(Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
Salads aren’t often found in Thailand, and this Thai salad won’t fit your view of a conventional Western salad. Som Tam is incredibly simple, but packs a punch and is full of flavor. This dish is made by pounding a variety of ingredients together in a pestle and mortar. Som Tam includes garlic, chilies, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, sugar, lime juice, green beans, peanuts, and of course, grated sour green papaya.
There are a few variations to the traditional Som Tam that are also worth a try.
- Som Tam Thai ส้มตำไทย – Green papaya salad dressed with fish sauce and lime juice.
- Som Tam Boo ส้มตำปู – With fermented crab.
- Som Tam Pla Raa ส้มตำปลาร้า – With fermented fish.
- Som Tam Hoy Dong ส้มตำหอยดอง – With fermented oysters.
Fresh, simple, and delicious.