A Taste of Existential Dawn: A Culinary Adventure in Thailand’s Southern Sea

The number 33 emerges as a symbol of fearlessness and discovery. It consistently appears in the mundane moments of life, a casual glance at my phone’s clock or woven into the fabric of various experiences. This year, my conscious effort has been to embrace fewer inhibitions and confront challenges head-on.

Reflecting on the past, I recognize instances where I could have taken a different path. Attempting to navigate my own course, I sometimes found myself succumbing to what Jean-Paul Sartre termed “bad faith,” trapped in the pressure for perfection. Three years ago, when uncertainty clouded my decisions, I sought solace in Samui, witnessing the sunrise by the sea. Now, on my final journey in Thailand for this chapter, I find myself in Phuket, drawn again to the desire to wake up and embrace the dawn. It’s approximately 6:33 am, and life, akin to literature, beckons critique.

Evenings unfold at Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen on Phang Nga Road, Old Town. The intimate ambiance, adorned with printed images, becomes the canvas for a culinary exploration. The French chef, fluent in English, takes the reins of my choices. Initially directed towards Yuzu Scallops, Yellow-Fin Tuna Pizza, and Pork Tonato, I opt for the Thai Basil Risotto over Pizza. The wine selection becomes the chef’s prerogative, resulting in Reisling №16, a green bottle impeccably complementing the meal.

This gastronomic venture evolves as a surrender of control, trusting the chef’s expertise. Each dish unfurls as a delightful surprise, and I devour them all before heading to the lav. Upon my return, the Chef surprises me with Coconut Ice-Cream with Seaweed Caviar. The spontaneity of the moment, intertwined with the mystique of Thailand’s southern sea, transforms into a rediscovery of joy found in unpredictability. Beyond the mere expenditure, this region resonates with the filling of an existential void.