Somtum Der
Somtum Der took the food of Isan — Thailand's northeastern heartland of pounded salads, grilled meats and fermented fire — and served it with enough polish to earn Michelin recognition in Bangkok and a star, for a time, for its New York offshoot. The Sala Daeng original remains the one to visit: som tam in a dozen variations pounded to order (the classic Thai style for beginners, the fermented-crab Lao style for the brave), larb with its livery herbs, sticky rice in baskets, and a deep-fried chicken that competes with the salad for the table's affection. The room is bright, casual and quick, minutes from Sala Daeng BTS and Silom's hotels, which makes it the easiest serious Isan meal in central Bangkok — and a gentle, well-labelled introduction to a cuisine that street vendors serve without translation. Good to know: dishes are priced for ordering widely — a som tam, the fried chicken, a larb and rice feeds two well. Spice levels are asked and honoured; Isan 'medium' is Bangkok 'hot'. Peak dinner brings a short wait, and the lunch sets are one of Silom's quiet bargains.
Taste more of Bangkok
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Somtum Der — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Somtum Der, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
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Somtum Der: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Somtum Der worth visiting?
Somtum Der holds a 4.4★ rating from 2,617 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of Somtum Der?
Somtum Der is typically open 11:00-23:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is Somtum Der?
Somtum Der is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Bangkok.
When is the best time to visit Somtum Der?
The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).
Where is Somtum Der located?
Somtum Der is at 5, 5 Thanon Sala Daeng, Si Lom, Khet Bang Rak, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
5, 5 Thanon Sala Daeng, Si Lom, Khet Bang Rak082 294 2363www.somtumder.com/home.htmlVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near Somtum Der
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places
Фуд корт Люмпини парка
A casual open-air food court beside Lumphini Park, popular with morning joggers for fresh juices and cheap Thai eats.
Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop
Open-air fine dining and cocktails on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, with panoramic Bangkok skyline views.
Taweewong Thawanyasak Food Court
A reliable multi-vendor food court in central Bangkok's Pathum Wan, open daily from 6am.
Saawaan
A Michelin-calibre Thai fine dining experience in Sathon, serving inventive set menus nightly from 5:30 PM.
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Where to stay near Somtum Der
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter