What is the most Russian surname? Why is she the most German? What is the main secret of Uzbek pilaf? What is the correct name for sushi? When can you eat with your hands at the table? Why was a bra needed in a men's wardrobe? What do Macedonian peasants do on their wedding night? Why do Paraguayan Indians groan in pain when their wives give birth? What and in what language do the words хьл and ыылын mean? Answers to these and many other questions can be found in the book of the famous ethnographer and writer Lev Mints. "Uncle Liao's Cauldron" is a fascinating journey into the world of customs, traditions and secrets of different peoples living around us.