Som tam, the ever-popular Thai spicy papaya salad, is ranked fifth in the latest list of the top 500 best dishes issued by the Lonely Planet travel guide.
The magazine for travellers recently released 'The Ultimate Eatlist'' (or Ultimate Eats in the US), a ranked list of the top 500 foodie experiences from all over the world.
The top 10 best dishes, as printed, are: pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain; curry laksa in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; sushi in Tokyo; beef brisket in Texas; som tum (or som tam) in Bangkok; smorrebrod in Copenhagen, Denmark; crayfish in Kaikoura, New Zealand; bibimbap in Seoul; Margherita pizza in Naples, Italy; and dim sum in Hong Kong.
The list was drawn up by the guide's expert food editors, who enlisted the help of chef Adam Liaw and food blogger Leyla Kazim.
The entries were evaluated according to the taste, cultural importance and atmosphere of the location.
Editorial director Tom Hall said "this is not a list of the 500 best restaurants or chefs, or dishes.
This is about the overall experience of eating a particular dish in a specific location."
