I clamped the cold purple skin between my palms
to break the fruit in half
pulling pieces of mangosteen from the seed
My dad told me, that’s your mom’s favorite
so I let the sweetness sit on my tongue
before swallowing
I stocked my pantry:
Soy sauce, fish sauce, Datu Puti
Coconut milk, Garlic, Mang Tomas
I asked the neighbors: where can I buy tamarind paste?
What I am actually asking is:
Where can I find the same ingredients I grew up with
those familiar flavors that filled my plate
Where can I find a piece of my mother’s kitchen
so I can make this place my home
Image by the author. Pontecha is a creative professional who drinks a hot cup of Yorkshire tea in candlelight every morning while playing the NYT crossword. She resides in Makiki.