
I chose Bangkok: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of Thailand by Leela Punyaratabandhu for its recipes and stories about everyday food culture in Bangkok.
Our visit to Thailand was a special one. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, rang in the New Year and experienced Bangkok through its temples, waterways, markets and incredible street food.
The author also lives in Chicago, where I was born and raised. I am always drawn to those full circle moments.

Tender pork spareribs slowly braised with salted soybeans, ginger, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce and oyster sauce. A savory and comforting dish that brought back memories of our Bangkok street food tour.

Beef shank slowly simmered with coconut cream, tamarind, fresh curry paste, onions and cucumber. A fragrant curry that brought back memories of cooking beside the sea during our time in Phuket.