We often use this colorful Hokkien dialect phrase – luak kaw gong, when describing eating something spicy beyond one’s tolerance. It directly translates to ‘spicy until stupid’ because the spiciness hits you to the core, and you go numb and see stars.
Over the weekend, I flew to Bangkok with my two girls for an impromptu trip, and it was a much-welcomed escape! M1 had planned the trip for a fan meet-and-greet event with some Thai TV stars, and both M2 and I decided to tag along for fun.
And fun it was! It was leisurely-paced without a packed schedule like our trip here last year. Food is always an adventure, especially Thai food! On this trip, we tried various choices, from 7-Eleven quick-to-go meals to food hall and street food, and the gastronomic discoveries were delightful, albeit spicy. Shopping was the other thing on the agenda.
Dinner on Friday night was at Zaozen Artisan Noodles in Siam Paragon Food Hall. The Pork Bone Broth soup was an unexpected killer. Laden with bird eye chili and more chili, the first careful slurp of the steaming hot soup packed quite a punch. The Pad Thai and Lao Salad with Grilled Pork Neck were equally flavorful and bearable. But the fiery soup was nothing compared to dinner on the second night.
When M1 went to her event on Saturday evening, it was just M2 and me to explore. We decided on Thai Boat Noodles for dinner after a foot massage and exploring Siam Square, and this was where the earlier mentioned phrase applied. I was punched in the mouth with the spicy level, and we had asked for the medium level, thinking it should be safe. The bowl of noodles was not a lot, probably two mouths full, but the chili. Hot damn!
Typically, my tolerance is quite good, but this time I was numb. My lips felt swollen, and I could not go on. There were no tears, but I was floored and saw stars! Indeed, I was struck by the spicy until stupid. It’s funny to point out that M1 saw human stars live on stage while I saw stars in my vision from my dining experience! Hahahaha.
It took some time before I recovered. I had to suck on ice cubes constantly after that to douse the fire! Who would have thought a petite bowl of noodles could be so devastating?
The last time I was in this predicament was also in Bangkok with hubby ages ago, and it was a Som Tam dish. One must remember that when in Thailand, a medium spicy level may not be what you think is safe despite having an above-average tolerance.
So, for the next meal at the airport, I requested for my Pad Kra Pao to be less spicy, yet the oomph was still there. I shudder to think what normal would taste like. I did not relish being numb and seeing stars again before flying.
The short getaway ended too soon. The three days of lovely, cool weather with low humidity were perfect for walking outdoors without breaking out in sweat and feeling sticky. Although it is now January, Christmas decorations are still up inside the malls and along their perimeters outside. They are a delightful sight to see.
Bangkok will always be a favorite destination for food flavors, shopping choices, creative decorations, and, of course, pristine golf courses. I look forward to another trip to this vibrant city again!
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