Andy Ricker's Naam Jim Kai Yaang (Tamarind dipping sauce)

This tangy tamarind dipping sauce is served with Andy Ricker's Whole Roasted Young Chicken from his new Pok Pok cookbook.

Andy Ricker's Naam Cheuam Naam Taan Piip (Palm Sugar Simple Syrup)

Use this earthy, caramel-y syrup in Andy Ricker's Phat Thai from his new Pok Pok cookbook.

Andy Ricker's Tam Taeng Kwaa (Thai Cucumber Salad) From 'Pok Pok'

Andy Ricker opens his new Pok Pok cookbook with a series of variations on papaya salad. These are the beating heart of his namesake restaurant, providing its inspiration as well as a sweet and sour bridge between the range of complex savory dishes. This particular salad, made with cucumbers instead of papaya, is a cool and refreshing twist.

Andy Ricker's Phat Thai (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles With Shrimp, Tofu, and Peanuts)

Phat thai wasn't on Andy Ricker's original menu at his Portland restaurant, Pok Pok. It wasn't until he opened a noodle shop in New York that he fully embraced the public's demand for a serious plate of Thai fried noodles. Ricker's recipe in his new Pok Pok cookbook is a version of the dish he serves in New York. Even though it has a long, somewhat chaotic ingredient list, the final dish is subtle and almost delicate.

Andy Ricker's Naam Jim Kai (Sweet chile dipping sauce)

This sweet chile dipping sauce is great on Andy Ricker's Whole Roasted Young Chicken from his new Pok Pok cookbook.

Tamarind Paste: Ingredients Glossary - The Woks of Life

Tamarind paste is essential for authentic Southeast Asian cooking. It's also a key ingredient in India, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Andy Ricker's Kaeng Khiaw Waan Luuk Chin Plaa (Green Curry With Fish Balls and Eggplant) From 'Pok Pok'

Green curry was the first Thai food I remember eating. My parents would make it with jarred curry paste, coconut milk, green beans, potatoes, and chicken--I trust many of you are familiar with this meal. I loved this curry, and in fact still make it occasionally when the craving strikes. The green curry in Andy Ricker's Pok Pok cookbook is nothing like that curry.

Nam Prik Ong (Thai Pork-and-Tomato Chile Dip)

Ground pork, tomatoes, and dried chiles are the stars of this spicy-savory northern Thai dip.

Sweet Tamarind Chutney

Sweet and sour, this tamarind sauce is a flavorful Indian staple that's easy to prepare at home.

Roasted Red Chili Paste (Nam Prik Pao) From 'Everyday Thai Cooking'

Use this earthy, spicy chili paste in Katie Chin's Chicken Coconut Soup from Everyday Thai Cooking.