Tam Som is one of the popular Lao (Laos) dishes. It is Laos version of Thailand's Som Tam. Tam Som refers to a spicy salad made from sliced/grated green Papaya fruit mixed with herbs and spices, like chili peppers and garlic; tomatoes, ground peanuts, field crabs and flavored by freshly squeezed lime juice and fish sauce called Naam Paa, the universal Lao condiment.
Tam Som is usually eaten with Khao Niaw (sticky rice), grilled chicken (Ping Kai) and accompanies other Lao dishes.