interest. In addition to the author's narrative, the book was chocked full of imagery and 20 delicious Vietnamese recipes.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/tun...

[Smileitsjoy (JoyMelody) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Rounded up. I enjoyed their story.

[Deevena Jemima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Two women from completely different backgrounds work together and build a life. Lots of great recipes too!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story <3 can’t wait to try some of the recipes

[Natalie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This multi-narrator memoir offers a view into the lives of a Vietnamese refugee and her American host. Through their narratives and reflection Nguyen (the Vietnamese refugee) and Manning (her host) share the hardships, grit, and determination required to make their American Dreams a reality.

Readers are confronted with the complexity of the refugee experience and root for not only the success of Nguyen as she begins her new life, but also that of her young daughter, whose voice becomes a third perspective in the memoir.

Woven throughout the memoir are mouth-watering recipes that tie into the chapters, which offers culinary intrigue to readers regardless of past cooking experience!

**I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Kim Hoang · Rating 5 out of 5]

finished this book within 24 hrs !! was surprised to find that i could not put it down, which has not happened in awhile.

it’s an incredible story of friendship, family, resilience, and the effects of war told through traditions of food-making. i was weary at first about how it would portray the actors in the vietnam war (white saviorism, anti communist, etc), but they really just spoke to their own experiences of it and how it directly affected their lives which i appreciated. it added even more nuance to my understanding of vietnam and vietnamese identity and made me think on it further.

tung touched a lot on the classism that she experienced due to being a countryside peasant in vietnam. when she came to america, americans were a lot more accepting of her (at least the ones she came across) than the vietnamese people she encountered. nguyen emphasized that doctors, lawyers, etc came and ate at her restaurant and applauded her cooking, but the wealthy vietnamese would not even talk to her due to her status as a farmer. i thought this was really interesting and new insight to me of the socioeconomic landscape in vietnam. def something i want to explore more

none of the women married as a deliberate decision against patriarchy and fear of being held down/back by a man. instead they all lived with and supported each other in their unique family. queen shit! nguyen also spoke a lot about what it was like to be a woman in viet society-there was pressure to marry and have kids, women had to be subservient to their husbands, there was fear of being sold to be a slave to another family. loved to see the women in this story actively fight against this agenda!

phuong lien’s perspective as a refugee’s daughter was absolutely invaluable and relatable. since her mom worked so hard and for such long hours, she was rather absent in her daughter’s life. this is especially interesting when compared to tung’s writings, which clearly show that she only worked so hard so she could provide for her daughter. to her mom, money was everything because that was what she lacked growing up. to phuong lien, having a present mother was everything. i think this rings true for a lot of viet refugees who are so tunnel visioned on earning money, driven by the world-ending fear of not having any, that they forget to take time for themselves and their families. she points out the disconnect between the refugee experience in america vs the 1st gen experience in america

lastly, i loved that each chapter was structured around a specific dish and the recipe for that dish followed the chapter. for me, it added so much charm to the book and it underscores the importance of food and food-making as a method of knowledge exchange and cultural preservation. right up my alley and absolutely so incredible.

[Sunni | vanreads]

I picked up this book because the cover was gorgeous and premise sounded super interesting: two women who run a restaurant together, sharing recipes and bits of their lives. I thought this was a unique memoir, sharing the story of two unique women, one Vietnamese woman (Tung) and one white woman (Kathy), who have built a life together. I like stories of strong friendships, and I feel like these kinds of deep friendships are often missing in adult stories. Since it is a story written jointly between Tung, Kathy, and Tung's daughter, Lyn, I would believe that their relationship is one that is built off years of friendship that has overcome cultural differences, disagreements, successes, and joyful moments.

However, I feel like parts of the memoir missed the mark. There are many times when Kathy seems to jump in as a white saviour in parts of the story to 'help' when Tung first arrives in the US and as she learns to adapt to the US. Granted, both Kathy and Tung are from a different generation, so while it's a bit uncomfortable to read about now, I believe that this was all done in good intention at the time, I think perhaps the editing process could have done a better job in ensuring that more of Tung's voice shines through, showing her agency as an individual. I want to know what Tung was thinking when Kathy was trying to help her. What did Tung feel? When did Tung realize her independence in America?

I feel like this was probably more of an error on the editing part, because I truly believe that for a friendship that has been through this much, building a restaurant together, raising a child together, that both women are strong and independent in their own right. If it was a bit more obvious in the book, then I think I would have appreciated the story more.

On an aside, I really love the recipes in this book!

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this book.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given access to the eARC of this book thanks to the authors, the publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mango and Peppercorns is a moving memoir of Vietnamese food, culture, and the search for family. The book tells the story of Tung Nguyen’s childhood in rural Vietnam, a hard life full of work and commitment to family. We journey with Tung from her small village, to the markets of Saigon, and her sudden escape as a refugee to America during the fall of Saigon where she meets Katherine Manning, who takes her in. The book is told through the eyes and voices of Tung and Kathy, and later, Tung’s daughter Lyn, and is an exploration of identity and belonging.

As much as this is Tung’s story, it is equally Kathy’s story, as we follow her journey from a small girl in Iowa to sharing her home with several Vietnamese refugee families and setting up a small restaurant with Tung - Hy Vong, ending as one of Miami's most celebrated and beloved restaurants. Tung’s voice is often harsh; her recollections and expectations painful. Kathy is ditzy and forgetful, and often criticised by Tung. Even with these hardships, it is food that serves as the glue for this unlikely chosen family. Tung’s culture shines through in the recipes scattered throughout the memoir; rich and unctuous flavours, salt, heat and spice. But this is not a typical cookbook. You won’t find fancy coloured pictures of the recipe outcome, but you will find pictures of the protagonists in the middle of the book (something I greatly appreciated).

This is a memoir told around and through Vietnamese cooking. It is the constant in everything, from every time, and every place in the book. The simple message is a reminder that food brings people together, transcends culture and language, and can build love, belonging, and community.

3.5 stars

[Wolfie (wolfgang.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced dual autobiography and cookbook hybrid. It's incredible to realize how we're all born with a gift - Tung's incredibly innate cooking abilities and Kathy's nurturing, unbelievably kind heart - and how the universe brings people together in unexpected ways. I loved reading about Tung and Kathy's story, it made me very emotional quite a few times, and love the incorporation of recipes that are meaningful to their respective upbringing and culture.

My only critique is the lack of pictures, which seems silly to complain about, but this is technically a cookbook too and there's no shots of finished products. (At least, not in the eBook version.)

Overall, a heartfelt read that's perfect for foodies.

[ama &#x1fa9e;&#x1fabc;&#x1fac0; · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was gifted to me by a sweet friend after i shared reflections on the power of food <3 while there was a little too much “amerikan dream” and “amerikan mixing pot”idolizing for my anti US imperialism core beliefs, that also made it very real and resonant to how many immigrants/refugees ~~~~ most especially, those connected to white savior types like Kathy ~~~~ make sense of their displacement. the memoir ~ in being from 3 different and interwoven perspectives ~ embedded in it all that is lost, mistranslated, and reclaimed in the quest for this so-called amerikan dream. i found parts of myself and my immigrant/refugee family in the echoes of the words written (and also not written). despite the lure of an easy reflection on immigrant success stories, i found the most value in this book as a reflection of the bitterSWEET dysfunction that is naturally created in dynamics such as the one between these 3 complex girls supporting each other from their assigned places in amerikan hierarchy. this being said, i felt for these women and the aliveness of their stories and recipes. i so deeply appreciated their inclusion of the recipes in the book. how sensory it felt to read ingredients, processes, techniques! how sacred it was to receive recipes that had lived the full lives we, as readers, were reading about!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book. I was deeply moved and touched throughout. It was deep but also delightful, and devastating at times, especially the harrowing journey by boat and her friend’s story in the river. I had to pause at that moment I was filled with so much sadness. The infusion of food and family and a refugee’s story and a stranger’s kindness was really amazing. I loved the dual narration of this book, and listening to all 3 women’s different voices in this added so much texture and color to this book. So glad her daughter joined in this text. I also liked how the idea of what a family is and can be stretched beyond traditional boundaries. Everyone should read this one.

[Nanditha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vietnamese refugee, who cooks amazingly, forms an unlikely friendship with an American woman and opens up a restaurant - this was enough to make me buy this book.

"Mango and Peppercorns" was more enjoyable than I had envisioned. It has heart, warmth, sorrow, beautiful relationships, details of strong work ethics, and a beautiful love for food at its centre. None of the recipes are anything I'll ever make, but I thoroughly enjoyed the stories behind each of them. Tung's story is one of hope, inspiration, and a strong work ethic which I deeply admire. This was a book I devoured (no pun intended) and was sad to finish.

[hielianthos · Rating 5 out of 5]

i haven't tried the recipes yet but i loved the way the stories of these people were presented!
i love thet it isn't sickly sweet and that it is aknowlegded that not only cultural but simply learned neurological pathways make the biggest difference in our decisions and the emotions we feel. for good or for worse.
i also relate to all of these people on way or another. i love that all of their perspectives were shared and respected.
couldn't recommend it more!!!

[Kirsten Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what am interesting life! It is always so fascinating to me to read about immigrants who truly discover the American dream life. This story is particularly inspiring because they create an entirely woman owned business in a time when that was certainly not the trend. Tung is an inspiration and together with Katherine they are a powerhouse team who will certainly inspire generations to come.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a touching memoir about found family, Vietnamese food, and the American immigrant experience! Tung and Kathy’s unconventional platonic co-parent/restaurant partner dynamic was the beating heart and soul of the book. I really appreciated how thoughtfully the included recipes paired with the text. The story was infused with so much attention and care from start to finish—lovely!

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It felt real. I was touched by the bond between Kathy and Tung. True friends. Strong family.
I was left wanting to taste Tung’s cooking. would love to be able to share a dining experience with them.

[Daniela Estrada · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the storytelling but it goes a bit too hard on the glorification of the american dream…

[Miri M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 2.5 stars. Quick read. Recipes you'll never make. Flat writing.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezed through this memoir! Loved the stories of the restaurant and Tung and Kathy’s unlikely friendship/family.