Terrific tastes of Thailand

I am a huge fan of Thai food, despite the fact that the closest restaurant to my home in Bristol is in neighboring Kingsport, Tenn., about 25 miles away. I was spoiled years ago when my husband and I lived a mere six blocks from a delicious Thai restaurant, Rom Thai, on Granby Street in Norfolk, Va. We love the sour, sweet and salty combination that is a hallmark of Thai food – lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, vinegar, sugar and salty sauces made from soy and seafood.

For years, I have loved Tong’s Thai Restaurant on Salem Avenue in Roanoke, Va., near the Hotel Roanoke. Their mango and sticky rice is the perfect combination of warm, creamy rice with cool, sweet mango. Simple perfection. More recently I have frequented Chaba’s on Franklin Road when work commitments bring me to Roanoke.

I aim to slip by Chaba’s during my latest visit; they have terrific service, interesting vegetable and seafood dishes and they are expert in that fantastic sour, salty, sweet combination I crave. If you have never tried Thai food, I encourage you to dive in. The flavors are fantastic and many restaurants are family-run, offering you a chance to talk to the owners and chefs and learn more about this terrific cuisine.