Yam Mamuang (Green Mango Salad)

The mere thought of yam mamuang is enough to make any Thai food lover salivate – tart strips of green mango, sweet-spicy-salty vinaigrette, and toasted crunchy cashew nuts. Yam mamuang, or green mango salad, is often served as an appetizer to warm up the palate for all the explosive flavors that a good Thai meal offers.

You know you are served a good yam mamuang when the mango is fresh and crisp, the slices neither too thick nor too thin, but just right to soak up the chili-lime vinaigrette. One variant of yam mamuang that is popular in Bangkok has a generous topping of fried catfish fluff – a definite must try!

Here are the best places to have yam mamuang in Bangkok:

• MANGO TREE SURAWONG | Bang Rak
  For Thai favorites in a relaxing garden setting
  What to order: Yam mamuang, Pad thai, Mango cooler
  Price range: 80 to 200 baht ($2.31 to $5.77)
  When: 11:30 – 00:00 (Daily)
  Where: 37 Soi Tantawan, Surawong Road, Suriyawongsee, Bang Rak, Bangkok
• SPICE MARKET | Ratchadamri
  For luxuriously prepared traditional Thai dishes
  What to order: Yam mamuang, Green curry of braised Australian beef cheek, Soft shell crab with peppercorn sauce
  Price range: 200 to 600 baht ($5.77 to $17.31)
  When: 11:30 – 14:30 (Lunch); 18:00 – 22:30 (Dinner)
  Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok
• THON KRUENG RESTAURANT | Sukhumvit
  For one of the most extensive Thai menus in Bangkok
  What to order: Panang curry, Yam mamuang, Yum tawai
  Price range: 120 to 400 baht ($3.46 to $11.54)
  When: 11:00 – 22:30 (Daily)
  Where: 211/3 Sukhumvit Soi 49/13, Bangkok