Baan Somtum Sathorn

Baan Somtum Sathorn: Isan Food in Bangkok

Baan Somtum is a place we keep going back to whenever we’re in Bangkok. It’s casual, affordable, and genuinely good, especially if you like Isan food or want to try something beyond the usual green curry and pad Thai. The Sathon branch, technically in Bang Rak, is easy to find just off Si Wiang Road and a short walk from Surasak BTS. It has a Michelin Bib Gourmand, but don’t expect anything fancy. This place is about flavour and consistency.

The Som Tam

The som tam is the main draw. The menu has over a dozen variations, from classic green papaya to versions with salted egg, crab, or crispy pork. We’ve tried a few, but the standard som tam Thai is still our favourite. It’s balanced well, not too sweet, not too sour, with enough heat. The ingredients taste fresh: crisp green papaya, good lime, proper fish sauce, and roasted peanuts that haven’t gone stale. Even the tomatoes taste like they were picked that morning.

What Else to Order

The rest of the menu covers the usual Isan dishes: grilled chicken, sticky rice, larb moo, spicy soups, and sides that work well for sharing. The grilled pork neck is another good one, tender with char on the edges and a spicy dipping sauce. They also do Central Thai dishes like tom yum and fried fish with garlic, useful if someone in your group doesn’t eat spicy food.

The Place

Clean and simple. Not street food, but not trying to be upscale either. Service is quick even when busy, and the air-con inside helps on hot days. We usually go for lunch. It fills up with office workers and locals who know what they want.

Prices are fair and portions are big. Two or three dishes between two people is usually enough. Easy to over-order because the menu is tempting, but we’ve never regretted it.

If you’re in Bang Rak or Sathon and want good som tam, this is a solid choice. We’ve been several times and it’s consistent every visit.