Established in 2012 in the heart of Bangkok's bustling Sala Daeng district, Somtum Der brought authentic, yet contemporary, Isan (Northeastern Thai) cuisine to Bangkokians who had grown accustomed to traditional Thai food that had over time become "watered down" to suit Western tastes. In just 18 months Somtum Der Bangkok has been warmly embraced by locals, expatriates and tourists. Somtum Der has now ventured into the United States and curious palates of New York City, presenting a unique opportunity for New Yorkers to encounter and enjoy authentic Isan food.
Starting as a collaboration of friends Thanaruek (Eh) Laoraowirodge and Kornthanut Thongnum who have close ties to the Isan region, Somtum Der incorporates Chef Korn's thoughtfully conceived recipes to showcase the best of Northeastern Thai cuisine, with sharp contrasts in flavors, abundant use of Thai chilis, lime juice, palm sugar and fermented fish sauce. They have partnered with long time family friend, Supanee Kitmahawong, a Bangkok transplant who has been actively involved in restaurant management and ownership in New York City for more than a decade. The team has turned their focus to New York’s Somtum Der, with the objective of offering New Yorkers the opportunity to taste the food and culture of Isan.
The restaurant’s genuine spirit of Isan is reflected in every bite. Starting from the name of the restaurant with
somtum (papaya salad), the most famous Isan food and the word
der, a common suffix widely used in Isan region to indicate a warm invitation.
