Trader Joe's Tuesday Treats: Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix
Imperialism Never Tasted So Good.
I recently wrote about the death of Uptown Minneapolis.
I reflected on neoliberal policies that erode culture at home, the neoconservative policies that threaten entire societies abroad, and the totalitarian fusion of both political traditions under Trump 2.0.
What I wouldn’t give to live in a world where I need only mourn for the loss of one of my favorite independent coffee shops—the Dunn Brothers of Uptown—rather than the potential end of American democracy. I haven’t checked Polymarket lately, but I have to admit: I would have bet that the republic would live to at least 250 years; now I’m not so sure.
No, Dunn Brothers didn’t survive the crushing tectonics of gentrification compounded by militarized state violence. But my favorite Thai restaurant did.
I want to give Amazing Thailand a hard time for their audacity to so confidently assert how amazing the food is. But the place really does live up to its name. My first visit was motivated by an intense craving for fried cream cheese wontons. I ended up trying their wings, and both appetizers exceeded my moderate expectations.
When I returned, I tried their Tom Kha Soup and fell completely in love. I instantaneously understood and honored the restaurant’s choice to self-identify as Amazing.
Have you ever had Tom Kha Soup? When done well (exactly as Amazing Thailand prepares it), this tangy, slightly sweet, earthy coconut stew with a good pinch of chili oil absolutely satisfies, while powering you up during cold season. It’s best with chicken, but the vegetarian version slaps, too. (Mushrooms, scallions, and white onions are standard.)
When I moved to Los Angeles, waving goodbye to Amazing Thailand’s particular expression of Tom Kha was more difficult than giving up White Castle—and I truly adore those little sliders. In my nearly four years in LA, I’ve tried more than a dozen different Tom Khas and none of them come close to the one I know and love back in Minneapolis. I look forward to a hometown visit for a family reunion later this summer. And yes, there will be sliders too.
Of course, that visit will only be possible if LAX isn’t shut down by the authoritarian president of the united states. Closing down airspace over large metropolitan areas is the kind of colonial power play the U.S. government has perfected abroad; don’t be surprised if the imperial boomerang brings such tactics home this summer.
While a century of U.S.-sponsored terror overseas may finally be coming back to grip the homeland, at least we can enjoy the cultural imports of regions that have been subjected to the kind of shock and awe we are now witnessing in our communities. Conservative pundits like Adam Kinsinger lament the presence of foreign flags at pro-democracy protests, but immigrants have always been what makes America great. Thai immigrants, specifically.
When I get Thai food, I never, ever order Tom Yum soup. That’s a mistake I will only make once. Quite honestly, I find this hot and sour cousin of Tom Kha to be fully disgusting, so I was a bit hesitant when
(yes, that is his government name) advised me to pick up a pack of Trader Joe’s Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix on my weekly jaunt to the local TJ’s. But I’ve pretty much run out of personal favorites, so I’d be foolish to turn down such a strong recommendation from a friend.These crispy treats are legitimately good—and they’re having a moment: the Trader Joe’s associate informed me that they were all sold out on my first visit, but thankfully I was able to return and snag a bag a couple days later. They’re delicious on their own, but If one were feeling adventurous, they might experiment with this snack mix as croutons to accentuate just the right salad or soup. But not Tom Kha soup. You stay away from my Tom Kha soup.
And stay away from Uptown Minneapolis, for that matter, if you’re a federal goon. Get out of Los Angeles, anyone in any branch of law enforcement who is prepared to follow unlawful direction from the treasonous commander-in-chief. If anyone in the National Guard wants to lay down their arms and join the side of the pro-democracy protests, not only will I give you a hug—I’ll even buy you a bag of Trader Joe’s elusive Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix.
Fair warning directly from the Trader Joe’s associate: mind the snack mix’s sporadic red chiliI spice bombs. Everything else is perfection.
ICYMI, check out these related posts:
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