salad
Yam Mama
ยำมาม่า
Medium
Yam Mama is a Thai instant noodle salad — a popular, fun street food where instant Mama noodles are tossed undrained with lime, fish sauce, chilli, minced pork, and fresh herbs into a lively, spicy salad.
Cultural Origin
Yam Mama is a modern Thai bar snack invented in the late 20th century, using instant Mama-brand noodles tossed with the classic 'yam' dressing of lime, fish sauce, chili, shallots, and minced meat or seafood. It is a staple of late-night beer-snack menus across Bangkok.
Allergens & Sensitivities
wheatglutensoyfisheggshellfishcrustaceangarliconionchiliMSGcilantro
Key Ingredients
- Mama instant noodles
- minced pork
- lime juice
- fish sauce
- bird's eye chilli
Where to Try It
Night markets, university canteens, and snack shops throughout Thailand.
Tips
- The noodles should be soaked in just-boiled water until barely softened, then drained and dressed hot — using overcooked noodles destroys the salad's texture.