Som Tam
ส้มตำ
Also known as: Som Tum, Papaya Salad, Green Papaya Salad, Thai Papaya Salad, Tam Thai
What is Som Tam?
A spicy green papaya salad from the Isaan region, pounded in a mortar with garlic, chili, fish sauce, lime, and palm sugar. Typically includes peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, and green beans.
Typical Ingredients
Allergen Information
Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.
Peanuts and dried shrimp are standard ingredients. Fish sauce is essential. Some Isaan versions use fermented crab (poo pla ra) adding shellfish risk.
Safer Variations
Allergen-friendly alternatives to ask for.
Questions to Ask Staff
Important questions to confirm with restaurant staff.
More Thai Dishes
Pla Rad Prik
ปลาราดพริก
A whole deep-fried fish topped with a tangy, sweet, and spicy chili sauce made with garlic, tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar. A popular restaurant dish that combines crispy fish with a bold sauce.
Tom Yum Boran
ต้มยำบรรณ
A traditional Central Thai noodle soup combining tom yum flavors with pork and egg noodles. The broth features lemongrass, galangal, tamarind, and kaffir lime, served with crushed peanuts and chili flakes.
Suea Rong Hai
เสือร้องไห้
A Thai grilled beef dish from the Isaan region, consisting of chargrilled marinated steak sliced and served with nam jim jaew dipping sauce and sticky rice. The name means 'crying tiger' or 'weeping tiger.'
Phat Thai Woon Sen
ผัดไทยวุ้นเส้น
A variation of Pad Thai using glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli) instead of rice noodles. Same tamarind-based sweet-sour sauce with bean sprouts, peanuts, and dried shrimp, but with a lighter, more translucent texture.
Khao Phat Sapparot
ข้าวผัดสับปะรด
Thai fried rice with pineapple chunks, cashew nuts, raisins, and curry powder, often served in a hollowed-out pineapple shell. A mildly sweet and savory fusion popular with tourists and locals alike.
Good for These Diets
Based on this dish's typical allergen profile, it may be suitable for:
Important Disclaimer
Allergen information is based on typical recipes and may vary by restaurant, region, or preparation method. Always confirm with restaurant staff before ordering.