Northeast, also known as Isan, is a high plateau, with low rainfall and porous soil. The cuisine is simple and is traditionally eaten on a pa kao table made from bamboo or rattan. Food in the Northeast is hot, salty and sour. Papaya salad (sohm tahm), sour chopped meat salad (koi), and sour minced chicken, beef, or pork salad (larb) are favorites. Many condiments are used but not many dried spices in this region. Meals are based on sticky rice and a strong paste called nam phrik pla ra (spicy dipping sauce of fermented fish and chilis) accompanied by raw wild and cultivated vegetables and herbs.