A Thai Combo

Five years ago, I had the chance to visit Phuket, Thailand, and ever since then, I’ve missed the vibrant food, warm people, and rich culture. Today, when I visited Wat Punyawanram, I was transported right back to those unforgettable moments in Phuket—it felt like I’d never left.

On Sundays, the temple hosts vendors, food stalls, and a morning chant, creating a lively, authentic atmosphere. Thanks to some helpful Facebook comments, I arrived early, and I’m so glad I did because, by the time I left, the place was packed with people enjoying meals at tables or grabbing delicious to-go dishes. Initially, I wasn’t sure where to start, but a kind couple noticed my slight confusion and graciously showed me the ropes. Their warm hospitality was a reminder of the genuine spirit I loved so much in Thailand.

A local Thai volunteer helped serve food and also explain what the choices were which ranged from vegan to a variety of meats. She said they start very early to prepare the meals for the day.

With so many tempting choices, a friendly Thai volunteer suggested I try the “combo,” which, as she put it, offers a little bit of everything so I could taste it all. Trust me, you'll want to arrive with an appetite—or be ready to take some home for later—because the portions are incredibly generous. She scooped up a bit of each dish, and as I made my way to the end of the line, I spotted my favorite Thai dessert: Mango with Sticky Rice. If you love mango, this dessert is a must-try—it’s simply not to be missed!

Mango Sticky Rice is a sticky rice with coconut milk and sliced mango and topped with tiny sesame seeds.

There’s something about Thai culture that draws me in, perhaps it's the calm, serene energy they exude—something I truly crave. The intricate statues, vibrant flowers, and rich colors are endlessly captivating to photograph and admire.

When I asked if it was okay to capture some photos during their morning chant, I was welcomed with warm smiles and no hesitation. Even the monk acknowledged me, and I was able to thank him in Thai. As I listened to their peaceful chant and watched them serve the monk lunch, I was touched by their kindness. A lovely Thai woman from Orlando, who I had been chatting with earlier, even arranged for someone to bring me an English translation of their morning chant book. It was such a thoughtful gesture that made the experience even more special.

Everyone who brought the Monk food, sat it down and put a little in his silver bowl. After it was all served, he scooped it out and served himself into another smaller bowl to eat from.

I’m not entirely sure about the exact hours on Sunday, but it seems like things get going around 9 a.m., as I arrived at 9:15 a.m. and found several people already enjoying their meals. I believe the hours may be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but I can't say for certain since there isn’t a lot of clear information available online. One exciting thing I did come across is that on June 26th, they’ll be hosting an anniversary celebration, complete with more vendors and additional monks for the event. For updates or more information, they have a Facebook page where you can check out upcoming events: [Buddhist Thai Temple Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Buddhist-Thai-Temple-141478502618462).

Next time I visit, I am trying their soup!