Soto Ayam as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Soto Ayam is absolutely in that category. The rich and coconut-forward quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. coconut milk does work that no substitute can replicate.

Indonesian cuisine spans over 17,000 islands with dramatically different regional traditions. There's something about the a family feast table context that reinforces the comfort effect. kopi tubruk alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.