When she first told us she was moving abroad for work, my brother joked that we’d miss her cooking more than her company. We laughed. But after she left, the kitchen felt different — quieter, less fragrant, almost shy.

"I love trying new foods, and my sister-in-law always brings back the most fascinating flavors from her travels abroad. Can't wait to dig in and explore the tastes of her journey!"

My brother, who used to refuse cilantro, now grows three varieties on the balcony. My mother, a meat-and-potatoes traditionalist, asks for tom kha gai (coconut lemongrass soup) on her birthday.

Chicken, peppers, and onions served with giant pita bread from food stands. Mango Sticky Rice