"I wondered if I should act" Seok-cheon's Thai cooking, what was the honest reaction from the in-laws?

Seok-cheon, who operated a Thai restaurant in Itaewon for 16 years, prepared a special meal by personally cooking Thai food for his in-laws. In the 134th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Lovers of Joseon', a tense conversation and dining scene were depicted as Seok-cheon shared the Thai dish 'Tom Yum Goong' that he prepared with sincerity with his in-laws.

"Worried the aroma might be too strong"... Seok-cheon's concerns and the chemistry with his daughter-in-law, a graduate of French culinary school

Recalling his experience during a past trip to Thailand where he could not eat properly due to the spices, Seok-cheon showed signs of worry that this dish might not suit the taste of his in-laws. In particular, he showed meticulousness by checking the mother-in-law's taste to adjust the intensity of the spices. Seok-cheon said, "When I went to Thailand, the aroma was a bit strong so it was hard (to eat)," and "I was worried that the in-laws might not like the scent." While preparing this dish, Seok-cheon carefully composed the menu, such as adding eggplant, which the elders like, to stir-fry.

During the cooking process that day, the chemistry with his daughter-in-law, who is known to have graduated from a French culinary school, drew attention. At the daughter-in-law's high-level cooking skills, Seok-cheon expressed admiration, saying, "She went to a French culinary school." The two used shrimp heads to make broth and completed the Tom Yum Goong using olive oil, coconut milk, and other ingredients. As the daughter-in-law prepared the ingredients and Seok-cheon led the cooking process, the two showed great coordination. Seok-cheon did not hold back his praise for his daughter-in-law's cooking skills, saying, "It is truly high-level."

"I wondered if I should act"... The 'real' taste that made his worries vanish

Once the carefully made Tom Yum Goong was completed, Seok-cheon once again expressed concern about the spices. He appeared so nervous that he contemplated how to handle the situation if the food did not suit their taste. Seok-cheon confessed his honest feelings, saying, "I was worried the aroma might be too strong. I thought about whether I should act if it didn't suit them."

However, the result was different from his expectations. Upon tasting the Tom Yum Goong, the in-laws gave a positive reaction, saying, "It's really delicious." In particular, the family from Gyeongsang Province, who prefer spicy flavors, continued to enjoy the meal, saying, "We originally like things that are spicy and sharp." Seok-cheon enjoyed the meal with relief in an atmosphere where both his daughter-in-law's cooking skills and his own food seemed to be recognized.

Regarding the reason for preparing this dish, Seok-cheon expressed his affection for his daughter-in-law, saying, "There is a meaning and intent in making (providing) this kind of food." It was a moment where his experience of operating a Thai restaurant in Itaewon for about 16 years shone through.

Source: TVCHOSUN JOY (YouTube)