salad
Yam Talay
ยำทะเล
Medium
Yam Talay is a mixed seafood salad — prawns, squid, and mussels tossed in a fiery lime and chilli dressing with lemongrass, shallots, and fresh herbs.
Cultural Origin
Yam Talay is a Central and Southern Thai seafood salad in which blanched squid, shrimp, mussels, and fish are tossed with lime, chili, fish sauce, lemongrass, and shallots. It is closely associated with coastal beer-snack culture in Bangkok and tourist seafood restaurants across the Gulf and Andaman coasts.
Regional Variants
| Region | How it differs |
|---|---|
| Central | Central versions balance sourness and sweetness with palm sugar and tomato. |
| Southern | Southern versions are typically hotter and saltier, leaning heavily on bird's-eye chili and lime. |
Allergens & Sensitivities
shellfishcrustaceanfishgarliconionchilicilantro
Key Ingredients
- prawns
- squid
- mussels
- lime juice
- bird's eye chilli
Where to Try It
Seafood restaurants throughout Thailand, especially along coastal areas.
Tips
- Don't overcook the seafood — it should be just-done so the lime dressing can finish the 'cooking' and keep everything tender.