There are numerous variations but the essentials remain the same, as do the principles of preparing the dish. Whether you are after a healthy snack or a refreshing light meal, the main ingredients consist of shredded green papaya, garlic, chillies -- all fresh and "tummed," that is, pounded with a clay or wood pestle and mortar.
Depending on the type of salad, it can be mixed with some preserved crab, peanuts, fresh crab, fresh snake beans, dried shrimps, preserved Gouramy fish and rice noodles. In addition to the standard papaya, cucumbers, green mangoes and snake beans can also be used as the main ingredient, making a different type of som tam salad but with a similar texture.
Just as bread is to butter, a side of sticky rice makes the meal complete, its glutinuous texture a nice contrast to the fresh, sharp flavors. The rice cushions the spiciness of the chilies and strength of the fish sauces.
Marinated charcoal grilled chicken, a side of fresh cabbage and snake beans, or maybe some grilled marinated catfish are also popular accompaniments to a satisfying som tam meal.