原文刊於《煮飯仔 Yves Kitchen 專欄》（2009 年），本文已重新編寫與整理。
This story first appeared in my “Yves Kitchen” newspaper column back in 2009. Revisiting it years later, I’ve rewritten it with the added flavor of time and reflection.
甜酸辣。媽媽
在 Yves Kitchen，除了自家果醬廣受歡迎外，還有一款讓許多人一試成癮的泰式辣醬——「泰媽媽醬」。這是我從小吃到大的味道，不論醃肉、炒麵、煮湯，還是沾著小食，加入一點點，就能讓菜餚生色不少。
很多朋友驚訝於這醬的魅力，甚至連不嗜辣的人也會愛上。但在我心中，這不僅僅是一道醬汁，而是媽媽人生的縮影——甜、酸、辣，樣樣齊備。
甜 · 公主般的年少時光
媽媽的童年與少女時代，在泰國的老家度過。公公曾是軍隊將軍，婆婆是軍中護士，家境安穩，雖然不是什麼大富之家，但一家人齊齊整整，生活總算是甜美。年輕的她，無憂無慮，愛打扮，笑容明亮。追求者眾多，但她偏偏選擇了離鄉別井，嫁到遙遠而陌生的香港，開始新的生活。
酸 · 異鄉的適應與辛酸
七十年代的香港，對初來乍到的年輕媽媽並不溫柔。她不諳廣東話，身邊沒有熟悉的同鄉朋友，文化與生活習慣的差異更讓她舉步維艱。
她很年輕便有了我，從家人呵護的公主，一夕之間成了要照顧孩子的母親。
但媽媽總能把生活的酸，化進飯桌的味道裡。羅望子、青檸……這些酸爽的食材，被她巧手融入不同菜式中，成為我家自成一派的泰式風味。她常笑說：「多吃酸的食物，皮膚才會白滑呀！」對我來說，這句話更像一種人生哲學——即使遇到酸澀，也能轉化為美的養分。
辣 · 一起成長的日子
年輕的媽媽，和我一樣在生活裡學習成長。小時候，我甚至常常倒過來「管教」她——不准她太晚回家、不准夏天穿得太少。
直到後來，我經歷了幾次大手術，甚至早年流產，媽媽才急速成熟起來。那些日子，她心疼得像刀割，卻依然抱緊我、安慰我。那一刻，我又回到了小女孩的角色，重新躲進媽媽的懷裡，感受她的溫暖與守護。
收結 · 人生的醬汁
媽媽的人生，甜中有酸，酸中帶辣，而這些味道都融進了她的料理裡。「泰媽媽醬」不只是調味料，更是一種精神——用愛、堅毅和幽默，把生活的百味調成一桌溫暖的菜。
今年母親節，不妨和媽媽一起待在廚房，做一碗屬於你們的「甜酸辣」。邊煮邊笑，笑聲在屋子裡迴盪——或許，這才是人生最美的味道。
簡易青檸辣椒醬汁 食譜
The Taste of Life — My Mother’s Thai Chili Sauce
At Yves Kitchen, while many know us for our homemade jams, there’s another star that has quietly built a devoted following — my mother’s Thai Chili Sauce, affectionately known as “Thai Mama Sauce.
It’s the flavor I grew up with — a sauce that can turn the simplest dish into something special. Whether it’s marinating meat, stir-frying noodles, cooking soups, or simply dipping snacks, just a spoonful can transform the taste completely. Even friends who usually avoid spicy food find themselves coming back for more.
But for me, this sauce is more than just a recipe. It holds the flavors of my mother’s life — sweet, sour, and spicy, all in perfect balance.
Sweet — A Princess-like Youth
My mother grew up in her hometown in Thailand, in a warm and comfortable home. My grandfather was a military officer, and my grandmother served as a nurse in the army. Life was stylish and worry-free, filled with love and security.
With her bright looks and charming personality, she had no shortage of admirers. But instead of choosing a familiar, comfortable path, she made the bold decision to leave her home country, marrying my father and starting a new life in a faraway, unfamiliar place — Hong Kong.
Sour — Adapting to Life in a New Land
Hong Kong in the 1970s was not an easy place for a young woman from abroad. My mother didn’t speak Cantonese and had no network of fellow Thais to rely on. The cultural and lifestyle differences were stark, and the transition was far from smooth.
She became a mother to me at a young age, moving from a life of being cared for to one where she was the carer. But instead of letting the challenges overwhelm her, she transformed them — literally — into flavors on our dining table. Tamarind, lime, and other tangy ingredients became her signature touch, turning everyday meals into a unique fusion of Thai and home-style cooking.
She used to tell me, laughing, “Eating sour food keeps your skin fair!” I’ve come to see this as more than a beauty tip — it’s a philosophy. Even when life gives you sour moments, you can turn them into something beautiful.
Spicy — Growing Up Together
My mother was still growing up herself as she raised me. As a child, I often found myself “parenting” her — reminding her not to stay out late, not to shop too much, not to dress too lightly in summer.
Later, when I went through several major surgeries and even suffered a miscarriage, she matured quickly, becoming my anchor. I still remember her holding me tightly through my grief, telling me she didn’t want me to suffer any more pain. In that embrace, I felt like a little girl again — safe, loved, and protected.
The Sauce of Life
My mother’s life — like her cooking — is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy. Her Thai Chili Sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a reminder that love, resilience, and humor can turn life’s challenges into something nourishing and joyful.
This Mother’s Day, maybe spend time in the kitchen with your mum. Make a simple sauce together, share stories, and laugh until the house is filled with warmth.
Because perhaps, that’s what life should taste like.
Easy Thai Chili Dipping Sauce Recipe
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