Somtam, or Thai Papaya Salad by Somtam Nua, Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand

Somtam, or Papaya Salad

by Somtam Nua, Siam Square, Bangkok, Thailand

Somtam Nua is a popular restaurant with branches all across Bangkok. As you could probably guess from its name, Somtam Nua specializes in somtam (Thai papaya salad), though they have an expansive menu with a number of delicious options.

Somtam hails from Issan, the northeastern region of Thailand, but has become one of the country's most beloved dishes. The papaya salad served at Somtam Nua is pretty traditional, and you can get it made up in all sorts of ways, including with fermented crab and very spicy chili. I opted for a classic, less spicy papaya salad made from shredded young papaya that still had a slight crunch, crispy pork rinds, fresh tomato, green beans, sprouts, rice noodles, and the classic papaya salad dressing made with a balanced mix of lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and chili.

somtam with Thai pork sausage and crispy pork rind

Nowhere else in the world does chicken quite like Thailand, and my very favorite is Issan-style gai yang, or grilled chicken. The gai yang at Somtam Nua was super juicy with a very flavorful skin. It was served alongside a sweet chili sauce and the more traditional Thai spicy chicken dipping sauce.

gai yang, Thai grilled chicken

We also ordered a plate of sai krok Issan, or northeastern Thai pork sausage. It's a great side that can be shared. Sai krok Issan is a traditional northeastern sausage made from pork and sticky rice that is lightly fermented before grilling. This process gives it a distinctive tangy flavor alongside the smoky flavor from the grill. The sausage is typically served alongside roasted peanuts and optional (very spicy) dried chili peppers.

sai krok Issan, or northeastern Thai pork sausage

Location

Somtam Nua has several branches in Bangkok, many of which are located inside some of the city's big malls. The original branch in Siam Square is located at 392, 12-14 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 just a short walk from BTS Siam Station.