99 Ranch Market Debuts Cookbook Centered on Asian Culinary Traditions

Authored by CEO Alice Chen, the book—titled Did You Eat Yet?—blends practical kitchen instruction with personal narratives from the grocery chain’s extended staff. The collection spans Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian cuisines, organizing dishes by the specific ways they express care, ranging from quick breakfast staples to elaborate proteins. Beyond the recipes, the book includes a pantry guide designed to demystify essential ingredients like specialty vinegars, aromatics, and grains for home cooks.

For the Buena Park-based company, which operates 66 stores across 11 states, this project marks a shift from retail to storytelling. Chen describes the book as a reflection of her own upbringing and the legacy of the chain, founded by her father, Roger Chen, in 1984. By documenting these food memories, the company aims to provide a resource for families looking to replicate the comforting, tradition-heavy meals that define their relationships. The e-book is currently available on platforms including Apple Books, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble, with a hardcover release scheduled for later this fall.