A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island

Embark on a captivating journey across the enchanting island of Madagascar, where a rich culture and astonishing ecosystem converge to create an exquisite culinary experience. Guided by passionate Malagasy farmers, food artisans, and culinary experts, you'll traverse lush forests of fragrant vanilla, endless fields of exotic spices, and idyllic farms of sturgeon and honey as you learn about the environmental challenges affecting these ingredients.

“A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island” is more than just a travelogue; it's a study of the ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar, revealing how they have shaped the global culinary landscape. As you turn each page, Madagascar will call to you, inviting you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culinary heritage and urging you to protect its delicate ecosystem from imminent threats like deforestation and climate change.

Join Emmanuel Laroche in celebrating Madagascar with captivating stories of its rich culture and cuisine, accompanied by alluring recipes highlighting the extraordinary ingredients of this remarkable island. You've never read about Madagascar like this before!

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My Madagascar Visit

Explore the ecosystem and traditions behind Madagascar’s rare ingredients and unique culinary heritage
Meet the Malagasies shaping global cuisine – from the farm to the kitchen
Discover the environmental harms threatening the island and learn what you can do to help protect it
Gain insights from world-renowned chefs and find out how they utilize Madagascar’s coveted ingredients
Perfect for chefs, food enthusiasts, travelers, environmentalists, and any adventurer that wants to learn more about Madagascar

From left to right: Chef Elizabeth Falkner, me, Mixologist Shannon Tebay, and Chef Michael Gulotta

As my library of podcast interviews was growing, I realized I had more to say about the common threads and insights I had gained into how chefs think, their methodologies, and their inspirations. Combined with my own experiences in the food industry, it was clear I had a story to tell. The result is my book, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or just a dedicated food enthusiast, I’m confident you’ll enjoy reading it.

–Emmanuel Laroche

Sign up now for a FREE “flavors unknown” digital recipe book

Many of the chefs quoted in “A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island” have allowed me to share a recipe from their vault! For some, this is a rare opportunity to see behind their kitchen door. Discover twenty great recipes, specially selected by the chefs themselves.

“Guided by a passion for discovery and a respect for both the traditional and the innovative, Emmanuel's writing captures the essence of Madagascar's food world. He brings to life the flavors of our island with the discernment of a true connoisseur, but it is his genuine fascination and connection with our food culture and local people that truly enriches his narrative. His work not only celebrates but also deepens the appreciation for our diverse ingredients, destined to inspire the palates of chefs and food lovers globally.”

—Nirina Ramanandraibe, Assistant direction Chocolaterie Robert and Chairman at Mikea Lodge

“Emmanuel’s sense of curiosity, deep love for incredible food, and passion for the world at large turned this journey into something truly transformative. “A Taste of Madagascar” vividly showcases the intricate interplay between the island’s biodiversity, resourceful communities, and culinary traditions. This book offers readers an inspiring glimpse into the complex tapestry of all that this inspiring place has to offer.”

—Shannon Tebay, Cocktail & Spirits Specialist and Consultant

“Emmanuel Laroche’s book, “A Taste of Madagascar” comes along as a rich and welcome surprise to me. I have been studying the transformation of cuisines from the Old World to the New and back for thirty years. Tucked behind vast Africa to the east, ‘the Red Island’ is deliciously rediscovered here. This is a new and exciting revelation to take in! He is an intrepid explorer with a vast curiosity.
The 18th century Frenchman, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin famously stated, ‘The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness of the human race than the discovery of a new star.’ The ‘star’ in this case is Madagascar and the ‘astronomer’ is Emmanuel Laroche!”

—Norman Van Aken, Chef, Author, TV Personality

“I have had a fascination with Madagascar long before I used my first vanilla bean from this island nation as a pastry chef at Spago. And now, with Emmanuel Laroche's stunning new book, “A Taste of Madagascar,” my intrigue has grown even more. And after learning about Mariette Andrianjaka, the ‘Queen of Malagasy Gastronomy,’ I know my dream of going to Madagascar will come true. Buy this wonderful book and you will be on your way as well.”

—Chef Nancy Silverton, Co-owner Mozza Restaurant Group and founder of La Brea bakery

“Madagascar, a very real place, is a mythical and magical place. Home to some of the world’s most precious wildlife, ecosystems, and as Laroche shows us, some of humanities most revered gastronomic indulgences. From chocolate to caviar, Laroche is your guide to discovering how special and unique the gastronomy of Madagascar is; it’s second to none!”

—Chef Jeremy Umansky, Owner of Larder Deli & Bakery in Cleveland and author of Koji Alchemy

“This is a must-read for anyone interested in flavors, food, and adventure. Emmanuel Laroche combines a career in flavor science with a journalist’s eye for detail as he travels the hinterlands of Madagascar looking for interesting flavors, food – and the truth. The result is a captivating narrative. Informative. And fun.”

—Tim McCollum, Founder and CEO at Beyond Good

“From bustling markets to remote villages, Emmanuel Laroche captures the essence of Madagascar—a place where food tells stories of resilience, community, and an unforgettable dance of flavor.”

—Daniel Stone, Bestselling author of The Food Explorer and American Poison

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