27. Som Tam
Som tam is perhaps Thailand's most famous salad. Garlic and chilies are first pounded with a mortar and pestle (krok). Tamarind juice, fish sauce, peanuts, dried shrimp, tomatoes, lime juice, sugar cane paste, string beans and a handful of grated green papaya are tossed in the krok (som tam thai).
The sweet, salty, and spicy flavors paired with the crisp crunch of the green papaya and sticky rice is utterly luscious. Many variations are available including one made with crab (som tam boo) and one made with fermented fish sauce (som tam plah lah).
It's hard to miss the som tam carts all over Bangkok that offer delicious salads but if you need a suggestion try Ta Bun Tum Restaurant, Pin Ngen Market block R28-R29, next to Major Pinklao. Open from 12 noon-9 p.m. Tel: +66 (0)847 070 2950