Written by Team Expique
Published: September 10, 2024
What is Som Tum?
Som Tum, often referred to as “Papaya Salad,” gets its name from the primary ingredient: green papaya.
The most well-known version is “Som Tum Thai,” which is considered the most accessible to international tastes. This variation excludes some of the stronger ingredients found in other versions. The essential components include chilies, fresh garlic, dried shrimp, fish sauce, palm sugar, peanuts, fresh limes, cherry tomatoes, long green beans, and green papaya.
However, there are countless variations of Som Tum that substitute the papaya with different base ingredients. The diversity is so vast that there is a version to please everyone. That said, if you skip adding at least one chili, we might question whether it’s truly Som Tum!
Som Tum is typically prepared by combining the ingredients in a clay mortar using a wooden pestle. Start by lightly crushing the chilies and garlic, then mix in the other ingredients to create the sauce. Finally, fold in the green papaya and combine everything!
In the regions of Isaan (northeast Thailand) and Laos, popular versions often include fermented fish paste (pla ra), lending a distinctive salty and pungent flavor. In fact, it’s common to see pickled crabs added to Isaan-style Som Tum (som tum pu pla ra).
Som Tum is commonly enjoyed with sticky rice and other traditional Isaan dishes. For a comforting meal, try pairing it with grilled chicken!
Different Types of Som Tum
Som Tum Thai (ส้มตำไทย) – with papaya
This classic version features grated papaya and is typically found in most restaurants, especially those catering to a Western audience. Grated carrots are often added for extra flavor, and you can adjust the spiciness to your liking.
Som Tum Mamuang (ส้มตำมะม่วง) – with green mango
This variant uses slightly sour green mango instead of papaya.
Som Tum Polamai (ส้มตำผลไม้) – with mixed fruit
This version incorporates various fresh fruits like apples, grapes, guava, and pineapple, typically chopped into small pieces instead of grated.
Tum Teng (ส้มตำแตง) – with cucumber
Cucumber serves as the base for this version, making it easy to prepare anywhere in the world. You can either slice the cucumber or cut it into sticks.
Som Tum Farang (ส้มตำฝรั่ง) – with guava
Here, guava replaces papaya. You can either grate it or cut it into small chunks.
Som Tum Mama – with instant mama noodles
This version incorporates traditional Som Tum sauce mixed with mama noodles and cucumber.
Som Tum Woon Sen – with glass noodles
This variant includes Som Tum sauce combined with glass noodles, carrots, and papaya.
Som Tum Kanom Jeen – with fermented noodles
This version mixes Kanom Jeen noodles and cucumber with regular Som Tum sauce. Extra spiciness is recommended!
Som Tum Pu Pla Ra – with crab and fermented fish sauce
If you’re from Isaan, this may be the most authentic variation of Som Tum you can find.
Tum Suo – with vermicelli noodles
This version is based primarily on noodles.
Som Tum Khao Pod – with sweet corn
A simple yet delightful version that can be made anywhere, given the widespread availability of sweet corn.
Som Tum Pa (Jungle)
Translating to “jungle” Som Tum, this version features a random mix of ingredients, including crab, Kanom Jeen noodles, and water mimosa (a type of vegetable).
What about Som Tum Tard?
Explore Bangkok Through Food with Expique
At Expique, we aim to help people uncover the authentic essence of Bangkok and its local cultures. We offer a variety of experiences, including Food Tours, Walking Tours, and Tuk Tuk Tours.
If you love food as much as we do,
you’ll adore our food tours in Bangkok!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter for monthly news and tips on exploring Bangkok.
