Indian temple curry adventure

Wat Kaek

Maiyuu is getting over from his cold bug quickly. He has mounted a recovery in just 24 hours, half the time it took me.

That is at it should be, however, as Maiyuu is 10 years younger.

This morning he took a long bicycle ride to Wat Kaek (Wat Prasri Maha Umathewee) in Silom.

That’s the little temple squeezed between high-rises in the central business district.

The temple, forever enveloped in a cloud of incense vapour, is a favourite with Indians and tourists.

I saw it last a few weeks ago.

My friend farang C and I were paying a visit to that wholesale computer barn, Pantip Plaza, which is nearby.

After looking at computers and cameras at Pantip Plaza, we caught a skytrain home from Surasak station, next to the temple. It was covered in incense that day, too, so much so that I could barely make out the tourists milling about outside.

But enough of the travelogue, and back to Maiyuu.

My boyfriend, a practical type, cycled to the temple not to make merit, pray, mix shoulders with wealthy Indians – but to fill our stomachs.

He has found a trader at the temple who sells tasty khao mok gai, a favourite chicken dish of ours.

‘I bought khao mok gai from the temple the other day, and you said you liked it, so today I will bike there again,’ Maiyuu said before heading out the door.

He was carrying his bicycle pump, and a small bag with a carry string which holds his wallet.

‘If you are not feeling well, you don’t need to go that far,’ I said.

I do remember the khao mok gai meal from last week, but didn't realise he had travelled as far as the temple to get it.

Maiyuu shrugged, and headed for the lift.

I sounded half-hearted at best, for I do truly like the spicy chicken, curry rice and sweet cucumber which Maiyuu buys from those parts.

Half an hour later, he was home. 

Last night, even s his energy sagged, he whipped up a clear soup with tofu and mince balls, and a beef vegetable dish.

PS: May I wish readers a Happy New Year. Normal service will resume just as soon as I feel better.