Joanna James
Street food in Thailand is something that you can readily sample throughout the course of the day. Aside from being dirt cheap, these tasty delicacies are popular in areas such as Koh Samui too.
For a dish which is both sticky and succulent with every bite, consider munching on some sticky rice along with a choice of your favourite BBQ meat that can range from chicken, fish to even squid. Sold for between 10-20 Baht per skewer, this delicacy is a must have whenever you find yourself strolling down the streets of Koh Samui.
If you desire a serving that combines the best of both worlds so to speak, then few would be able to outdo the value and taste of Khao Mok Kai. Simply meaning chicken rice, this sought-after street food variant features chicken smeared in a host of spices prior to being tossed in hot oil while the rice is boiled well in a mix of oil, garlic and turmeric. Accompanied by a sweet chilli sauce, sliced cucumber and bowl of chicken broth, a portion of Khao Mok Kai will cost you between 30-50 Baht.
With a reputation that includes being listed on leading food polls in the world with amazing consistency, Pad Thai which can also be written ‘Phad Thai’ is a type of hawker fare that you should never miss out on. Fried rice noodles are the chief ingredient which is first soaked and then stir-fried in egg. After this, garlic, lime, fish sauce, tamarind, bean sprout, tofu, dried fish, red chilli pepper and finely chopped roasted peanuts go in to this flavourful serving which is complete with chicken, pork and shrimp for one hearty meal. Average costs hover between 40-80 Baht.
Fans of piping hot noodle-based broths will be thrilled to bits to find out that Koh Samui is where they can taste some of the best Kway Tiao in all of Thailand. Made with a choice of wiry or flat noodles along with either chicken, pork, beef or seafood; Kway Tiao also includes a generous selection of fresh veggies. To cap it all off, white vinegar, fish sauce, chilli and a host of other condiments are carefully mixed in with the meat and noodles to make one rich broth that you will dearly love.
A major part of Thailand’s street food culture is its dessert scene which will be music to the ears of the passionate sweet tooth out there. The Thai Pancake is one such delicacy which is the result of condensed milk, egg, coconut, sugar, sliced banana and jam coming together for one crispy and tasty snack you will hardly grow tired of.
Rivalling those served at local bars, the appealing Street Cocktail will be a great thirst quencher to have as you meander through Koh Samui’s streets endeavouring to beat the heat. With choices such as a tequila and mojito, one will have the unique pleasure of enjoying this beverage in a simple plastic cup for nothing more than 100 Baht.
Packed with plenty of nutrition, the array of tropical fruits found at Koh Samui’s markets will be pleasing on the eye and an outstanding alternative to all things fried and spicy. Take your pick from pineapples, mangoes, rambutans, watermelons and dragon fruit that will surely come off as a worthy distraction for your palate and tastebuds. Staying at Santiburi Koh Samui which possesses its own Thai restaurants Koh Samui is known for will have you well placed to check out markets in the likes of Maenam Walking Street where such treats can be experienced.
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.
