Looking for explosive flavors? Try Thai!

One of my missions in life is to be a gustatory traveler and try as many cuisines as I can. Thai is among the best cuisines I’ve tried so far, and I’m sure people all over the world adore it as much as I do. I love how the intense and aromatic flavors of Thai Cuisine blend together and complement each other in dishes like the hot-sour Tom Yum soups and the sweet-sour-salty combo of Yam Pla Duk Foo (Crispy Catfish with Green Mango Salad).

A restaurant called Jatujak (yes, named after the largest weekend market in Thailand) in a mall I frequent serves authentic Thai Cuisine without making wallets bleed. I have been to more expensive Thai restaurants before, but Jatujak is the best I’ve tried so far. Their Tom Yum with Mixed Seafood is a lot better than the ones I tried before, and I was delighted at its explosive goodness on my tastebuds. My first encounter with Yam Pla Duk Foo was also with Jatujak, and I loved it to the last strand of the flossy catfish flesh.

I love seafood, so I never miss out on shrimp/prawn and squid dishes. Goong Pad Nam Prig Thai (Prawns with Basil and Roasted Chili Sauce) is heavenly; I never thought prawns would taste that great with basil and chili! Pla Mug Kratiem Prig Thai (Squid with garlic, cilantro and pepper) is also tasty, and it would be perfect if they increase the serving size (I’m complaining only because I can’t get enough!). Pair these seafood dishes with Kao Kluk Gapi (Bagoong Rice) and you’ve got a hearty Thai meal.