This is the second installment in a series chronicling a few changes I expect to encounter when moving to Mexico.

Southeast Asian Food

Thailand was on the list of our retirement locations before the laws for expats changed so dramatically. I’m not sure living there was ever feasible due to the distance, but it always hovered near the top – mostly because of the food.

I love Thai food, really most Southeast Asian food. I will never get tired of the multitude of taste and sensory combinations: sweet, sour, gummy, crunchy, fresh, fermented, fishy, fatty, fragrant, crispy, salty, spicy, umami – bring it! When I’m sick or feeling down, my go-to is a steaming bowl of pho, chow jew, tom yum or ramen. I use herbs like vegetables and frequently make a salad plate with dipping sauce for dinner.

So, when we settled on Mexico (and a remote part at that), I’ve been starting to scheme how I would get my Asian food fix. Luckily, living in an agricultural valley will make some typical veggies and herbs readily available. Basil is grown throughout the valley and if I want Thai or Holy basil, I should be able to grow it. It won’t be a problem to get cucumber, green beans, scallions, cilantro, limes, garlic, onions, lettuce, banana leaves, mangoes, papayas and peppers – although I’ll probably try growing Thai chilies. The climate would be good for growing a Kaffir lime, but not sure how I would get my hands on one down there. Harder to get will be eggplant, galangal, ginger, turmeric, beansprouts and all the yummy herbs (sawtooth, rau ram, etc.).

For dry goods I’ll have to do a combo of stockpiling and creativity. The last time my husband drove down, I sent a bottle of nước mắm (Vietnamese fish sauce) with him. When I move, I will take a case. Fish sauce – especially three crabs, the brand I prefer – would be nearly impossible to recreate. It would be a stinky and futile effort that would never net the desired results. Other pre-made ingredients I’ll likely take down are oyster sauce, shrimp paste, rice vinegar, rice wine and soy sauce. If you plan on visiting us down here, be prepared to check a bag and carry some Asian goods.