Chilies: Thai bird’s eye chilies provide authentic heat. Adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance. Thai long peppers (prik chi fa) are milder and more aromatic. Serrano or red jalapeños are good ...

Pork belly is a luscious indulgence, richly marbled with fat that can overwhelm any palate in a heavy preparation. Bangkok 54's Crispy Pork Belly With Chili-Basil ($5.95 lunch, $9.95 dinner ...

In a small bowl, make your brine by whisking together 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Pour it over the vegetables, mix, and set aside.

Cook, undisturbed, until golden and crisp on 1 side, about 8 minutes. Stir rice, and continue cooking until evenly golden, about 2 minutes more. Transfer crispy rice to a plate.

1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds Mint, cilantro and basil leaves, for garnish Make crispy rice: Put rice in a colander and rinse until the water runs clear, then cook according to package directions.