Joanna James
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is not only known for its stunning natural landscapes, but also for its rich culinary heritage. From aromatic curries to fresh seafood, here are the top 8 traditional Thai dishes that you must try when visiting Koh Samui, each offering a unique and unforgettable taste of the island.
Tom Yum Goong is perhaps the most famous Thai soup, renowned for its spicy and tangy flavour profile. This hot and sour soup is typically made with fresh shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, Thai bird’s eye chilies, and lime juice. The vibrant flavours are enhanced with fish sauce and sugar, creating the perfect balance of salty, sour, spicy, and sweet. Tom Yum Goong is a must-try dish in Koh Samui, especially when paired with a bowl of steamed rice to help balance the intensity. You can order this and dine under the stars even at popular luxury resorts such as Avani+ Samui Resort.
Som Tum is a refreshing and zesty salad that is beloved across Thailand, especially in Koh Samui. Made with shredded green papaya, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar, this dish is known for its perfect combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour flavours. It’s often served with roasted peanuts and dried shrimp, adding an extra layer of texture and umami. The salad is typically pounded in a mortar and pestle to release the natural flavours and create a well-mixed, slightly chunky consistency. While Som Tum is usually vegetarian, variations with grilled chicken or salted crab are also available for a more substantial meal.
A rich, fragrant, and mildly spicy curry, Massaman Curry is a dish with Persian and Indian influences that have been embraced into Thai cuisine. The dish typically features tender chunks of beef or chicken, cooked slowly in a thick curry sauce made from coconut milk, potatoes, onions, peanuts, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. The creaminess of the coconut milk combined with the warm spices creates a comforting and flavourful dish that is often served with steamed rice.
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most recognisable creations and can be found in nearly every restaurant in Koh Samui. This stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles with a careful balance of flavours, from sweet and sour to salty and umami. Pad Thai is made by stir-frying the noodles with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and then adding eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, and a special sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chilli. Though it’s a street food staple in Thailand, the dish is often elevated at high-end Koh Samui restaurants, where you can enjoy contemporary Pad Thai with fresh local ingredients.
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai is a classic Thai green curry made with chicken, coconut milk, and a rich blend of fresh herbs and spices. The key ingredients include green curry paste, which is made from fresh green chillies and a variety of aromatics. The curry is cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, fragrant, and slightly spicy dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
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.
