Raw Papaya Salad (Som Tam) bursts with the vibrant flavors of Thailand—crisp green papaya, zesty lime, fiery chilies, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar. This refreshing, crunchy salad perfectly balances spicy, sour, salty, and sweet notes, making it a beloved street-food staple and a must-try dish for anyone craving a light yet flavorful taste of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients:
Main ingredients:
- 2 cups raw green papaya (peeled and shredded)
- 1 medium carrot (optional, shredded)
- 5–6 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4–5 green long Beans (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
For the dressing:
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 2 fresh Bird Eye Chilli
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- Salt to taste
Preparation Steps:
Prepare the Papaya
- Peel the raw green papaya.
- Shred it using a julienne peeler into thin strips.
- Soak the shredded papaya in cold water for 10 minutes to make it crisp, then drain well.
Make the Dressing
- In a mortar and pestle pound together garlic and chilies until roughly crushed.
- Add palm sugar, lime juice, Light Soy sauce, Mix well until dissolves.
Combine Everything
- Add green beans and lightly crush them in the mortar so they absorb flavour.
- Add shredded papaya, carrot, and halved tomatoes.
- Gently toss and mix everything together so the dressing coats all ingredients.
Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle with roasted peanuts.
- Serve fresh immediately — it’s best eaten right away for crisp texture.
Tips:u can adjust sweetness, tanginess, and spice level to taste.
- Pair with sticky rice or grilled chicken for a full Thai meal.
