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ส้มตำป้าแต๋ม
Ever take the first bite into something and get a euphoria of sensations? That's what it feels like to eat good Thai food. Immediately when you walk past the restaurant, you can see the grilled meats and fish, as well as the cooks preparing the namesake somtam. It has two indoor seating areas and some tables outside. They serve mostly Issarn (northeastern region) dishes, I highly recommend their their Som Tam with sticky rice. This restaurant manages to balance flavours almost perfectly for me.
Som Tam is typically a dish made with green papaya and is usually a combination of sweet, spicy, and sour flavour profiles. Som Tam was originally called Tum Bak Hoong and is believed to have originated in Laos. It is now popular in the Issarn region, which shares a border with Laos. I am not a Som Tam enthusiast, but considering the name of the restaurant, I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by their Som Tam, especially with the salted egg, which gives a salty tang to complement the sweet, spicy, and sour taste. Their cucumber version (ตำแตงกวา) was also a delight, both the fresh and crunchy papaya or cucumber make a bright and textural dish, especially with the sticky rice. For me, good Thai salads are rough around the edges, literally, as seen by the uneven cutting of the papaya. The unrefined quality gives them character and makes each bite unique.
I love Tom Sap (ต้มแซ่บ) soup. It is very tasty because of the soft-boned pork, which has infused its meatiness into the broth. A very clean flavour with notes of kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass coming through. It has the right level of spice and sourness for me and is not overly complex. It's served in a large bowl for you to share with your companions. Their Kaw Moo Yang (คอหมูย่าง) is well marinated, but I would prefer it if it were hot off the grill. The taste is scrumptious, and they cut the pork into relatively large slices, which gives it a satisfying bite. Their menu is large but filled with different versions of the same dishes; this level of customization allows you to cater your meal to your liking.
I find that some Issarn food can be pretty polarising. There is always one element that is too overpowering for me, which is why I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility (in terms of flavour) of the food while remaining authentic. I love how friendly the staff are, and the price is very affordable. There isn't anything to note about the presentation; the dishes have a natural, vibrant colour, and the restaurant itself is spacious, clean, and air-conditioned. Leave a comment about your favourite Thai dish. Somtam Patam doesn't have overly complicated flavours but is delicious nonetheless.
Address: 2, 26 Phahon Yothin 7, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400
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