Som Tum

Green papaya salad, or Som Tum, is a well-liked Thai dish that is praised for its flavorful and revitalizing qualities. It is one of the best street food in Phuket. It's a salad mainly composed of shredded green papaya mixed with other ingredients to make a nice harmony of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

A classic Thai dish that can be found practically anywhere. There are a few variations of som tum, some of which are extremes, like Som Tum Poo Pala, which is a very strong papaya salad with fermented crab. Som Tum Thai is the safest option, as it typically only includes green beans, tomatoes, papaya, and a varying amount of chillies. In most cases, the cook will estimate how spicy you can handle by looking at you if you don't tell them how spicy you want your som tum.

All the ingredients are typically combined in a mortar and pestle, where they are lightly pounded to release the flavors and allow the ingredients to meld together. Alternatively, a large mixing bowl can be used to toss the ingredients together.

Som Tum is often enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a side dish with other Thai dishes. It is commonly served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables. The combination of crisp green papaya, tangy lime juice, spicy chili, and other ingredients makes Som Tum a refreshing and delicious salad that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.