Som Tam

ส้มตำไทย Also: Green Papaya Salad, Som Tum, Papaya Salad
Peanut: Likely contains restriction
Shellfish: Likely contains restriction
Fish: Likely contains restriction

A pounded salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, dried shrimp, fish sauce, lime, and chili.

Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.

Your dietary restrictions

The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.

Full allergen breakdown

Ingredients

  • green papaya
  • tomatoes
  • long beans
  • dried shrimp (Shellfish)
  • peanuts (Peanut)
  • fish sauce (Fish)
  • lime juice
  • chili
  • palm sugar
  • garlic

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • dried shrimp pounded directly into the salad
  • fermented fish sauce (pla ra) in Isan versions

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely OK

No dairy ingredients in traditional som tam.

Gluten-Free

Likely OK

Som tam uses fish sauce (not soy sauce) and all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Peanut-Free

Likely contains restriction

Peanuts are pounded into the dressing as a core ingredient in the Thai version. Cannot be removed.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

Tree nuts are not used in som tam.

Shellfish-Free

Likely contains restriction

Dried shrimp (kung haeng) is pounded directly into the salad. Invisible in the finished dish.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

Eggs are not used in som tam.

Fish-Free

Likely contains restriction

Fish sauce (nam pla) is the primary dressing. Isan versions also add fermented fish sauce (pla ra).

Soy-Free

Likely OK

Som tam uses fish sauce, not soy sauce.

Sesame-Free

Likely OK

Sesame is not used in traditional som tam.

Vegetarian

Likely contains restriction

Contains dried shrimp and fish sauce. Not vegetarian.

Key risk: Som tam Thai (the common Bangkok version) always contains both dried shrimp and peanuts as core ingredients. The Isan version (som tam pla ra) also contains fermented fish sauce, adding more fish allergen. Peanuts are pounded into the dressing and cannot be removed. Dried shrimp is also pounded in and invisible in the finished dish.

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Important: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.