How spicy is authentic Som Tum?

Very — the standard recipe uses 5–10 bird's eye chillis. Always specify your preferred spice level when ordering.

Is there a vegan version?

Yes — ask for 'som tum Thai' without fish sauce (replace with soy sauce) and without dried shrimp.

salad

Som Tum

ส้มตำ

Hot

Som Tum is a fiery green papaya salad pounded in a clay mortar with chillis, garlic, lime, and fish sauce. Originating from Isaan in northeast Thailand, it's bold, crunchy, sour, and genuinely hot.

Key Ingredients

green papaya
bird's eye chilli
lime juice
fish sauce
cherry tomatoes

Where to Try It

Isaan restaurants throughout Bangkok or any local market in northeast Thailand.

Tips

Tell the vendor how many chillis you want — 'pet nit noi' means slightly spicy.
Order with sticky rice (khao niao) to balance the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

salad

Som Tum

ส้มตำ

Hot

Som Tum is a fiery green papaya salad pounded in a clay mortar with chillis, garlic, lime, and fish sauce. Originating from Isaan in northeast Thailand, it's bold, crunchy, sour, and genuinely hot.

Key Ingredients

green papaya
bird's eye chilli
lime juice
fish sauce
cherry tomatoes

Where to Try It

Isaan restaurants throughout Bangkok or any local market in northeast Thailand.

Tips

Tell the vendor how many chillis you want — 'pet nit noi' means slightly spicy.
Order with sticky rice (khao niao) to balance the heat.