I haven’t been to Bangkok in three years. My first stop was Som Tam Nua. It’s a place I’ve known for a decade. I went to see if it still held up.
Let’s not waste time. The food is why you come here.
The chicken wings arrive first. They aren’t the super juicy kind that burn your tongue. The skin is crisp. The meat inside is tender and pulls away clean. They are sprinkled with deep-fried garlic, not powder. It’s a small detail that makes a difference.
Then, the Esarn Pork Collar Soup. Umami, sour, and just enough spice. The pork bones are soft, easy to chew through, with almost no fat. Crunchy straw mushrooms are a good textural contrast. The broth is clean and direct.
You can watch them make the Som Tam. It’s a show of force. The green papaya salad is a pure flavor bomb. It announces itself from the first bite and demands your attention. Sharp, sweet, sour, and hot, all in balance.
We also had the fried melinjo leaves with egg. The wok hei is present – that distinct charred breath from a hot wok. It’s a simple, honest dish.
Most of the tables are filled with locals. That tells you something. The food here isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is: powerful, unique, and full of intention.
Good food needs no explanation. This was one of those meals. It’s easy to find – right in the heart of Siam Square, very central and just a quick walk from the BTS. If you’re planning to eat your way around the area, you can also check out what to eat at Siam Paragon. If you’re nearby, stop thinking and go.
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