Description
Traditional Thai street food dish made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chilies, peanuts, and fermented fish sauce.
Technical
The preparation of som tam involves pounding ingredients in a mortar and pestle to create a smooth consistency, with the acidity in the tomatoes and chilies helping to break down the starches in the papaya. The use of fermented fish sauce adds umami flavor and helps to balance the acidity in the dish.
Science
Primary Reaction
enzymatic breakdown of starches
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
spicysourumamifishy (from fermented fish sauce)earthy (from peanuts)herbal (from lime leaves or cilantro)
Wine Analogy
Like a Riesling - high acidity with balancing sweetness and aromatic intensity
Coffee Analogy
Similar to Ethiopian Yirgacheffe - bright acidity with floral and citrus notes