Book excerpt: The countries of Southeast Asia boast some of the most vibrant, flavorful cooking in the world. Renowned Thai-born chef Vatcharin Bhumichitr (known as "Vatch") takes us on an insider's culinary tour of Thailand and its neighbors in this irresistible collection. With more than one hundred recipes that range from pungent crab to heavenly pumpkin and coconut soup, Vatch's book overflows with fresh ingredients, exuberant flavors, and irresistible specialties of the countries covered--Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma, Malaysia, and Singapore. Get ready for a spicy, spectacular journey!