[FOOD] 20150113 Som Tam Nua @ Siam Square, Bangkok

21:06 3-Star Food , 3-Star Service , 3-Star Value , Bangkok , Chicken , Fish , Food , Fried Chicken , Fried Fish , Noodles , Overrated , Rice Noodle , Siam , Siam Square , Som Tam , Thailand 0 Comments

Som Tam, or also known as green papaya salad is a very well known Thai dish which is served in almost every Thai restaurant in the world. It's basically green papaya (unripe papaya), thinly sliced and served with other toppings like dried shrimps, nuts, long beans, chilli etc pounded and crunched to bring out the flavours and lastly with the sweet and sour sauce and a sprinkle of fish sauce.

Many reviews, blogs and even news portal have recommended this restaurant which specialize in Som Tam, known as the Som Tam Nua (or Somtam Paradise in Thai) which is located at Siam Square, Soi 5.

It's a restaurant, covering three shop lots and is nicely renovated. Besides som tam, they have other signature dishes like the fried chicken wings, BBQ pork shoulder, Thai style fried fish to just name a few.

While they do have a few outlets around if not mistaken, but it is recommended to try the original oulet at Siam Square, Soi 5.

392/14 Siam Square Soi 5
Nearest BTS Stations: Siam Station
Telephone: +6602 - 2514 880
Opening Hours: 10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)

TO GO

Siam Square is located just opposite Siam Paragon, and next to the newly opened Siam Square One. Just take the BTS from any line or any public transportation to drop you at Siam Station, towards the Siam Square side, look for Soi 5 signboard and walk inwards until almost the end where you will find the signboard of Som Tam Nua.

SPECIALITY

Due to its high review, it is much recommended to come earlier before the lunch hour to beat the crowd. The restaurant is nicely renovated with a warm atmosphere and a counter in the middle where you will be able to see your som tam being prepared. Communication might be an issue as the waiter here speaks limited English. My orders are done by pointing the menu and numbering it. "This, one."

They have many variant of som tam, which is differentiated by the toppings added on top of the original som tam like the salted crab, dried shrimp, salted egg, pork or pork rind. Price range from 75 Baht (RM8.30) up to 90 Baht (RM10). Frankly, nothing to shout about the som tam. Maybe my expectation were too high, or maybe there are many better options out there, or even in Malaysia. At this price, it's a bit rip off. Nevertheless, it is fresh and is still a good dish.

Fried Chicken - 150 Baht (RM16.50)

The famous fried chicken, served in a basket which cost 150 Baht (RM16.50). Almost every table in this restaurant has this basket of friend chicken wings. The wings are well marinated and deep fried until crispy, maybe a bit overdone. Recommended.

Stir Fried Thai Rice-Flour Noodles - 110 Baht (RM12)

The stir fried Thai rice-flour noodles looks decent from the picture but it was a disastrous dish. I regret every single bit in ordering this dish. It's basically stir-fried soggy rice-flour noodles which coagulate into one big slimy chuck of noodle ball and taste nothing near to what it looks. Avoid at all cost unless you like soggy noddles, or maybe just my luck in getting a lousy dish.

 Crispy Fried Fish - 105 Baht (RM11)

The Crispy Fried Fish is also another signature dish here at Som Tam Nua which is actually deep fried talapia fish with their special spicy sauce that is full of herbs. The size of the fish is actually quite small and should be sufficient for 2 to 3 person.

The fragrant rice is served on a banana leaf and it is quite big in portion. However the price of 20 Baht is a bit steep for Thailand but understandable for a restaurant with this setup. Besides rice, they also have sticky rice which is served in tube basket that costs 25 Baht.

Overall didn't really enjoy the meal and was let down by all the highly rated reviews for this restaurant. I would consider this restaurant decent but overrated.

SUMMARY

Overall a decent meal but was disappointed due to high expectation. I might still come back next time to try some other dishes in the future. The fried chicken and fish are good but the soggy noddles is definitely a no no.

Taste	☆☆☆ Decent but nothing to shout about. Roadside stalls sell pretty much the same at a cheaper price. Credits given to the fried chicken.
Value	☆☆☆ Despite the nicely renovated interior, I still find the price a bit at the high side but still affordable.
Service	☆☆☆ Understaff and not attentive. Difficult in communication sometimes.
Cleanliness	☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours	10:45am until 9:30pm (Daily)
Wifi	N/A
Parking	Yes
Website	N/A

GPS: 13.744523, 100.534257