Koh Samui is not only famous for its stunning beaches and lively nightlife but also for its delicious Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to explore new flavors, Thai cuisine has something for everyone. Here are the 10 best dishes to order in a Thai restaurant in Koh Samui.
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Thai cuisine. This flavorful and filling noodle dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Koh Samui. It’s made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, and a protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The dish is flavored with a mix of tangy tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice, which gives it a unique and delicious taste.
One of the great things about Pad Thai is that it’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences. For example, you can add more spice with chili flakes or make it milder by leaving them out. You can also customize the protein, making it vegetarian or with your choice of meat.
You can find Pad Thai on almost every menu in Koh Samui, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. It’s a popular dish for locals and tourists alike and is often served with a side of lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and chili flakes for you to add as desired.
When ordering Pad Thai in Koh Samui, be sure to ask for it to be cooked “Thai style” if you want an authentic experience. This means the dish will be cooked with a bit more spice, fish sauce, and palm sugar, giving it a richer and more complex flavor.
Overall, Pad Thai is a must-try dish when visiting Koh Samui. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s a dish you won’t want to miss.
2. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its unique blend of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. The dish is made with a fragrant broth, which is created by simmering a variety of herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, in a pot of water. To this broth, fresh prawns or shrimp are added, along with vegetables such as mushrooms and tomatoes.
The dish’s flavor profile is enhanced by the use of fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar, which gives it a balance of salty, sour, and sweet flavors. The result is a mouthwatering soup that is both refreshing and comforting, making it a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
In Koh Samui, you can find Tom Yum Goong in most Thai restaurants, from street food vendors to high-end eateries. It is often served as an appetizer or as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Many restaurants also offer variations of the dish, such as Tom Yum with chicken or seafood.
If you’re a fan of bold and flavorful cuisine, Tom Yum Goong is a must-try dish during your visit to Koh Samui. Its combination of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
3. Green Curry
Green curry is a staple in Thai cuisine and a must-try dish when in Koh Samui. This creamy curry is made using a combination of fresh green chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, shallots, and other aromatic herbs and spices, simmered in coconut milk. The result is a flavorful and slightly spicy dish that is perfect for warming up on a cool evening.
Green curry can be made with various proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, and is often served with steamed rice or noodles. The curry paste is typically made from scratch using a mortar and pestle, giving the dish a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated with pre-made curry pastes.
One of the best places to try green curry in Koh Samui is at the local night markets or in small, family-run restaurants. The dish is often made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, making it a truly authentic Thai experience.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can ask the cook to make the curry less spicy or to omit the chilies altogether. This will result in a milder but still delicious version of the dish.
Overall, green curry is a classic Thai dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and eager to try more Thai cuisine.
4. Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a unique and delicious Thai curry that has become increasingly popular around the world. Originating from Southern Thailand, this rich and flavorful dish is a blend of Indian and Thai influences and is known for its complex blend of flavors and spices.
The dish usually consists of a protein such as chicken or beef, which is simmered in a fragrant and aromatic sauce made from coconut milk, Massaman curry paste, and a range of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and bay leaves. This gives the curry a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both sweet and savory, with a hint of heat.
One of the most distinctive features of Massaman Curry is the use of roasted peanuts or cashew nuts, which give the dish a satisfying crunch and add an extra layer of depth to the flavor. This, combined with the tender chunks of meat and soft potatoes, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
In Koh Samui, Massaman Curry is a popular dish and can be found on the menus of many Thai restaurants across the island. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer milder curries but still want to experience the rich and complex flavors of Thai cuisine.
Overall, Massaman Curry is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Koh Samui or Thailand in general. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a unique texture and depth that makes it stand out from other Thai curries. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer something milder, Massaman Curry is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.
5. Pad Krapow Moo
Pad Krapow Moo, also known as Thai Basil Pork, is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s popular among locals and tourists alike in Koh Samui. The dish consists of stir-fried minced pork with garlic, chili, and holy basil, served over steamed rice. It’s a spicy and savory dish that’s easy to prepare and bursts with flavor.
The secret to the dish’s delicious taste lies in the combination of fresh ingredients, including spicy chili peppers and aromatic holy basil. Holy basil, also known as tulsi, has a slightly sweet and spicy flavor that’s similar to traditional basil but with a more distinct taste.
One of the best places to try Pad Krapow Moo in Koh Samui is at the local street food stalls. These stalls serve up the dish hot and fresh, with the added bonus of being able to watch the skilled cooks whip up the dish right in front of you.
While the dish traditionally uses pork, it can also be made with chicken, beef, or tofu for those who prefer a vegetarian or halal option. It’s also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences. For example, some people prefer to add a fried egg on top of the dish, while others prefer to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
Overall, Pad Krapow Moo is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Koh Samui who wants to experience the local flavors of Thailand. Its bold and spicy flavor will leave you wanting more, and it’s a great introduction to Thai street food culture.
6. Som Tam
Som Tam, also known as papaya salad, is a popular dish in Thailand and a must-try when visiting Koh Samui. It’s a refreshing and healthy salad made with shredded unripe green papaya, garlic, chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts. The dish has a unique combination of flavors that include sweet, sour, spicy, and salty, which makes it a great appetizer or side dish.
The preparation of Som Tam involves pounding the ingredients together in a large mortar and pestle, which helps to release the flavors and aromas of the ingredients. Traditionally, Som Tam is made with raw shrimp or crab, but you can also find variations with grilled chicken or pork.
In Koh Samui, you can find Som Tam in most Thai restaurants and street food stalls. The dish is usually served with sticky rice and some fresh vegetables like cucumber or carrot. It’s a perfect dish for those looking for a light and healthy option, as the salad is low in calories and high in fiber.
If you want to try something different, you can also try Som Tam with different ingredients like mango, cucumber, or even cooked noodles. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize to your taste preferences.
Overall, Som Tam is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful option. It’s a must-try when visiting Koh Samui and a great way to explore the local cuisine.
7. Panang Curry
Panang Curry is a popular Thai dish that is well-known for its creamy texture and mild spice level. It’s a perfect dish for those who want to try Thai curry but cannot handle too much heat. The dish is made with Panang curry paste, which is a mixture of dried chili peppers, lemongrass, galangal, coriander seeds, and other spices. The paste is then cooked with coconut milk, meat, and vegetables to create a flavorful curry.
The dish typically uses beef, chicken, or seafood as the main ingredient. The meat is first cooked in the Panang curry paste until it’s tender and then simmered in coconut milk to create a creamy and thick consistency. The dish is then flavored with kaffir lime leaves, basil leaves, and palm sugar to add a hint of sweetness to the curry.
Panang curry is usually served with steamed rice and is often garnished with sliced chili peppers, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges. The creamy and mildly spiced curry is perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Thai cuisine without the heat of other curries. It’s a popular dish in Koh Samui and is often found in most Thai restaurants on the island.
If you’re looking to try a new Thai curry, then Panang curry is definitely worth trying. The rich and creamy texture, along with the mild spice level, makes it a crowd-pleaser and a favorite among locals and tourists alike. So, head over to a Thai restaurant in Koh Samui and order yourself a bowl of delicious Panang curry to satisfy your taste buds.
8. Khao Soi
Khao Soi is a must-try dish for those visiting Koh Samui and seeking to explore the unique flavors of northern Thai cuisine. This flavorful noodle soup is made with tender chicken or beef, boiled egg noodles, and a rich, savory curry broth that’s infused with the aroma of spices like turmeric and cumin.
The dish is typically served with a variety of condiments, including lime wedges, pickled mustard greens, crispy fried noodles, and sliced shallots. These add-ons provide a pleasant crunch and a burst of sourness that balances the richness of the broth.
What makes Khao Soi stand out is the unique combination of ingredients and flavors that are distinct to northern Thai cuisine. The dish originated in Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, and has since spread across the country, making its way to popular tourist destinations like Koh Samui.
Khao Soi is a great dish to enjoy during the cooler months of the year when the weather is more conducive to enjoying a warm and comforting bowl of soup. Whether you’re looking for something spicy or mild, this dish can be adjusted to your taste preferences by adding more or less chili paste. So don’t hesitate to give Khao Soi a try during your visit to Koh Samui.
9. Laab
Laab, also spelled as larb or laap, is a popular dish in Northeastern Thailand (Isan) and Laos. It is a spicy salad made with minced meat, typically pork or chicken, mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. The dish is known for its bold and spicy flavors and is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their food.
The main ingredient of laab is minced meat, which is first cooked with garlic, shallots, and chili peppers. The cooked meat is then mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, roasted rice powder, and herbs like mint, cilantro, and scallions. The roasted rice powder gives the dish a unique nutty flavor and adds texture to the dish.
Laab can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with steamed sticky rice. It is commonly eaten with fresh vegetables like lettuce and cabbage, which are used to wrap the meat mixture. The dish is also sometimes served with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes to add freshness to the dish.
In Koh Samui, laab can be found in many Thai restaurants and street food stalls. It is a great dish for those who want to try something new and experience the bold flavors of Northeastern Thai cuisine.
10. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango sticky rice, also known as khao neow mamuang, is a popular dessert in Thailand and can be found in many Thai restaurants in Koh Samui. This sweet and delicious dessert is made with glutinous rice, which is cooked in coconut milk and sugar, and then topped with fresh ripe mango slices.
To make this dessert, the glutinous rice is soaked for several hours or overnight to make it more tender. It is then steamed with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a rich and creamy flavor. The rice is then shaped into a mound and topped with fresh slices of sweet and juicy mango.
The combination of sweet, sticky rice and ripe mango creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creaminess of the coconut milk and the sweetness of the mango complement the chewy texture of the glutinous rice.
Mango sticky rice is not only delicious but also a healthy dessert option. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in fat, making it a guilt-free treat. It’s also a great source of carbohydrates and provides a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
In Koh Samui, you can find mango sticky rice in most Thai restaurants, especially those that specialize in traditional Thai cuisine. It’s often served as a dessert after a spicy meal, providing a refreshing and satisfying finish to the dining experience.
Overall, mango sticky rice is a must-try dessert when in Koh Samui. Its unique flavor and texture will leave you wanting more, and it’s the perfect way to end a delicious Thai meal.
In conclusion, Koh Samui has some of the best Thai food in Thailand, and these dishes are a must-try for anyone visiting the island. From spicy curries to refreshing salads and sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone. So, go ahead and explore the local cuisine and discover new flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
