som tum - a short story

What would one call a food craving that turns into an obsession?
Addiction? Infatuation? Or perhaps a hyperfixation?

It’s an ongoing craving — one that’s been lingering in my mind for weeks, refusing to fade.

But lately, the need for it has intensified until I simply couldn’t take it anymore. I had to have it. And today was the day.

Seated at one of my favourite Thai restaurants, I fiddled with my fingers, sipping on my beloved iced lemon tea as I waited for my order.
So refreshing, I thought, knowing it would balance and cool the spice if needed.

Then something caught my eye — a small, colourful mountain perched on a red-and-white patterned platter.
A moment later, it was placed right in front of me.

A vibrant, colourful tangle of green papaya & carrots, shredded with slivers of fresh green beans for another contrast of colours. The pop of red, yet juicy cherry tomatoes, peeked through like speckled rubies, and to finish off with salted peanuts and specks of red chilli confetti all on top.

The lingering aroma was intoxicating - a combination of zesty lime, pungent fish sauce and the subtle sweetness of palm sugar. I felt my mouth water, and knew I was in for a treat.

With anticipation, I took my first mouthful and was instantly transported into another world. The exotic dance of tang, brine and sweetness with a lingering heat of spice cavorts on my taste buds like a flavour symphony.

I relished the crunch in every bite: the crisp strands of exotic green papaya, the homey earthiness of locally grown carrots, the low-key yet irresistible nuttiness of the peanuts, and the unapologetic fire of the chillies.

I paused for a sip of my iced lemon tea — cool, sharp, and refreshing.
It was the perfect companion.

The heat lingered, the tang sang, and for a brief, blissful moment, the world outside that little Thai restaurant ceased to exist.