Joanna James
Planning your next vacation to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui? Sure enough, you will enjoy the stunning beaches and the wonderful locals around. But you can also experience the island through the smells of boiling noodles as you walk across the street or even the freshness of a papaya salad on your tongue...here's what to eat to give your palate a Thai treat.
Pad Thai is a Thai street food classic that has gained global acclaim. In Koh Samui, you'll find this dish expertly prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Rice noodles are stir-fried with succulent shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and flavoured with a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and savoury ingredients like tamarind paste, fish sauce, and chilli flakes. Topped with crushed peanuts and served with lime wedges, Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying choice and certainly hits differently when you try it from authentic restaurants in Koh Samui.
Tom Yum Goong is a quintessential Thai soup renowned for its bold flavours. This hot and sour soup features plump shrimp (goong) immersed in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilli. The result is a tantalizing mix of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavours that make it a Thai favourite. Enjoy this soup as an appetizer or a hearty main course.
Green Curry, or Gaeng Keow Wan, is a Thai classic that blends spicy, sweet, and creamy flavours together. Prepared with tender chicken, succulent seafood, or fragrant tofu, it features a rich green curry paste made from green chillies, garlic, and Thai herbs. Coconut milk imparts a creamy texture, while Thai eggplants, bamboo shoots, and fresh basil add depth to this flavorful dish.
Som Tum is a refreshing Thai salad that embodies the perfect balance of flavours and textures. Shredded unripe papaya is combined with fresh lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, chillies, and palm sugar to create a sweet, spicy, and tangy dressing. Crushed peanuts and tomatoes add crunch and colour. This vibrant dish is perfect for those seeking a zesty and healthy Thai culinary experience.
Massaman Curry, with its roots in Persian and Indian cuisine, is a unique and indulgent Thai dish. In Koh Samui, you'll savour a rich and aromatic curry made with tender beef, chicken, or tofu, slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, massaman curry paste, and roasted peanuts. The result is a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet curry that's often garnished with potatoes and served with fragrant jasmine rice.
One thing you cannot miss when it comes to tasting Thai cuisine in Koh Samui is the seafood for which this island is well-known. In Koh Samui, you'll come across the freshest ingredients like crabs, lobster, squid, prawns, seaweed and a different variety of fish and shellfish. Dishes with these ingredients are prepared the Thai way with lemon, ginger, tamarind, coconut sauces and basil to bring out rich flavours when served with rice giving you a good reason to step out of your hotel room at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort for lunch!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
