People wait patiently and often order 3 or 4 servings to take home. No one seems to mind the long wait, in part because it is mesmerizing to watch the chef as she pounds and mixes the salad. It is not difficult to make at home but it can be hard to find the green papaya; your best bet is an Asian market. There are many traditional versions of green papaya salad and nearly all include dried shrimp, which you also can find in Asian markets. Clay mortars are inexpensive and have the right shape and capacity for making this salad. If you do not have one, a large Japanese suribachi will also work well. In a pinch, use a large stainless steel mixing bowl and a French rolling pin.
The salad is made in a deep clay mortar.