You probably thought I flaked out again, didn’t you? I know I’ve been MIA for a couple of weeks, but it’s because my parents just returned after being overseas for three months. The house that was once quiet is now full of chatter and activity. As an introvert, it’s a lot to adjust to all at once, but I’m slowly getting used to having everyone back around.
The fridge is stocked with fruits and vegetables again. I’m not really into fruits, so while I was home alone, I just picked up some bananas. Eating out has also slowed down, which is fine with me—especially since the holiday season is approaching. I need to be more mindful of my spending, as I always set a holiday budget but somehow never stick to it and end up overspending. Oops!
It’s nice having my parents back, but I do miss having the house to myself. I don’t mind sharing a house with my parents. I actually insisted that they move in, because as we all get older they’re having more health issues and I want to be there if and when they need help. So, it was nice having some me time while they were away.
Whenever my parents go back “home,” I always ask them to bring me some snacks. These days, it’s easier to get items from overseas, but there are still so many things that aren’t available here, so I always request instant ramen flavors that are hard to find in the U.S. or just not available at all. Thailand has this ramen brand called MAMA, and honestly, I think it has the best flavors—though I might be a bit biased! You’ve probably seen their Tom Yum and pork flavors in stores like Kroger and Walmart. This time, I got a bunch of Yen Ta Fo, which is one of my absolute favorite.
Yen Ta Fo is a popular Thai noodle soup known for its distinctive pink color and bold, tangy flavor. The broth is typically made with a combination of fermented bean curd (which gives it the signature pink hue), soy sauce, and a bit of sweetness, along with herbs and spices. It’s often served with rice noodles, tofu, fish balls, and various kinds of vegetables. The dish can also include things like crispy wontons, mushrooms, and seafood, depending on the region or the cook’s style. The flavor is a unique mix of savory, sweet, and slightly sour, with a hint of spiciness. The image below is Yen Ta Fo from my favorite Thai restaurant in North Texas, Black Thai.
My parents also brought me tamarind covered in li hing mui powder. If you’ve ever tried those salty-sweet dried plums that are popular in Asian snacks, you’ll know exactly what it tastes like. It’s so addictive—I could easily eat the whole bag in one sitting. Not that I should, though, because tamarind has a lot of fiber… and we all know what happens when you have too much of that!
I also got a bunch of other things—clothing and little knick-knacks—but honestly, it’s the food that really gets me. LOL.
