Som tam, the ever-popular Thai spicy papaya salad, is ranked fifth in the latest list of the top 500 best dishes issued by Lonely Planet travel guide.
The popular magazine for travellers recently released “The Ultimate Eatlist’’ (or Ultimate Eats in the US), a ranked list of the top 500 foodie experiences from all over the world.
The top 10 best dishes, as printed, are: pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain; curry laksa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; sushi in Tokyo, Japan; beef brisket in Texas, USA; Som tum (or Som tam) in Bangkok, Thailand; smorrebrod in Copenhagen, Denmark; crayfish in Kaikoura, New Zealand; bibimbap in Seoul, South Korea; pizza Margherita in Naples, Italy; and dim sum in Hong Kong.
The list was drawn up by expert food editors of Lonely Planet who enlisted the help of chef Adam Liaw and food blogger Leyla Kazim to rank the entries, according to the editors.
The entries were evaluated according to the taste, cultural importance and the special atmosphere of the location.
Students wait for som tam at a fair in Bangkok. (File photo)
Spicy som tam with peanuts as served in Bangkok - without the fermented fish and small crushed crabs that dominate the Isan version of the dish. (File photo)
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