Dear Hillary,
I write to soothe the pride of all those Isaan people who’ve read the letter about phra ra, commonly pronounced “palah”. With respect, it is much more than something they eat in Isaan, much, much more. Yes, it’s on the nose (and there are as many different phra ra brews as there are people making it), but as a flavor enhancer it’s great. Whether in any of the thousands of little eateries or a private home, in Isaan you eat the national dish, and that’s som tum, and there’s no such thing as real som tum without phra ra. Those pussies down south who eat pawpaw salad (or tum daeng or tum tua) without it are missing a treat!
Adrian
Dear Adrian,
Have you consulted an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor for this ailment of yours? Or does your local phra ra cook lace it with some addictive herbs? Or have you been diagnosed with an extreme form of masochism? You need help, Petal. You need help! If you’re already on treatment, I suggest you double the dose.
