From Picky to Quirky Eater....

I've always been a picky eater that I'd rather starve to death than eat a spoonful of greens or cry my eyes out of their bags than take a good portion of the flesh of a droopy-eyed fried fish.

But nature has its own way of taking revenge on my tantrums over food that she intently placed me in a throng of an eccentric set of friends and radical set of creative groupmates whose quirkiness extended to their taste on food.

I've eventually learned to try and sample a variety of delicacies which are foreign not only to the ears but also to the taste buds-----most of them are treats to a growling stomach but let's not do away with the fact that some are, let's just say, I'm still undecided if they can be considered as food at all.

The food trips in SILAK only heightened my love of food adventure even to the point of letting my taste buds and stomach be "stunned" at times. Plus, we just all love to eat (You might not believe me on this one given the fact of my willowy frame), but that's just a simple fact that everyone should deal with.

At MUNDO-------one of the  food treats and escapades that we all love so much.

Coming to Thailand to work has its own perks. I just love spicy foods but it is in here that I realized that my concept of "spicy" is too mild compared to what they have in here.

You see in cartoons the way smoke comes out from the ears of a character once it ingests something spicy?

That is not an exaggeration.

 Once you taste an authentic Thai delicacy, you would know the feeling of how the heat scalds your throat and how heat and (assumed) smoke dissipate in every imaginable hole and exit way in your system, even through the pores.

On the other hand, not all Thai delicacy are spicy. They also have a variety of flavor though they have one commonality---you cannot get away from the tinge of chilli and the distinct aroma and aftertaste of the combination of too many spices.

Staying here for almost four months, here are the initial list of my favorites. I've chosen them because of the uniqueness of the combination of their taste including somehow, their familiarity considering that I'm far away from home. Plus, one of the reasons probably is that these are the only ones that my "Filipino tongue" can bear.

Som tam is a spicy salad made from shredded green papaya. One couldn't pinpoint exactly the definite taste since it is a combination of  the four main tastes of Thai cuisine---sour, hot, salty, and sweet. This is comparable to our "atsara". However, unlike the atsara that we know, som tam is made from raw papaya shreds, no cooking over fire is ever done. One can then choose from a variety of toppings----crab meat, shredded  fish, or shrimp paste----depending on your preference. Som tam has a street name here in Thailand, "papaya pokpok", the name coming from the method of preparing it in which all the ingredients are mixed together and are then pounded on a mortar and pestle. This is a very excellent appetizer.

Kao pat is comparable to fried rice. However, what makes this different is that  it is already a complete meal because of the  mix of big chunks of meat (pork, beef, chicken, shrimp) and vegetables in it. Squeezing a slice of lemon on it is really a gastronomic treat. 

Khao soi is a noodle soup mixed with a variety of spices including coconut milk which adds a twist in the taste. Soft noodles is the main ingredient while crispy fried noodles are being topped on it. You can choose the meat that you want to mix it with---- moo (pork), beef, or kai (chicken). And when I say meat, don't expect the minced or shredded meat. I mean big cuts of meat that would put a growling stomach into a complete silence. Some finely chopped herbs are added which results to the fusion of minty, spicy, salty, and a little bit sweet flavor which create an after-taste of a good kind. It is already a bit spicy alone but if you can bear more chilli, a variety of spices are served together with it including slices of garlic bread in which the smell alone would keep you already salivating. We tried pairing it with guava juice which surprised me at the first taste but later on, you would get used to the authentic guava taste.

And since this is far away from home, we couldn't help but look for food in which our taste buds are somehow familiar with. So, scouting western-inspired restaurants is really fun and reserved for days when we miss home just a little bit too much, but we are too beaten up to make an effort to cook Filipino foods.

• THE STEAKHOUSE

This streetside restaurant is open only from 4'oclock in the evening to late at night. The makeshift tables and chairs with colorful umbrellas create a charming, old town effect. But what is best with this food house is that for only 50 baht, you can feast on a big slice of tasty steak coupled with newly toasted bread and steamed vegetables with fries. Their vegetable salad with the dressing is one of the best there is.

• TORONTO

This is our all-time favorite eat-all you-can restaurant. For only 99 baht, you will be feasting from a wide variety of pasta, and other western-inspired menus. But what we love best is their steak which has a tinge of minty flavor. The dressing of their salad is also a sure winner. English country songs are being played in the background and the whole place has a homey feeling. Plus, the owners are native Thai but can communicate well in English

• UNCLE PAUL'S HOUSE

We happened to discover this by chance during the time when we were hunting for a new place to eat out. The place is somewhat hidden from by-passers and the ambience is really relaxing, also with some English songs being played in the background. We get to meet the owner, Uncle Paul and we got a free apple pie as first time customers. Yum!

True, Thai cuisine is interesting in its variety and uniqueness but it also takes some time to get used to. But once you develop the tolerance to their concept of "spicy", prepared to be surprised for the kinds and wide choices of food that they can offer you. And since I have a quirky set of taste buds, I am very much, definitely prepared.

So, 'til the next grumbling of the stomach, everyone!