A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts: A collection of Deliciously Frightening Tales is a young adult fiction book written by Ying Chang Compestine. Set in China, the book blends Chinese culture, cuisine, and modern customs into eight horror stories.
Plot summary The tales in A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts spans across China, ranging from 200 BC to the modern technological world. In Chinese legends, people who die hungry return as vengeful ghosts to haunt the living. Some of these ghosts can be calmed with food, but others have more malicious desires. In addition to focusing on the cuisine and ghosts stories of Chinese culture, each tale has socially conscious undertones which explore the abuse of power and class disparity across China. Each ghost acts as a champion for the poor and powerless people, helping them obtain justice.
The book is organized as a Chinese menu. From appetizers and main courses to desserts, every story ends with an authors note and a recipe based on the story.
The Appetizers
Steamed Dumplings Jiang, a greedy businessman, opens up a haunted inn and skimps out on the ingredients in his dumplings. The events that follow are less than savory.
Tea Eggs After a tragic accident at the fireworks factory in Yun's school, many people are affected, but none more than the undertakers of the "room of the dead". After all, hungry ghosts rarely stay dead.
The Main Courses
Beef Stew After an accident at work, Chou is left to eat his favorite meal while he awaits capital punishment. Meanwhile, the rich and powerful have other plans instore for him.
Tofu with Chili-Garlic Sauce Dr. Zhou, one of the best surgeons in China, is haunted by a deceased patient after eating a lavish banquet.
Long-Life Noodles Master Ma's disappearance is shrouded in mystery until his successor, Master Chen, eats long-life noodles, flavored with the exotic shiitake mushrooms. Something tragic happens.
Egg Stir-Fried Rice Madame Peng gives the phrase "evil stepmother" a whole new meaning and the dead take notice.
The Desserts
Jasmine Almond Cookies The Lee family names their three boys after the best dishes served at their restaurant. After their oldest son dies, they take offerings to his grave. But some strange things happen to the offering at the graveyard.
Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding Wei is furious when his father kills his pet praying mantis. He thinks the death of his father will set him free, but the consequences are worse than he imagined.
Character List
Appetizers
Steamed Dumplings Mu- previous innkeeper of the Double Happy Fur Hat- worker on the Great Wall of China Cotton Jacket- worker on the Great Wall of China Jiang- modern day successful businessman from Beijing Uncle- Jiang's uncle Dave- American students tourist Chef- cook at the new Double Happy Inn
Tea Eggs Yun- protagonist, middle school student Ming- Yun's friend Gui- Yun's friend Bo- Yun's friend Mother- Yun's mother Father- Yun's father Principal Miàn Tiáo (Noodle)- Undertaker Dōng Guā (Melon)- Undertaker
Main Courses
Beef Stew Chou- protagonist Broken Faucet- Chou's employer Female Officer- medical examiner Li Zen- judge Chief Lo- police chief
Tofu with Chili-Garlic Sauce Dr. Zhou- protagonist, surgeon Shao Ren- patient of Dr. Zhou Mr. Ren- father of Shao Ren Mrs. Ren- mother of Shao Ren Dr. Zan- Dr. Zhou's assistant City Mayor Mr. Lin- Mayor's assistant Long Legs- waitress Officer Wang- police officer
Long-Life Noodles Master Ma- old head monk at Wu Jing Temple Master Chen- new head monk at Wu Jing Temple Cong- youngest monk at Wu Jing Temple Master Lung- monk at Wu Jing Temple, chef Chief Xiong- police chief
Egg Stir-Fried Rice Fong- protagonist Madame Peng- antagonist, Fong's stepmother Mr. Yue- Fong's father Housekeeper Ting
Desserts
Jasmine Almond Cookies Almond Cookie Lee- oldest son Barbecue Ribs Lee- middle son Drumsticks in Curry Sauce Lee- youngest son Mr. Lee- parent, restaurateur Mrs. Lee- parent, restaurateur Mrs. Qian- friend of Lees, hair salon owner Mr. Zong- frequent customer at Lees' restaurant
Eight-Treasure Rice Pudding Wei- protagonist Master Shi- Wei's father Tutor- Wei's tutor Cai- Wei's friend Ban- Wei's friend Liang- Wei's friend
Television and film adaptation In October 2021, it was reported that 108 Media would be adapting the book into an animated television series with Tricia Lee as writer. No further development had been reported.
In November 2025, it was announced that the book would be adapted into an animated anthology film instead of a show. Produced by Singaporean company Robot Playground Media, the film will have several different studios from other countries providing animation.
Critical reception A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts has received good reviews from readers and other literary organizations such as Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, The Horn Book Magazine, and Kirkus Reviews.
Awards Notable Book for 2010 by the Children's Literary Assembly AARP Grandparent's Book for Children
References