Eat Bitter is the Hakka Chinese principle of enduring hardship so we can recognise and celebrate sweetness when it comes. Pang's book is structured into eight chapters beginning with a recipe that encapsulates the journey towards insight into difficult ('bitter') experiences and how they helped her move forward. It's an interesting and easy-to-follow methodology. Pang role models self-compassion without indulgence (she is clear-eyed and unapologetic); I love her writing.

Bitter by Lydia Pang explores the Chinese concept of “eating bitter” and what that means in the context of food, memory and ancestry. It looks at the importance of food, and food gestures, and how these shape who we are.

This book explores Hakka Chinese and their history, which I was pleased about, as I’ve read many books about China and food over the years and this added to my knowledge. I enjoyed reading about the creative, distinct ways of cooking that are embedded in Hakka ancestry, not just as recipes but in highlighting the healing power of food. It encouraged me to think about my own nostalgic dishes and how I eat as well as what I return to, and why.

Pang's writing is self-aware and emotionally attuned. Intelligent, measured and considerate. Elegantly written and thoughtfully structured, with eight recipes at the start of each chapter, which I appreciated.

A reflective book about endurance, rituals and the quiet power of food which I wholeheartedly recommend. I received a free advance review copy and this is my honest review.

If you, like me, fell deeply in love with "Crying in H Mart," then I highly recommend "Eat Bitter" by Lydia Pang. It is a tender, honest, and powerful read. Hakka history, family recipes, and the author’s struggles with burnout, marriage, and fertility come together to create a nourishing read that is like sitting down to a pot of simmering soup with a friend, only the friend has a way with words that is comforting, brave, and will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.

I didn’t know much about Lydia Pang before reading this but now I think she may just be one of the coolest people out there. I am a huge fan of exploring relationships and memories through food and the ethos of eating bitter is a really interesting concept. This is personal and powerful and ultimately it is a delicious read.

This was not only a very educational read on Hakka culture but also incredibly immersive. Pang's descriptions of food and memory jump out of the page at you and cause reflection. I will certainly be recommending this book!

It was a very good read and I learned a lot about different cultures and how they interact with other people.
The recipes are good and heartwarming.