Rice, Noodle, Fish

“The world needs Roads & Kingdoms. It needs this book.” - Anthony Bourdain“Goulding successfully illuminates the vast and deep yet acute and precise palatal scale that is Japanese cuisine–using words. Encompassing Japan’s seven key regions, the author peels back the layers of access and entry, tradition, and history through the lens of food [in] this new breed of travel book.” - Library Journal (starred review)”[Goulding] manages to be entertaining, informative and inspirational as he recounts his many meals in one of the world’s most popular food destinations….[his] gift for phrasing and razor-sharp prose elevate what could have been yet another rote travelogue into something much better.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A food connoisseur expertly unravels the intricate dance surrounding food in Japan” - Kirkus Reviews“Partially backed by Anthony Bourdain, this is a totally new approach to food writing: full immersion in the country and its cuisine at the highest and lowest levels. Superb photography, intensely geeky text and not a recipe or a celebrity chef’s ‘twist on a classic’ to be seen. If this is the future, I love it.” - Tim Hayward, Financial Times“If this is the future of food writing, I love it.” - Tim Hayward, Financial Times“A good travel book makes you want to change your plans; a great one makes you want to change your life. Rice, Noodle, Fish falls into the latter category through its deft and delectable combination of gorgeous photography, compelling writing and cunning usability. Matt Goulding knows Japan and the importance of the “shokunin” to Japanese cooking, the artisan’s “quiet pursuit of perfection” in all things edible. This story is about more than just food; it’s about devotion.” - Society of American Travel Writers, 2016 travel book of the year“The book reads like more of a travelogue than a true travel guide. And that’s what makes it so refreshing. Goulding leaves you not just thoroughly informed about Japan’s culinary culture, but craving it. The result is enjoyable to read whether or not you have any travel planned.” - Lisa Ko, author of The Leavers“Refusing to claim either expert or insider status makes Goulding both a fantastic and relatable narrator, …and his unique, impeccably observed meals make the book a page turner.” - Eater.com Eater.com“Rice, Noodle, Fish isn’t just a travel document…it’s a literary exploration of just what makes Japan the place that food lovers lay awake at night and dream of.” - Men’s Journal“Whether you’re the sort of person who brakes for a new ramen-ya or a neophyte who still thinks that a California roll is an acceptable sushi bar order, you’ll have fun, learn some things–and probably start looking up flights to Narita on Kayak after reading a few pages.” - Los Angeles Times

Matt Goulding is a James Beard Award-winning writer. He writes in complete harmony with the book’s innovative design and the more than 200 lush color photographs that introduce the chefs, shepherds, fisherman, farmers, nonne, and guardians who power this country’s extraordinary culinary traditions. From the pasta temples of Rome to the multicultural markets of Sicily to the family-run, fish-driven trattorias of Lake Como, Pasta, Pane, Vino captures in a breathtaking tribute the diversity of Italian regional food culture.