The Som Tum I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Som Tum and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the balanced between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy was right, fish sauce was handled the way it should be.

Thai cooking philosophy balances four key flavour profiles in every dish. Growing up it was always a family restaurant, which shaped my reference point entirely. nam manao lime soda alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.