Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad)

Som tam began in the northeastern Isaan region, where farm families pounded green papaya with a heavy mortar and pestle, using whatever they had from the garden. Today it is sold on almost every street corner in Thailand, and every vendor has a signature balance of sweet, sour, salty, and hot. The name literally means pounded sour, which tells you exactly what to expect.

A thunderstorm of flavor in a bowl

The papaya is crunchy and juicy, soaked in a dressing of lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar that dances across your tongue. Pounding the chilies with garlic releases their oils and infuses every strand, while cherry tomatoes burst and long beans snap. It is served cool, often with sticky rice and grilled chicken, and it is dangerously easy to eat an entire bowl alone.

Craving more? Explore all Thai Kitchen recipes.

New to these flavors? Our Beginner’s Guide to Asian Sauces & Seasonings explains every pantry staple used here.

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