This book exceeded my expectations. I expected a fluffy read on the bustling city of Hong Kong by an obscure author. Little did I know that Giada De Laurentiis has made a name for herself in the culinary world!

Giada is Italian-American, so her comparisons between Chinese and Italian cuisines opened up new ways of thinking for me. I have never associated dumplings with ravioli. Likewise with sticky rice balls and arancini (rice balls filled with mozzarella). Alfie, the male protagonist remarked, “It’s strange how food from such totally different cultures could be so similar.” Interesting.

Alfie and his sister, Emilia ate scallion pancakes and got teleported to Hong Kong right smack before Chinese New Year. There, they were welcomed by Ying and her family who were expecting their arrival. With this convenient context setting done and dusted, the siblings underwent various experiential experiences to experience Hong Kong first hand.

I was expecting Giada to write about the frenetic and adrenaline-pumping side of Hong Kong. You know, the crowds, the skyscrapers, the nightlife. Instead, she has her main characters fish at Sai Kung, toss oranges tied with red papers conveying their wishes onto trees, and visit Man Fat Ysz (Ten Thousand Monastery). She showcases a quieter, more contemplative and spiritual side of Hong Kong - which held my attention throughout. I thought she did a good job in marrying her passions for food and travel.

And, to seal the deal, she concludes her book with two recipe cards on shrimp dumplings and scallion pancakes, thus extending her influence beyond the pages.