This is already the most remarkable cookbook of 2025
A special and beautiful project that I’m happy to bring to your attention. The book Rotterdam Chinatown. The Culinary Heritage of Katendrecht and Asian Glories. will be published soon. This 256-page book takes you through the origins and evolution of Chinatown in Katendrecht, the first Chinese district on mainland Europe.
On the Kaap, as the port district is popularly known, the very first Chinese restaurant in the Netherlands also opened in the early twentieth century, marking the beginning of a rich culinary tradition.
Asian Glories
In addition to the historical development of Chinatown, the book also highlights the role of Chinese restaurateurs who changed Dutch hospitality forever. Central to this story are Jenny Loh and Shun Po Fan (‘Popo’). After a stopover in Katendrecht, they opened Asian Glories in 1997, a restaurant that achieved international fame. Chefs from all over the world travelled to Rotterdam to taste their dim sum, Peking duck and other specialities.
The MH17 disaster
On 17 July 2014, the couple died in the MH17 disaster. Their son Kevin remained in Rotterdam and decided to have their life story recorded. Family, friends and renowned chefs, including Alain Caron, Herman den Blijker, Cees Helder, Robert Kranenborg and, in Hong Kong, Richard Ekkebus, share their experiences with Jenny, Popo and Chinese cuisine. Kevin himself talks about his parents’ ‘legacy’: restaurant Asian Glories.
A tribute
This book is a tribute to Jenny, Popo and all Chinese Dutch people who enrich our world through food. It also shines a light on Chinese-Indonesian-Dutch cuisine, the concepts of the new generation and its foundation: centuries-old Chinese cuisine with its age-old traditions and rituals.
Available for pre-order
Rotterdam Chinatown. The Culinary Heritage of Katendrecht and Asian Glories will be published on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, but is now available for pre-order – for 39.95 euros – from Kyosei.
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