Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

Som Tum

Som Tum is the native papaya salad served everywhere in the country. The distinct manner in which they prepare the green papaya for this salad is part of its charm. It is shredded by hand to achieve its unique strips. The dressing of the salad is added while pounding the fresh papaya strips in a traditional mortar and pestle. It consists of fish sauce, garlic, lime juice and chili. The contrasting flavors are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

One of the nice things about being in Bangkok is the abundance of places where you can find som tum. In addition, the varied ingredients added to the traditional recipe.

To date, you can order it with crab or salted egg and even cockles. Like most Thai dishes, be sure to specify beforehand how much heat you can take. In doing so, you can enjoy your som tum without tearing up over it.

.Main Ingredients
Green, unripe papaya, Thai fish sauce, dried shrimp, lime juice, garlic, chilies, peanuts and choice of toppings (cockles, crab or salted egg)

Recommended Places to Eat

Baan Somtum

Bangkok's somtum is an acquired taste - it's not always love at first bite. But with the help of restaurants who can curate amazing somtum varieties, love at first bite can be possible.

No better place to have your first taste of somtum than at Baan Somtum. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is known for their extensive choices for somtum - there are 29 varieties to choose from. Each papaya salad is paired with either pork, chicken or seafood delicacies. Other items on the menu include Isaan cuisine - dishes from Nothern Thailand which are popular for their strong, savory and spicy flavors.

The ambiance is a bit fancy in this place. Don't get intimidated though, because prices are cheap.

BASIC INFORMATION

9/1 ซอยประมวญ ถนนศรีเวียง สีลม บางรัก Bangkok 10140, Thailand

$-$$

Monday - Sunday 11am - 10pm

Surasak BTS Station

6626303486

www.baansomtum.com

Somtum Der

Founded by a group of people who fell in love with Isaan dishes, Somtum Der brings Isaan food to locals and tourists of Bangkok – food innovated to suit the guilty pleasures of the gastronome.

Isaan dishes are known for being dominantly salads that have dominant flavors ranging from sweet and spicy to sour. In Somtum Der, they have a commitment to stick with the original flavor but developed a preference for a salty variation.

The Somtum dish is the restaurant’s trump card. Their menu is also graced with the presence of other dishes from the usual fried goodies such as chicken, pork bellies sauced with a spicy mixture, to seafood - spicy grilled catfish and marinated shrimps are showstealers! The surprises do not end there as the beverages that accompany these dishes are also worth trying - lemongrass and chrysanthemum are just two of their numerous beverage inventions.

At 1 or 2 USD, you can enjoy a somtum with a beverage! With an ambiance paying homage to the Isaan way of life - bold colours are used such as red and orange, to the Isaan inspired decorations – it’s easy to tell how the Isaan life propelled Somtum Der to success.

Basic information

5/5 Saladaeng Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Everyday:11am - 2.30pm , 4.30pm - 10.30pm

Sala Daeng BTS Station

66859994225

www.somtumder.com

Som Tum Bangkok

Som Tam Nua's success was founded on mastering the uniqueness, the attractiveness, and the flavors of the beloved Isaan dishes of Northern Thailand. Isaan dishes are characterized as having the most diverse ingredient combinations: from fresh fruit and vegetables, and sticky rice paired with chili peppers and peanuts, to dried shrimp seasoned with herbs that diverge from the norm; these dishes with distinct flavors and aftertastes made the Thai people and tourists love Isaan food.

The main table star of Som Tum Nua is the Som tum - papaya salad - accentuated by ingredients that produce a sweet and spicy taste is a testament of the restaurant’s commitment to bringing Isaan dishes at the forefront of national and international cuisine.

Som Tum’s admirable features are not limited to the food they serve, with a perfect ambiance supplied by using bold colors and the use of wood as the main furniture and music changing from Pop to Disco as night approaches fulfills all the other senses other than that of taste.

Above all, it is light on the budget, with prices ranging from 2 USD to 10 USD - a must include in your Thai escapade itinerary.

Basic information