9 Best Places to Eat Som Tam in Bangkok
If you’re craving something spicy, crunchy, and uniquely Thai, you’re probably thinking of som tam. It’s the iconic green papaya salad that’s beloved across Thailand. From roadside carts to Michelin-mentioned eateries, Bangkok is packed with unforgettable spots to try this fiery favorite. In this guide, we’ll take you to discover the best som tam in Bangkok, from hidden local gems to popular tourist favorites.
1. Som Tam Jay So
Ask any Bangkok local where to find authentic som tam in Bangkok, and you’ll likely hear about Som Tam Jay So. This legendary spot is known for its fiery som tam and juicy grilled pork neck. They serve a pungent, spicy Isaan-style papaya salad packed with chilies and pla ra (fermented fish). Every plate here is made fresh to order, and you can customize the heat level — though “mild” here still packs a punch. Don’t skip the grilled pork neck and sticky rice, both of which help mellow out the flavor storm on your tongue.
Location: 146 Phiphat 2, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Map
Image credit: Matichon Online.
2. Somtum Der
Earning a spot in the Michelin Bib Gourmand guide, Somtum Der elevates Isaan cuisine without taming it. It feels refined but not pretentious, and the staff knows their way around flavor. Their tum pla dook foo (som tam with crispy catfish) is tasty with a delightful contrast of textures, while their classic som tam pla ra (som tam with fermented fish) hits all the right savory, sour, and spicy notes. What sets Somtum Der apart is their careful sourcing and consistency. It’s a place where you can confidently bring out-of-town guests and still get that fermented funk fix without compromise.
Location: 5, 5 Sala Daeng Rd, Si Lom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500 Map
Image credit: Somtumder via Facebook.
3. Lay Lao
Lay Lao stands out as a modern Thai restaurant that specializes in Isaan-style som tam with a seafood twist. Their som tam hoy dong (spicy papaya salad with raw pickled cockles) is fiery, fresh, and wildly addictive. If you’re into bold flavors, go for their som tam poo pla ra (fermented fish and pickled crab), which hits all the right notes of funk, spice, and tang. The pla ra here is not for the faint of heart, but for seasoned som tam lovers, it’s a home run. Other popular dishes include their grilled river prawns, Isaan-style grilled beef, and larb salmon, which combines spicy Thai northeastern seasoning with sashimi-style fish.
Location: 56 Si Lom Rd, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Map
Image credit: laylao.convent via Facebook.
4. Som Tam Nua
If you’re a first-timer in Bangkok or a tourist curious about Thai flavors, Som Tam Nua is the perfect starting point. Located in the heart of Siam Square and just a short walk from BTS Siam Station, it’s one of the most easily accessible som tam restaurants in the city. Unlike some street vendors where the spice can be overwhelming, Som Tam Nua lets you customize the heat. Simply ask for “not spicy” or “a little spicy,” and the staff will gladly adjust it to your taste. It’s a safe bet for first-timers wondering how spicy is som tam in Bangkok.
Their som tam Thai is fresh and crunchy, with just the right balance of sweet, sour, and heat. Try the fried chicken — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — and add a side of grilled pork neck to complete the meal. This spot is often recommended as the best som tam for tourists in Bangkok.
Location: 392, 12-14 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 Map
Image credit: Somtamnuathailand via Facebook.
5. Baan Somtum (Sathon)
Offering over 20 variations of som tam, Baan Somtum is ideal if you’re up for experimenting. From classics like som tam with salted egg to unique twists like deep-fried som tam (sounds strange but quite delicious!), crispy pork rinds, or even young coconut meat with prawn, this is a full-on som tam tasting journey. Each dish offers a new texture or flavor profile, and it’s a must-visit for anyone eager to explore beyond the basics.
Location: 9, 1 Thanon Si Wiang, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Map
Image credit: baansomtum.official via Facebook.
6. Som Tum Khun Kan
Starting from a humble shop in Mueang Thong Thani, Somtum Khun Kan rose to fame after the owner won a national som tam competition in 1999. Since then, the restaurant has consistently impressed, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years (2009–2025). Their som tam stays true to its roots: bold, spicy, and deeply authentic, with just the right balance of crunch and kick. While the som tam is undeniably delicious, the menu is filled with standout dishes like roasted chicken with crispy skin, grilled pork shoulder with honey and herbs, and deep-fried minced shrimp with mango salad. It’s a well-balanced meal that delivers both tradition and finesse in one plate.
Location: 6 Wachiratham Sathit 23, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok Map
Image credit: Somtumkhunkan via Facebook.
7. Laab Ubon Kontrakan
Located near Surasak BTS Station, Laab Ubon Kontrakan is a no-frills local favorite that stays busy well past midnight. Known for its fiery larb moo (spicy minced pork salad) and juicy grilled chicken, this spot specializes in bold Isaan flavors that keep locals coming back. While larb takes center stage, the som tam here is also a must-try. It’s bold, spicy, and deeply authentic, with just the right balance of sour and heat. Open until 3–4 a.m., it’s a late-night lifesaver with plastic chairs, loud tables, and zero pretense. Even Dua Lipa couldn’t resist! Her visit in 2024 turned this humble eatery into a full-blown foodie hotspot.
Location: 251 6 S Sathon Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120 Map
Image credit: Laabubon.
8. Tamnak Isan Ekamai
Tamnak Isan Ekamai is a friendly, cozy spot that serves up authentic Isaan food with an impressively wide range of dishes. The real standout is the som tam, which can be customized with everything from pickled oysters and raw shrimp to salted crab or even rice noodles. Each version is fiery and delicious, perfect with sticky rice on the side. For something heartier, try tom saap, a hot and sour soup packed with herbs, or nam tok, a spicy grilled meat salad that’s as bold as it is satisfying. And to wash down all that heat, they serve ice-cold local beer that hits the spot every time, or iced Thai tea if you prefer something sweet and refreshing.
Location: 86 1 Sukhumvit Road, Prakhanong Nue, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 Map
Image credit: Tamnak.Isan.Ekamai via Facebook.
9. Phed Phed Hey!
Located inside the iconic Mahanakhon CUBE, Phed Phed Hey! delivers fiery, no-compromise Isaan flavors right in the heart of Bangkok. This branch is part of the well-loved Phed Phed group, and while each location offers a slightly different menu, this one lets you enjoy authentic som tam alongside one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Don’t miss the mangosteen salad in fish sauce, a rare sweet-and-salty dish that’s both refreshing and complex. Another standout is the tam khanom jeen “over”, a fully loaded papaya salad with fermented rice noodles, pork crackling, Vietnamese sausage, and pickled crabs. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of kratin seeds, adding a bold, herbal note that ties everything together.
Location: MahaNakhon CUBE, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 Map
Image credit: PhedPhedFood via Facebook.