If there’s one dish that captures the vibrant soul of Thai cuisine, it’s the Thai papaya salad. Known locally as Som Tam, this colorful, crunchy, and flavor-packed salad has become one of Thailand’s most loved dishes — a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. At Shalimar Restaurant in Phuket, we proudly serve authentic Thai papaya salad, made fresh daily with traditional ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors.
Papaya salad, or Som Tam, is a refreshing salad made from shredded unripe papaya mixed with garlic, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and roasted peanuts. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a dish that’s light yet full of depth — crunchy from the papaya, tangy from the lime, and spicy from the chili.
The Ingredients That Define Papaya Salad
The magic of Thai papaya salad recipe lies in its fresh and humble ingredients. Here’s what goes into creating the perfect plate at Shalimar Phuket:
- Green Papaya: The base of the salad. Its crisp texture and mild flavor soak up the dressing beautifully.
- Chilies and Garlic: Pounded together to form the spicy foundation of the dish.
- Palm Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Fish Sauce or Soy Sauce: Provides a rich umami flavor (Halal alternatives available).
- Lime Juice: For a refreshing, citrusy tang.
- Tomatoes and Long Beans: Add color and freshness.
- Roasted Peanuts: Give crunch and nuttiness.
At Shalimar, we also offer variations for different preferences — from mild versions to extra spicy, and even vegetarian Thai green papaya salad made with soy-based sauces instead of fish sauce.
How We Prepare This Dish at Shalimar Phuket
Our chefs follow a traditional process that stays true to Thai roots. Here’s how the signature Papaya salad comes to life in our kitchen:
- Shredding the Green Papaya: Fresh, unripe papaya is peeled and finely shredded.
- Pounding the Aromatics: Garlic and chilies are gently pounded in a mortar to release their fragrance.
- Mixing the Dressing: Palm sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce are added to balance the flavors.
- Adding Vegetables and Papaya: The shredded papaya, tomatoes, and beans are tossed in the dressing.
- Finishing Touches: Crushed roasted peanuts and sometimes dried shrimp (optional) are sprinkled on top for crunch and flavor.
Served chilled, it’s the perfect side or standalone meal for anyone craving authentic Thai freshness.
Faces of Papaya Salad Thai
While the classic Papaya salad som tam is world-famous, there are many variations across Thailand:
- Som Tam Thai: The standard version with palm sugar, lime, and peanuts.
- Som Tam Poo: Includes salted crab for a stronger, briny flavor.
- Som Tam Pla Ra: A rustic northeastern style using fermented fish sauce.
- Som Tam Khai Khem: Topped with salted eggs for richness.
At Shalimar Phuket, we serve the Thai green papaya salad version — light, fresh, and perfectly balanced — ideal for both locals and travelers who love authentic yet Halal-friendly Thai dishes.
Pairing Papaya Salad with Other Dishes
Thai papaya salad is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sticky rice, or seafood. At Shalimar Phuket, we recommend enjoying it alongside:
- Grilled chicken or fish for a full Thai meal
- Jasmine rice for a balanced, mild pairing
- A cool Thai iced tea to complement the spice
The combination of hot and cold, spicy and soothing, makes it a true Thai dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Thai papaya salad healthy?
Yes! Papaya salad is one of the healthiest dishes in Thai cuisine. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables and lime juice.
2. How to make Thai papaya salad?
To make Papaya salad, shred green papaya and mix it with garlic, chili, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and peanuts. Toss everything together until well combined and serve fresh.
3. How to make Thai green papaya salad?
The process is similar to regular papaya salad Thai, but you use unripe green papaya as the main ingredient, which gives the salad its signature crunch and refreshing texture.