When I lived in California, I ordered Thai food all the time. I hadn’t realized how much until, after coming back from vacation, the delivery person said, “We were worried about you. You haven’t ordered for awhile.” Thinking about it still makes me chuckle. 

Tom Yum was always my must-have soup. With its bright, tangy broth with notes of lemongrass and kaffir leaves, and a little heat, it was the perfect contrast to the Yellow Curry and Pad See Ew that I would inevitably order.

Many years later, since there is no Thai restaurant nearby, I have to make it for myself. In fact, I think the last time I had it was in the early 2000’s. So when I sat down, dipped my spoon in the silky broth, and took my first sip, I was at a loss for words. It was sooooo good! It was exactly like the soup that I used to order many moons ago, and it brought me back to some really good times in my life.

It’s amazing how a food can do that. 

For the recipe and to share in my warm and happy food memory: