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Id never felt so homesick, yet I also didnt want to make my family actually sick.
Image courtesy of Omsom
If I couldnt go home, I figured, I could at least travel via my taste buds instead.
For some background: Due to its proximity to Thailand, Australia is blessed with incredible Thai restaurants.
In fact, we have more of themper capitathan any other country outside of Thailand.
(To put that in perspective:A quarterof Sydneys restaurants listed in 2014 were Thai.)
A tangy cup of prawn-laced tom yum soup.
Which is why I was so taken by Omsoms starter packs.
Omsom lets you choose your fresh produce and meat (or tofu!
Honoring Asian food is exactly why the brand exists.
No more diluted dishes, no more cultural compromise, Pham says.
Each [chef] has connections to these particular dishes that run deep, Pham says.
They, like us, understand that modern Asian food doesnt have to look one way anymore.
Its a difference Ifeltgood about, but also one I could taste.
After the meat simmered gently in a splash of water, I added my starters.
The first: a sachet of fish sauce, lime juice, Thai chile, and cane sugar.
My meal was ready after about 20 minutes, and throughout the process I demurred only onceat the packaging.
Though I admit the pre-portioned starter packs are what make Omsom so accessible.
Theyre easy to use but still complex.
And thats exactly the point.
I snuck a spoonful from the frying pan before layering it over sticky rice.
The smoky, fiery mix tasted somehow familiar and new.
And the fresh cilantro and mint added a grassy freshness.
Like most things in life, larb is about balance.
Want to know the best bit?
Throughout the four episodes ofInsecureI binged afterward, the warm, Thai-chile tingle lingered in my chest.
Something like…a hug.
Thai Larb Starter (3-Pack)
Omsom
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