Published May 25, 2019 Updated Aug 30, 2024
Papaya Salad
Papaya Salad, or Som Tum (sometimes spelled Som Tam), is a quintessential Thai dish. I first savored its authentic flavors in Hat Yai, a bustling town in Southern Thailand. Widely hailed as Thailand’s national dish, Som Tum traces its origins to Isan (also spelled Isaan or Esarn), the northeastern region of Thailand. In Thai, “Som” translates to “sour” and “Tum” to “pound” or “to pound,” reflecting the traditional preparation method of pounding ingredients together in a Thai wooden mortar and pestle. The rhythmic pounding of peanuts, garlic, and other ingredients is a captivating sound that always fills me with excitement and anticipation as I wait eagerly for my serving from the street vendor. Som Tum embodies the essence of Thai cuisine: a harmonious blend of hot, sour, salty, and sweet flavors, just like my other Thai favorites: Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai and Green Curry.
What Is Green Papaya
Green papaya, the unripe version of papaya, is prized for its firm and crisp texture, making it perfect for salads where it can absorb flavors well. Its taste is mild and slightly sweet, resembling cucumber. Green papaya’s mild, slightly sweet taste and firm texture make it versatile for various dishes beyond salads, including stir-fries and soups.
Where To Buy Green Papaya?
In regions with a tropical or subtropical climate, you may be able to grow green papayas in your own garden. They require warm temperatures and well-drained soil, which is how many Thai and Laotian families obtain their supply of green papayas. Shopping Guide: In the United States, you can find fresh whole green papayas at Asian supermarkets, typically in the produce section alongside other tropical fruits or in a section dedicated to Southeast Asian ingredients. Additionally, some Asian supermarkets offer pre-shredded green papaya, convenient for quickly preparing Som Tam. It’s also available occasionally at farmers’ markets and specialty grocery stores, in areas with a significant Southeast Asian community, for example: Hmong Farmers Markets in Minneapolis-St. Paul and the central valley of California.
Ingredients For Thai Papaya Salad
Green papaya – used as the base of the salad. Long green beans – adds a crisp texture and slightly nutty flavor. Cherry tomatoes – adds a burst of sweetness and color to the salad. Fish sauce – adds depth of flavor and umami to the salad.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
Recipe Variations
Papaya salad, known by various names such as Som Tam in Thailand, Thum Mak Hoong in Laos, Bok L’hong in Cambodia, and Gỏi Đu Đủ in Vietnam, is popular across the Indochina region of Southeast Asia. Each country has its own unique version of this salad, incorporating local ingredients and flavors while sharing similarities in its refreshing and often spicy profile. Here are some of the most popular renditions in Thailand and they are found across the different regions in Thailand:
Som Tam Thai: The classic version described above, made with regular fish sauce. Som Tam Poo: Includes small fermented crabs. Som Tam Isaan or Som Tam Pla Ra: made fermented fish sauce and black mud crabs. Som Tam Kai Kem: Includes salted duck eggs.
Helpful Tips For Home Cooks
Here are five simple tips for making green papaya salad at home: Following these tips will help you make a delicious green papaya salad at home!
How To Make Thai Papaya Salad
What To Serve With Papaya Salad
Thai green papaya salad is often served as a side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or sticky rice. For a wholesome Thai meal at home, I recommend the following recipes: I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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