The Gaijin Cookbook: Japanese Recipes from a Chef, Father, Eater, and Lifelong Outsider

The Gaijin Cookbook is a cookbook written by Ivan Orkin, a Jewish-American chef who has made a name for himself in Japan with his popular ramen restaurants. In the book, Orkin shares his personal journey of discovering and falling in love with Japanese cuisine, as well as the recipes he has developed over years of living and cooking in Japan.

The book includes over 100 recipes for Japanese dishes, including classics like miso soup, tonkatsu, and sushi, as well as lesser-known dishes such as okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles). Orkin also includes helpful tips and techniques for making the dishes at home, along with personal anecdotes and stories about the people and places that have inspired his cooking.

The title of the book, "gaijin," is a term used in Japan to refer to foreigners or outsiders, and Orkin uses it to reflect his own experience as an outsider in Japan. He writes about how food helped him to connect with Japanese culture and people, and how his outsider status has given him a unique perspective on the country and its cuisine.

Overall, The Gaijin Cookbook is a beautifully designed and thoughtfully written cookbook that offers a fascinating look into the world of Japanese cuisine and culture, as seen through the eyes of a passionate and talented chef. Description by ChatGPT.