Tell us your name, hometown and tour.
I’m Lalita Singhasri from Northridge, CA and I lead the Thai Town Tours.
Which of the five tastes are you?
I am sour/spicy; Thais call it “Saap”—a mixture of lemon and dried, sauteed chilies.
What do you usually do in your spare time?
When I can, I am studying French, Thai, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and American Sign Language. You will also find me reading social and literary theory, teaching Thai/ESL/Freshman Composition, watching Oprah, I Love Lucy, and indie and foreign films.
What meal do you eat to accompany these down time activities?
Neoguri, instant Korean noodles w/ lemon squeezed in it. I like the seaweed flavored udon-style noodles. MSG and sodium with little nutritional value never tasted so good.
If you were on Death Row, what would be your last meal?
Thai “tom yum” noodle soup, small noodles. No, it’s not Tom Yum soup, it’s Thai noodle soup with peanuts, lemon or vinegar, and chilies or chilli sauce added. Really Saap, your mouth waters as you eat it.
What’s your favorite LA restaurant?
Sanam Luang Cafe in North Hollywood. The art and wall designs are pretty cool, but the food is good, fast, and it’s open ‘til 4am—Great for when you’ve just gotten back from Asia and don’t feel like ever readjusting to the time zone. I love getting the Sanamluang noodle soup or Yen Ta Fo with the crispy wonton on top. like to order extra fried wontons to dip, for that crispy/soggy goodness.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve eaten?
You mean MY weird, or YOUR weird?
Good point! Tell us OUR weird, but YOUR traditional foods.
Pork blood cubes aren’t that weird; Escargot’s not that weird; Roti with condensed milk is just AWESOME; I’d have to say Thailand’s version of an “American” sandwich (with the pork fuzz).
So what won’t you eat again?
I love raw oysters. But, I’ve learned that there are certain venues that should not be gambled with—like an OUTDOOR restaurant (even a really, really nice one), in the hot, humid tropics of Southeast Asia. Actually, I might risk it again.
What is your favorite part about being a Six Taste Tour guide?
Being able to share food I love in places I love with the uninitiated. It’s great to open new culinary and cultural horizons and to see people discovering food they may have never known about, or have only heard of. And sometimes, its nice to just see people enjoying old favorites too.
