Thailand Guide

Pla Som in Chiang Mai ปลาส้ม

Pla som is sour fermented fish, usually fried. It is a Northern and Isan sour plate, eaten with sticky rice and raw veg.

Chiang Mai60 to 120 THBpla som Thai food hub
Thaiปลาส้ม · pla som
StyleSour fermented fish
CookUsually fried
RiceSticky rice

What it tastes like

  • Sour, fishy, and crisp at the edge if fried. Chili and garlic on the side. It should not taste like fish-and-chips.

How to order it

  • Thai name: pla som (ปลาส้ม).
  • Say: Khor pla som thot, khrap/kha.
  • Thot means fried. If you avoid fermented fish, skip it.

Typical price

  • 2026 cash: 60 to 120 THB.

Where to try it

  • Warorot and Northern lunch rooms, Warorot Market; Huen Phen for a table plate. Morning market; lunch room later. 60 to 120 THB. A small sour plate. Pair with a dip, not a second fermented fish.

Spice level and diet

  • Heat: The fish is sour. Chili is the add.
  • Diet: Fermented fish. Not a first-trip safe plate if you avoid that.

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Common questions

Raw?
The ferment is sour. Frying cooks the piece. Ask if you want it well fried.
Very fishy?
Yes. That is the plate.