Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and Other Curiously Named Classic Chinese Dishes A Graphic Cookbook—26 Recipes & Stories

“This engaging comic cookbook makes learning about Chinese cuisine fun and accessible for everyone." —Booklist

Explore the unique nomenclature of traditional Chinese dishes through folklore, personal storytelling, and 26 easy-to-cook recipes in this entertaining graphic novel cookbook, perfect for lovers of comics and food.

Storytelling is one of the most universal and collaborative components in every culture. In Chinese culture, dishes are often connected to a classic legend, a famous person, or a historical event, underlining the importance of food.
In this delightful graphic novel-style recipe book, Chinese American cookbook author Ying Chang Compestine explores the folkloric stories behind beloved Chinese dishes and gives easy-to-follow recipes for each, such as:

• Mapo Tofu, a savory dish named for the “old lady with a pockmarked face” who invented it
• Goubuli Baozi (translation: "ignored by doggy stuffed buns”), classic buns with minced pork and vegetables made popular by an unusually taciturn village boy
• Tear-inducing Heartbreak Jelly Noodles that combine chili oil, peppercorns, and other fiery ingredients and are believed to cure the sadness of a broken heart
• Steamed Milk Custard, one of the most beloved desserts in China, originated during the Qing Dynasty by a hungry young cattle farmer as a way to preserve milk

These are dishes Ying grew up with, cooked with her grandmother, and prepares for her own family today. Stories and recipes are illustrated and presented in panel layout, with art by award-winning children’s book illustrator Vivian Truong.

UNIQUE VISUAL STORYTELLING: There are many classic and new Chinese cookbooks, but this visually rich graphic novel format combines Chinese food, history, and culture in humorous and engaging language and images, creating an irresistible new approach.

A COOKBOOK FOR EVERYONE: The 26 illustrated recipes—including appetizers, main courses, and desserts—are simple and accessible, utilizing ingredients anyone can buy at their local grocery store.

MEANINGFUL GIFT: With a sentimental and cultural focus, these recipes are about more than creating meals. Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is the perfect gift for anyone interested in Chinese cuisine and culture, readers with a passion for storytelling, or home cooks looking for delicious dishes with fascinating origins to return to again and again. 

Perfect for:

• Readers interested in Chinese culture, history, and folklore
• Lovers of comics and/or graphic novels
• People who enjoy humor and storytelling
• Gift-giving to foodies or home cooks 
• Fans of illustrated cookbooks and food magazines

Ying Chang Compenstine is the author of more than twenty cookbooks and children’s books. She is based in Berkeley, California.

Vivian Truong is the London-based artist behind the graphic novels City of Dragons, Cooking with Monsters, and I Am Fun Size and So Are You! She was the UK’s official illustrator for World Book Day 2024.