Som Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad)

Through the years, som tam has become one of Thai cuisine’s ambassador dishes to the rest of the world, along with other favorites such as pad Thai and tom yum. Som tam, or Thai green papaya salad, has plenty of variations, showcasing the Thais’ culinary creativity.

The classic som tam is expectedly the simplest – strips of raw papaya, tomatoes, and long beans. On the other hand, the “dressed” variants include fermented seafood such as fish, crabs, and oysters. Som tam is always a great starter to any authentic Thai meal.

Here are the best places to have som tam in Bangkok:

• SOM TAM NUA | Pathum Wan
  For exquisite Northern Thai specialties
  What to order: Tam muah, Larb moo, Som tam Thai
  Price range: 40 to 90 baht ($1.15 to $2.60)
  When: 10:45 – 21:30 (Daily)
  Where: 392 Siam Square 11 Alley, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
• SOMTUM DER | Bang Rak
  For Isaan favorites in a comfortable, modern setting
  What to order: Deep fried spicy minced pork, Tum hoi dong, Som tam
  Price range: 50 to 120 baht ($1.44 to $3.46)
  When: 11:00 – 14:30 (Lunch); 16:30 – 22:30 (Dinner)
  Where: 5/5 Sala Daeng Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok
• BAAN SOMTUM | Bang Rak
  For the tastiest som tam in Bangkok
  What to order: Lab tod, Som tam, Kang aom pla chon
  Price range: 70 to 120 baht ($2.02 to $3.46)
  When: 12:00 – 21:00 (Daily)
  Where: 9/1 Si Wiang Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok