Skip to main content
book cover for Tastes Like Seeing God

Tastes Like Seeing God

A poignant story of family, grief and the transcendent power of food

Sign In or Register Now to see if this title is available for request.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Buy on Waterstones
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app


1

To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

2

Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.

Pub Date 2 Feb 2027 | Archive Date 29 Nov 2026


Talking about this book? Use #TastesLikeSeeingGod #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

** UNCORRECTED DIGITAL ARC - NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR QUOTATION **

A poignant story of loss and coming of age that will make you hungry - for food, for life, for forging your own path.

In the days following the accidental death of her brother, Jessie Wong is adrift and angry: at Tommy, an up-and-coming chef, for dying; at her parents for their silence; and at the confines of her conservative Christian Chinese upbringing. Then Jessie finds a list, in Tommy's handwriting, of five meals that 'taste like seeing God.' Was his phrasing blasphemy, or a nod to some hidden belief? Is fate offering her the chance to know her brother in a new way?

Breaking from her parents for the first time, Jessie embarks on a whirlwind pilgrimage to taste the five foods on the list. In the gritty bars of New York City, the lively markets of Dakar, the art world of Paris and even a three-Michelin-starred restaurant on a tiny German island, Jessie meets the people who loved and inspired her brother. As Jessie gets to know the sibling she lost and realises how much more of the world is out there, a future she'd never dared to envision for herself is now within her grasp.

Flavoured with illegal French delicacies and famed Senegalese dishes, Tastes Like Seeing God explores the transcendent power of food, life's sorrows and its sublime joys with poignancy and surprising humour. It's perfect for fans of Alison Espach's The Wedding People and Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H Mart, as well as The Bear and anyone who loves the late Anthony Bourdain's culinary travel shows.

** UNCORRECTED DIGITAL ARC - NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR QUOTATION **

A poignant story of loss and coming of age that will make you hungry - for food, for life, for forging your own path.

In the days...


Advance Praise

'A canon-expanding odyssey of place, taste and the infinite space a heart can hold... Tam's prose is epic and irreverent; Tastes Like Seeing God is a delight' - Bryan Washington, National Book Award finalist for Palaver

'A novel that breaks the heart then lovingly puts it back together again, Tastes Like Seeing God is glorious. A masterful paean to food and the worlds of memory it holds for those who make it and those who eat it. A book has not made me feel as sad, happy and hungry as this one has in a very long time' - Jinwoo Chong, author of I Leave It Up to You

'A meditation on grief, family, and the healing power of food, Tastes Like Seeing God is a masterful debut. Tam's deft, confident prose brings the food industry to life, taking you from each delectable mouthful to the pain behind the curtain. This book will make you cry and crave a delicious meal at the same time' - Vaishnavi Patel, author of Kaikeyi

'A decadent, heartfelt and bittersweet exploration of grief, self-determination and family. This novel had me craving my favorite dishes while longing to call my loved ones. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. Tam is a new talent to watch, and in her debut, she has gifted us a veritable feast for all senses' - Qian Julie Wang, author of Beautiful Country

'A canon-expanding odyssey of place, taste and the infinite space a heart can hold... Tam's prose is epic and irreverent; Tastes Like Seeing God is a delight' - Bryan Washington, National Book Award...


Available Editions

EDITION Mass Market Paperback
ISBN 9780857307101
PRICE £11.99 (GBP)
PAGES 288

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (PDF)
Send to Kindle (PDF)
Download (PDF)

Available to Buy

Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Buy on Waterstones
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.