Joanna James
Heading to Koh Samui anytime soon? You’re in for an absolute treat! The island has a fantastic food scene that attracts foodies from all around the world. These are the must-try dishes.
A sweet and sticky Thai treat, Kalamae is made from glutinous rice flour, palm sugar, and coconut cream. It’s especially popular in southern Thailand, and Koh Samui is particularly known for it. Kalamae is like the Thai version of caramel. You can find it in markets around the island – your best chance is at markets near the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks.
Koh Samui is an island surrounded by waters teeming with fish, so it’s no wonder that seafood is a big hit here. You’ll find all sorts of seafood dishes – fish, crab, lobster, prawns, squid, shellfish, and even seaweed are available, all caught daily. It’s all cooked in the most scrumptious Thai manner, with exotic spices and condiments like tamarind, lemon, ginger, basil, and creamy coconut sauces. Try Thai seafood, and your palate will be transformed forever. Where can you find these delicious dishes? Try Koh Samui restaurants – some resorts, like Avani+Samui Resort, feature on-site restaurants too.
One of Thailand’s most beloved dishes, Tom Yum is a hot and sour soup that originated in northeast Thailand and Laos. However, over time, it has evolved to suit preferences in different regions. In Koh Samui, you’ll find the seafood version – locals love to add prawns to the soup. It’s packed with flavour from ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, and crushed chillies. Keep in mind, though, that the traditional Thai version is super spicy! If you’re not used to heat, ask for a milder version.
This is a simple fried rice dish loved by foreigners because it’s not very spicy. It’s Koh Samui’s version of fast food. Based on your preference, you can ask the cook to add chicken, pork, prawns, crab, or even tofu. This dish comes from central Thailand and is made with jasmine rice, egg, garlic, and oyster sauce – all tossed together in a wok, which gives it a lovely, delectable smoky flavour. Fried rice usually comes with a side of cucumber, tomato, and a wedge of lime.
Another beloved Thai dish you must try in Koh Samui, Phad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that has been around since the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It’s believed to have Chinese and Vietnamese roots. It’s made with egg, tofu, rice noodles, tamarind, chilli, palm sugar, and soybeans. Like with Khao Phad, you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preference.
A spicy cold salad originating in Laos, Som Tam is now popular all over Southeast Asia. Locals love to have it with sticky rice and grilled chicken. The strong, bold flavours come from the addition of ingredients like hot chilli, palm sugar, fish sauce, and sour lime. All these exotic flavours are crushed together and then mixed into thinly sliced papaya. Some like to add dried shrimp, crab, tomatoes, long beans, aubergine, and roasted peanuts too.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
