som tam (spicy green papaya salad)
A native Thai recording for this word is on the way. Please check back soon.
- 1 som tam (spicy green papaya salad)
A Thai dish made by pounding and tossing shredded green papaya or similar ingredients with chilies and a tangy, savory dressing.
som tam (spicy green papaya salad)
A spicy, tangy salad typically made by pounding shredded green papaya with chilies, lime, fish sauce, and other seasonings.
Learning notes
Explanation
ส้มตำ is typically made by pounding shredded unripe papaya with chilies, garlic, lime, fish sauce, sugar, and other ingredients. Its flavor commonly combines heat, acidity, saltiness, and sweetness. ตำ means “to pound,” especially with a mortar and pestle. In this dish name, ส้ม relates to sourness; it does not mean “orange.” Ingredients vary by style. ส้มตำไทย is often sweeter and commonly contains peanuts and dried shrimp, while ส้มตำปูปลาร้า includes salted crab and ปลาร้า, a strongly flavored fermented fish seasoning. The dish is usually counted by the plate, using จาน.
Usage
This word is common when ordering at Thai restaurants or street-food stalls, discussing favorite foods, and specifying ingredients or spice levels. Som tam is often eaten with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
Caution
Recipes and heat levels vary considerably. If you need to avoid fermented fish seasoning, crab, dried shrimp, peanuts, or another ingredient, specify ไม่ใส่～ (“no ～”). Even เผ็ดน้อย (“mild” or “less spicy”) may still be quite hot.
Differences from similar words
1 som tam (spicy green papaya salad) synonyms
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ตำส้ม is an alternative, often regional name for the same kind of pounded, tangy salad. ส้มตำ is the more widely recognized general name.