After taking Saladaeng-born Somtum Der on a world tour with international outlets in cities like New York City, Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo, restauranteur Thanareuk Laoraowirodge has brought the sensational Isaan flavor to Northern Thailand with the recent opening of Somtum Der in Chiang Mai.
Tucked inside the shopping complex One Nimman, the Chiang Mai outpost of Somtum Der is expected to deliver the similar experiences as of the other branches with the modern casual bistro vibe complete with red-framed entrance, blond-wood setting and eye-catching somtum prep area. Beloved signature dishes also make it on the menu here, such as Tum Sua Sakon Nakhon (somtum with fermented fish sauce and heaps of horse tamarinds), deep-fried chicken thigh and coconut milk-marinated grilled pork.
Somtum Der is perhaps the world’s most famous somtum specialist. Having founded the first branch in a small Saladaeng alley, the humble eatery became an overnight sensation and led to the first overseas outlet in Manhattan, which also turned out to be a howling success. Somtum Der in New York received Bib Gourmand recognition in the Michelin Guide New York in 2015, and a year later, became the first somtum eatery in the world to receive a Michelin star.
