Som Tum Jinda

Som Tum Jinda brings its celebrated Isan culinary tradition to 356 College Street, taking over the former Caplansky's Deli space near the corner of Brunswick Avenue. Originating from Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand with decades of history, the restaurant expanded its footprint following the success of its original Gerrard Street East location and a suburban outpost. Operating on the borders of Kensington Market and Little Italy, the room offers a casual, vibrant space for urban diners seeking punchy, authentic regional Thai cooking without downtown pretense.

True to its name, the kitchen specializes in customizable som tum papaya salads prepared with traditional fermented fish paste, fresh chilies, garlic, and lime, alongside robust dishes like grilled pork jowl and regional soups. Diners should be prepared for authentic heat levels that lean heavily into spicy, savoury, and funky profiles rather than standard sweet-tasting pad Thai variations. The menu is structured for sharing across various plates of noodles, stir-fries, and grilled meats, making it well-suited for groups wanting to sample widely across northeastern Thai street food staples.