Conquer Asia

Tam bak hoong or commonly known as som tam is a delicious delicacy from Laos. It is a spicy papaya salad which is traditionally consumed with glutinous rice. Som tam is served with pork rinds, raw vegetable and Ping Gai or roast chicken.

Its main ingredient is a grated green papaya and it is usually added with chili, garlic, lime, fish sauce, brined paddy crabs, shrimp paste and padek. These ingredients are pounded to meld the flavors. The som tam combines sour lime, hot chili, salty fish sauce and sweet flavors.

Thai people also make som tam. However, they make one with a mild and sweet flavor. They usually add crushed peanuts and padaek or bu tem. Dried brine shrimp are also added in Thai’s som tam.

The som tam can also be prepared with other unripe fruits like mango, cucumber, tam mak teng and tam mak thua. Try som tam and experience its spicy, sour taste that you’ll surely love.

som tam, laos, food