Not sticky…but very sweet

What defines good living?

Financially secure? Socially recognized? Physically fit? Mentally sound? Sexually charged and then get fulfilled?

The answer is all of those, except for the last one if you happen to be a nun.

But none of that would mean anything if they’re not accompanied w/ good food. Wait, we’re not about to justify why Thai food is good.

Instead, let’s take a good look at what would be a good way to wrap up your good meal. Ice Cream! Or “Ai Tim” as Thai people call it.

The rugged-looking man in the photo turned out to be a very sweet guy ‘cause he served me a nice dessert for only 10 Baht each. Each? Well, there were three security guards in the building that I work that needed sweetening up as well.

A tall, thin container on two wheels that the vendor would push down the footpath until the daily demand for his livelihood is met has something icy for everybody. For only 10 Baht (and it’s been this price since the beginning of time), you can enjoy this delicious little dessert so common and well-liked by all Thais.

What’s your flavor?

We don’t have that many here. The most common is coconut. But you wouldn’t get much of the taste of coconut, and it doesn’t possess the hard, creamy texture typical of western ice creams. In fact, the texture is more like that of a gelato and it’s far from sticky.

But you could be lucky, and there might also be coffee, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. All tastes that are very local.

Then, what would you like for toppings? Soy bean? Corn? Peanuts? And you know what? No extra charge. Isn’t this guy generous?

In fact, he’s not the only ice cream vendor in the city. Walk, say, a hundred meters further, and you will see another one. Feel free to order a second.

It may not be the healthiest way to finish your meal but after a hot and spicy lunch it’s the perfect way to cool your taste buds. Don’t you think?

Try and remember we call it “Ai Tim.”



Fulfilled Joe