Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum Thai)

Fresh, crunchy, spicy and sharp, this Thai papaya salad is one of those dishes that instantly wakes everything up. I first fell in love with it alongside Pad Krapow in Thailand, where every street vendor seemed to have their own version.

Traditionally, Som Tum Thai is made with palm sugar, but I use maple syrup instead. It gives the same gentle sweetness and balance without needing specialist ingredients, making it much easier for everyday cooking at home.

The key ingredient is unripe green papaya as it stays crisp and fresh, which is exactly what you want. Ripe papaya tends to go soft and mushy and doesn’t give the salad that signature crunch.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: None

• Servings: 2

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 small unripe green papaya, peeled and grated

• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1–2 garlic cloves

• 1 red chilli diced (or more to taste)

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp tamarind paste

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

• Small handful of green beans, pre-blanched (optional)

• Fresh coriander or Thia Basil (optional)

Method

1. Peel the papaya, remove the seeds and grate into thin strips using a julienne peeler, grater or sharp knife.

2. Place the garlic and chilli in a pestle and mortar and lightly bash together.

3. Add the fish sauce, tamarind, lime juice and maple syrup and mix well.

4. Add the tomatoes and gently bruise them slightly to release some juices.

5. Add the shredded papaya (and green beans if using) and toss everything together until coated in the dressing.

6. Divide between two bowls and finish with chopped peanuts and fresh coriander or Thai basil, if using.

   
   

Nutrition (per serving – approx)

• Protein: 3g

• Calories: 120 kcal

• Carbohydrates: Moderate

• Healthy fats: Low to Moderate

• Fibre: Moderate to High

(Values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredients used.)

Why This Works (60Fit Approach)

This salad brings freshness, crunch and balance to richer dishes and protein-based meals.

You’re getting:

• Fibre and hydration from fresh vegetables

• Healthy acidity that lifts meals naturally

• Big flavour without heavy sauces or processed ingredients

It’s light, vibrant food that makes everything else on the plate taste better.

60Fit Tip

Som Tum Thai works beautifully alongside grilled meats, salmon, or my Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Gai). If you can’t find green papaya, I have made it using finely shredded cucumber and carrot and it makes a great crunchy alternative.