Pla Taphian Tom Khem (Salty and Sweet Java Barb Stew) Thai Food Recipes… This stew, a blend of salty and sweet flavours, tinged with a little hot kick, is best with the heavily-bony taphian (java barb) in it. Its popularity lies in the exquisite tasting white flesh, pure and simple. Left to stew on the stove for an extended period of time, the minuscule bones turn to mush, making the entire fish yummy and easy to chew, and rich in calcium to boot.