Tasty street food with its wonderful aromas and flavours waiting to be discovered along every avenue, around every corner, is one of the many unique culinary joys of Thailand. Among the favourites for locals and visitors alike is som tam. This signature dish is loved worldwide, for its bright zestiness as well as for its versatility, offering so many different variations.
Baan Somtum is dedicated to sharing this deliciousness with care and attention for every detail that goes into every dish that leaves the kitchen. Guests enjoy the tastiest dining experience that they will want to share.
With over 15 years of experience since opening up its first branch in Phutthamonthon Sai 2, Baan Somtum has received a Bib Gourmand for three years running, recognising the tender loving care given to every step of every dish. The delicious tastiness begins with the central kitchen that oversees the quality control to ensure the perfect plate is served for every order. This is key for a menu that has over 30 variations for som tam alone, created from the finest ingredients from all over the country, accompanied with refreshing drinks to go with the food.
“Dining should be more than eating until you’re full, then you’re done. Dining should create a shared experience enjoyed by everyone at the table. We want to make street food accessible to everyone, using the best ingredients and meeting the highest standards. Every visitor should leave with tasty memories and want to come back again for more,” explained Peeranatch Chuduang, part of Baan Somtum’s second generation.
Tam Luang Prabang
Baan Somtum is among the first to offer Tam Luang Prabang, now a popular menu item. The main feature of this dish is the large sheets of papaya. Damnoen Saduak papaya is sliced into wide, thin sheets that are then kept on ice to maintain crunch and freshness. Seasoned with premium cooked fermented fish sauce and shrimp paste instead of crab juice, the recipe was adapted to Thai people’s tastes, using lime, fish sauce, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Then, to prevent an astringent flavour, everything is mixed together thoroughly before sprinkling pork crackling, completing the richness of Tam Luang Prabang. The crisp papaya sheets combined with the crunchy crackling creates a delightful savouriness when eaten together.
The thin, wide papaya sheets are completely coated with the various som tam flavours, adding another toothsome dimension to the dining experience, perfect to share with friends along with a refreshing cold beverage as a palate cleanser.
Grilled Chicken with Makuan
To truly complete a som tam experience, ordering some sticky rice and grilled chicken is only natural, especially with a thirst-quenching beverage. Baan Somtum recommends their Grilled Chicken with makuan (a citrus spice from a Rutaceae plant). It’s made with a unique spice blend popular in the northern province of Nan that is said to aid digestion, clear up dizziness, and improve blood pressure and heart health. Chicken legs and thighs are soaked in a marinade of lightly roasted spices before being grilled. The chicken is served with a topping of fried spices, which delights and tingles the taste buds. Don’t forget the piquant tamarind dipping sauce or the classic roasted rice sauce for that extra bite.
Lab Pet
It’s easy to understand what makes lab so famous. Delectable flavours that go so well with so many beverages. For this dish, the chef uses lean, tender duck breast and the finest roasted rice to offer the full range of tastes, sour, salty, spicy, and just a little unctuousness. Garnished with some dried chillies, bergamot leaves, and fried shallots, enjoy with friends. But don’t take your eyes off it too long because it will disappear fast.
Steamed Sea Bass
Seafood and fish lovers will love this succulent sea bass, ideal for three or four people to share. Stuffed with such Thai herbs as garlic, coriander, lemongrass, and galangal, the steamed fish has the most inviting aromas and is accompanied with blanched vegetables, including various cabbages, Chinese mustard greens, and edible flowers. You can dig into this healthy option, full of protein and vitamins, with a rich, spicy sauce. Or you can go for the seafood dipping sauce, no one is going to stop you.
Baan Somtum offers delicious food at affordable prices. Som tam items start at around 70 THB. Lab and namtok dishes are around 100 THB, and grilled chicken, 80 THB.
Baan Somtum and Chang both epitomise the Thai philosophy of Lamiat. Craftsmanship, harmony, respect, and refreshment are fundamental to Lamiat, and that is brewed into each bottle of Chang, making it a perfect match to the Lamiat in each and every element of Baan Somtum’s culinary creations of Northeastern Thai delicacies and practice.
So, this makes it an ideal spot for meeting up with close friends, celebrating a special occasion, or getting a quick bit after work. It’s important to remember that these scrumptious dishes are even better when shared with friends and family, strengthening your close ties through tasty food.
For reservations, please call 0 2630 3486 or 06 1660 3486.
CONTINUE READING: Polo Fried Chicken: Where Cold Drinks And Fiery Food Go Hand In Hand
