The Restaurant of Lost Recipes Paperback – 3 October 2024

The quality of the book is good.

‘The Restaurant of Lost Recipes’ is a beautiful and evocative exploration of food, memory and tradition. Set in a mystical restaurant run by Nagare and his daughter Koishi the story pulls one into a world where lost dishes from the past are lovingly recreated. The magic lies not just in the recipes themselves but in how they unlock long-forgotten memories, healing the hearts of those who come to the restaurant.The structure of the novel composed of six chapters each named after a traditional dish, weaves food and storytelling together seamlessly. These dishes like nori-ben, ten-don, hand Ramen etc are more than meals; they are conduits to the past, connecting generations and offering glimpses into forgotten cultural traditions. Each chapter presents a unique story that ties into Japanese cuisine and tradition providing insight into the cultural and historical significance of these dishes.Kashiwai’s writing is rich with sensory detail. The aromas, textures and flavours of the dishes come alive drawing one into the heart of the restaurant. The vivid descriptions not only tantalize the senses but also evoke emotions as each recreated dish leads characters to rediscover pieces of their past. The author masterfully captures the sentiment of yearning for a time long gone and the comfort that a simple dish can bring.