Nam chimornam jim (Thai: น้ำจิ้ม, IPA: [ná(ː)m tɕîm]) is Thai for "dipping sauce". It can refer to a wide variety of dipping sauces in Thai cuisine, with many of them a combination of salty, sweet, spicy and sour.[1]
Nam chim chaeo
| |
| Type | Dip |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Thailand |
| Region or state | Southeast Asia |
| Created by | Thai people |
Nam chim tend to be more watery in consistency than nam phrik (Thai chili pastes). Although Sriracha sauce is commonly known as sot Sriracha in Thailand (sot is the Thai pronunciation of the English word sauce), it is sometimes called nam chim Srirachaornam phrik Sriracha.
A more-or-less generic and basic nam chim is used for grilled or steamed seafood. This sauce contains garlic, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and bird's eye chilies. Variations on this basic recipe find their use as a dipping sauce with and as an integral part of many dishes. Many of the ingredients in a nam chim are finely chopped or pounded in a mortar and pestle or, non-traditionally, ground in a blender.
The history of nam chim can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period of Thailand's history. French diplomat Simon de la Loubère, who visited Siam during the mid-Ayutthaya period, described the use of plain sauces with spices, garlic, chibols, or sweet herbs, as well as a fermented shrimp paste called kapi, which was commonly used to enhance the flavor of dishes.[2] Many types of nam chim used in different dishes are mentioned in various cookbooks, including "Maekrua Hua Pak" (1908–1909) by Mrs. Plian Passakornwong, and "Nang Suea Kap Khao Son Luklan Kap Pholmai Khong Wang Lae Khanom" (1876-1961) by Mrs. Kleep Mahitorn.[3][4] These early dipping sauces evolved over time, with various regional variations and styles emerging, resulting in countless unique blends of flavors and ingredients found in today's nam chim.
Popular dipping sauces in Thailand are:
