Food Tours in Thailand: Green Papaya Salad Recipe

In 2007, I was 15 and traveling on my first Rustic Pathways trip to Thailand and Laos. I was discovering the magic of an Isan sunset, the joy of street food the excitement of the local market, and the quiet of the rice fields. During the day, we participated in service and adventure activities; in the evenings, we gathered for Thai cuisine over conversation and games with Chiang Mai young monks.

Rustic Pathways students chop long beans on Intro to Community Service in Thailand.  Credit: Rustic Pathways Copyright: © 2016 Rustic Pathways Usage with express permission only.

One of the reasons I wanted to go to Southeast Asia in the first place was the food. I love Thai food. I grew up eating it at this little local restaurant not far from my home in St. Louis.

My family would go there often and order a variety of delicious traditional Thai dishes—chiang mai pork sausage, pad see ew, pad thai, khao soi noodles, larb, green curry, crispy pork belly pumpkin curry, tom yum, pak boong, sticky rice, som tum, and my favorite, som tam. You can imagine my excitement when I saw som tam on the table one of my first nights in Southeast Asia. I knew I was in for a delicious Thai meal.

Som tam, green papaya salad, is one of the most popularly eaten dishes in Thailand and Laos. It’s characterized by the fresh crunch of green papaya, the tanginess of the dressing, and the heat of thai chilies. The taste is perfectly refreshing on a hot summer day in Thailand.

While you are waiting for your food tour or service learning program in Thailand to start, here is my favorite recipe for Som tam to enjoy from the comforts of your own home:

Freshly prepared som tam on the Thailand: Elephant Conservation Project program.  Credit: Rustic Pathways Copyright: © 2017 Rustic Pathways Usage with express permission only.

Som Tam Recipe (Green Papaya Salad)

Just like all Thai recipes, the ingredients listed, and the quantities are a guide. When spice is a concern, use fewer chilies. As a vegetarian or vegan, omit the fish sauce. With a nut or food allergy, skip the peanuts.

Prep time: 30 minutes or less (no cooking needed!)

Servings: 4, as a side

Ingredients

• 2 cloves of garlic peeled
• 4 Thai chili peppers (more or less for desired heat)
• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, shelled and crushed
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1-2 small roma tomatoes
• 3 cups slivered green papaya
• Juice of 1 lime (about three tablespoons)

To garnish

• Green beans
• Green cabbage
• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Peel the skin off your green papaya. Julienne, or use a cheese grater, to shave the papaya until you measure 3 cups.
2. Chop your peeled garlic and chilies until the garlic is minced and the chilies are reduced to small bits. Mix palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl until the palm sugar is dissolved. Add the peanuts, garlic, and chilies to the sauce to make the dressing. Slice the tomato into chunks and toss into dressing, making sure to coat.
3. The last step is to toss the green papaya with the dressing, mixing it all together until all the flavors combine. Make sure all the green papaya is coated with the dressing and the salad is evenly mixed.
4. Garnish with chopped green beans, a wedge of green cabbage, and extra lime wedges for those who like it extra tangy.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Ready to explore the rich food cuisine of Thailand? Check out our student travel programs in Thailand or contact us to fully customize a group tour.