September 2024 | If I Have to Pick ONE!
When I was younger, less exposed, and my palate was still naive, I would often respond vaguely, “Japanese.” I can see why Japanese cuisine is among the world’s favorites—I still like it, too. But if I have to give an answer now, it would be, “The Lao Papaya Salad.”
Yes, I’m biased because I’m Lao. There’s a saying that when things are abundant, you don’t see their value. In this case, I didn’t realize this until I lived far from home. It’s my comfort food—something extra hot and spicy, something sour and tangy. The tears and sweat that come with painfully enjoying it—that’s exactly the experience I miss.
As I write this, I’m actually chilling by a shack along the beach, enjoying Goan food, of course, in Goa. As much as I enjoy the food and the ocean breeze, it reminds me of the deep connection I have with my own food and culture that I can’t leave behind.