Papaya salad, also known as “Som Tam” in Thailand, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is popular throughout the country. It is a staple dish that can be found in many restaurants, street vendors, and markets in Thailand. The dish is made with green papaya, which is peeled and shredded, along with a variety of other ingredients such as tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chili peppers, and lime juice. It is typically seasoned with fish sauce, palm sugar, and sometimes peanuts or dried shrimp.
The origins of papaya salad can be traced back to Laos, where it is known as “Tam Mak Hoong”. The dish was brought to Thailand by Lao immigrants and has since become a beloved and ubiquitous part of Thai cuisine. While papaya salad is now enjoyed by people all over the world, it remains an important part of Thailand’s culinary heritage.
So Many Different Papaya Salad Styles
There are many different variations of papaya salad that can be found in Thailand, with each region having its own unique twist on the dish. Here are some of the most common types you might encounter in Thailand:
- Som Tam Thai
Som Tam Thai is the most common and basic version of papaya salad. It is made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chili peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The dish has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that complement each other well. Som Tam Thai is usually served as a side dish or appetizer. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with sticky rice.
- Som Tam Poo
Som Tam Poo is a version of papaya salad that is made with blue crab. The dish is similar to Som Tam Thai, but includes chunks of blue crab meat. The crab adds a rich, savory flavor that pairs well with the tangy lime juice and spicy chili peppers.
With Even More Options
- Som Tam Lao
Som Tam Lao is a variation of papaya salad that is popular in northeastern Thailand and Laos. It is made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, long beans, garlic, chili peppers, lime juice, fish sauce, and pla ra (fermented fish sauce). The addition of pla ra gives the dish a pungent and funky flavor that is unique to this region. Som Tam Lao is often served with grilled chicken or sticky rice.
- Som Tam Boo Maa
Som Tam Boo Maa is a version of papaya salad that is made with raw blue crab. The crab is pounded in a mortar and pestle along with the other ingredients, creating a creamy and tangy sauce. The dish is often served with sticky rice and is a popular street food in Thailand.
- Som Tam Kai Kem
Som Tam Kai Kem is a version of papaya salad that includes salted egg. The salted egg is mashed and added to the other ingredients, creating a creamy and salty flavor that pairs well with the spicy chili peppers and tangy lime juice.
Unique Flavor Profiles Are Always Refreshing
In addition to these variations, there are many other types of papaya salad that can be found in Thailand, each with their own unique flavor profile. Some versions may include shredded carrots or cabbage, while others may use different types of fish sauce or chili peppers. Some vendors may even offer customized versions of the dish based on your personal preferences.
Papaya salad is not only delicious, but it is also a healthy and nutritious dish. Green papaya is rich in vitamins and minerals, and is a great source of fiber. The addition of other vegetables such as long beans and tomatoes also adds to the nutritional value of the dish. However, it’s important to note that some versions of papaya salad may be high in sodium and sugar due to the use of fish sauce and palm sugar. If you are watching your sodium or sugar intake, it’s a good idea to ask the vendor to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Gradually Increase Your Spicy Level
When ordering papaya salad in Thailand, it’s important to consider the level of spiciness. Thai cuisine is known for its heat, and papaya salad is no exception. Most versions of the dish include chili peppers, which can range from mildly spicy to extremely hot. If you are sensitive to spicy foods, it’s a good idea to ask the vendor to make the dish “mai pet” (not spicy) or “pet nit noy” (a little spicy). This will ensure that you can enjoy the dish without overwhelming your taste buds.
One of the great things about papaya salad is that it is often made to order. Vendors will typically prepare the dish in a mortar and pestle right in front of you, allowing you to see exactly what goes into it. This also means that you can customize the dish to your liking. If you prefer a milder version, you can ask for less chili peppers. If you like it extra tangy, you can ask for more lime juice. Don’t be afraid to ask the vendor to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Papaya Salad Goes Great With Sticky Rice
Papaya salad is typically served with sticky rice, which helps to balance out the flavors and provides a neutral base for the spicy and tangy sauce. To eat papaya salad, you can use a spoon or fork to mix the ingredients together and scoop up a bite with a small ball of sticky rice. The dish is best enjoyed fresh and cold, making it a perfect dish for a hot day in Thailand.
In addition to being a delicious and healthy dish, papaya salad is also a cultural icon in Thailand. It represents the fusion of Thai and Lao cuisine, and is a testament to the country’s rich culinary history. Many Thais take great pride in their ability to make a good papaya salad, and vendors will often compete with each other to see who can make the best version of the dish. If you are looking to experience the true flavors of Thailand, be sure to try papaya salad during your visit.
Don’t Leave Thailand Without Trying Papaya Salad
Papaya salad is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Thailand. Its refreshing flavors and unique texture make it a perfect dish for a hot day, and its nutritional value makes it a healthy option as well. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, with crab or without, there is a version to suit your taste. When ordering, don’t be afraid to ask the vendor to customize the dish to your liking. And most importantly, enjoy this iconic dish and savor the flavors of Thailand.
