In the humid rainy season of September, where morning sunlight reflects in the puddles on the wet ground, this is a time of year when you might be rushing when you want to rest, to listen to the sound of raindrops on the leaves. Or perhaps you’re forced to slow down while stuck in heavy rain-soaked traffic, leaving a tired body with no chance to rest.

In times like these, when you might forget to take care of yourself, let us help by introducing you to fresh seasonal Thai ingredients, perfect for a variety of dishes.

Baby Corn Baby corn: sweet and crunchy. A delicious treat not to be missed this season. Though baby corn can be grown multiple times a year in Thailand, this period sees the highest cultivation by farmers, as they can rely on the rain for watering. The baby corn of this season is sweet and crisp, perfect for a butter stir-fry or wrapped in grilled bacon. It makes for a lovely, light snack.

Luffa Gourd A warm luffa gourd soup with egg is perfect for a time when your body needs comfort. The soft and sweet texture of the luffa, combined with eggs spread like fine threads in the soup. As you sip it, you’ll be greeted by the aroma of green onion, pepper, and the warm scent of vegetable broth, helping your heart find a moment of peace. The best luffa gourds are young, with soft peels and tender seeds, giving you a smooth and perfectly sweet texture, ideal for a body in need of recovery.

Straw Mushrooms This rainy season is the time for many kinds of mushrooms, especially the abundant straw mushroom. Straw mushrooms have a firm, delicious texture, perfect for a warm soup, a hot and spicy Tom Yum, or a savory, sweet, and rich oyster sauce stir-fry. The fragrant, earthy taste of the mushrooms, paired with soft pieces of marinated chicken, and the scent of garlic, green onion, and pepper, are a perfect complement to hot steamed rice.

Pumpkin The pumpkin of this season is firm and sweet, suitable for steaming, boiling, or roasting until tender and warm for a delightful and healthy snack. But a must-try dish for a sweet and chewy treat is Sangkaya Fak Thong (pumpkin custard). This dessert combines soft, bouncy custard with the sweet taste of steamed pumpkin. The custard, fragrant with egg, pandan leaf, and coconut milk, blends with the mild sweetness of coconut sugar. Paired with the soft, steamed pumpkin, it’s a delightful snack that suits the Thai atmosphere perfectly.

Grilled Tilapia For many Japanese and foreigners, tilapia may have a less than desirable image, being a hardy freshwater fish that lives in any condition, conjuring images of a muddy flavor or a bland taste. But we want you to open your heart and try Thai tilapia. The tilapia sold in Thailand comes from farms across the country, with farming knowledge passed down from His Majesty Emperor Akihito and King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), who saw the fish’s suitability to Thailand’s tropical climate and way of life. Tilapia has a soft and sweet flesh, perfect for deep-frying, grilling with herbs, or grilling with salt. However, it should not be eaten as sashimi unless it has been properly prepared and frozen to sashimi grade.

Steamed Mackerel Steamed mackerel is a simple Thai dish. Its soft, fatty flesh, wrapped in vegetables and a spicy chili dip, becomes a delicious Miang Pla Tu. Its taste and the fun of customizing your own meal make it a delight. During the monsoon season, it’s harder to catch mackerel, and it’s also their spawning season, when they hide in safe coral reefs. But the mackerel of this season are large, fatty, and fully grown. Though less abundant, you should still try a meal of fried mackerel with crispy skin, which goes perfectly with hot rice and a Thai chili dip.

Ultimately, our happiness is not tied to the uncooperative weather, the times when someone rushes us, or the moments we feel we are too slow. It lies in the small moments we share with something precious—whether it’s with family, the sound of nature, or the soothing voice of our own hearts.

May you take care of your health this rainy season, and may we be a part of creating your good moments.