Carrot

Served raw in batons next to a heavily seasoned dish, its job is water, sugar and crunch. It is not a flavour contribution. This is the phak sot role in Thai and Lao meals: a plate of raw vegetables that resets the palate between mouthfuls. Cucumber and white cabbage do the same job. Carrot holds its rigidity at room temperature longer than either. Cut it thick. A thin slice warms up and goes limp on the table.