At first — surprise.
Spicy and sweet in one dish? Lime, mint, chili, nuts, fish sauce — all of this together?!
I thought my immature food consciousness couldn’t handle it. But no. The first bite of pad thai with shrimp — and that’s it.
The taste is like a holiday, where each spice is a separate guest.
You don’t understand how it works, but you want more. And more.
Then — it’s addictive.
I tried tom yum — a spicy soup with shrimp and coconut. My eyes water, my lips burn, but I still reach for the spoon again.
Thais don't indulge in tastes - they play with them. Even a salad can be an adventure for them. Hello, som tam - green papaya salad, sour, sweet, spicy and crunchy at the same time.
Now - this is love.
Thai food is like a date with yourself.
You don't just eat - you feel.
You don't just get full - you rejoice.
It's like you're traveling, even if you're just cooking in your own kitchen (although yes, finding fish sauce is already a quest).
What did I understand?
Good food is a way to live deliciously.
To rejoice not only on holidays, but simply on Thursday.
And when you discover new cuisines - it's as if you expand the world around and inside.
So, if you haven't tried Thai cuisine yet - do it.
Start with pad thai, tom ka, or even with simple rice with pineapple
And be prepared: there is real gastronomic magic inside.