Joanna James
The island of Koh Samui boasts an incredible mix of servings that feature as part of its identity. For those seeking such pleasures of Thailand’s exotic south, then here are 10 of the very best types of cuisine.
For your daily dose of greens and spices, look no further than a plate of Spicy Papaya Salad. Often had as a snack or starter, this dish showcases a good number of veggies and chillies that would combine for a healthy and spicy take on Koh Samui’s food culture.
As a Thai dish that will not cost you more than THB 30, Thai Noodle Soup is a must, as you will be able to indulge in an assortment of ingredients that go into preparing one of the simpler local servings. Dried noodles, tofu, shrimp and chopped roasted peanuts are among the main inclusions of this soup, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Looking for a lip-smacking good treat that you will learn to appreciate with every mouthful? Then consider Kway Tiao, which is a dish that combines noodles and a savoury meat broth. Wiry or flat noodles is the chief ingredient while you may pick and choose from seafood, chicken, pork or beef as a worthy complement.
Fans of fried rice would surely gravitate towards the appeal of what Khao Pad stands for. Being a dish that can be transformed into a wholesome vegan option, Khao Pad brings a wide array of ingredients together, which are then stir fried in a wok and thereafter served with an all too familiar smoky flavour. Also, slices of lime, tomato and cucumber are included.
Introduce your taste buds to Koh Samui’s curry scene with a serving or two of Massaman Curry. Treated as a mild yet spicy stew, this island favourite utilises nutmeg, potatoes, carrots, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, bay leaves, mace and star anise that would make for an excellent prelude for what comes next. Massaman Curry can be made with either pork, chicken or beef, depending on personal preferences.
Should you make your way towards a street market at Lamai, Chaweng or Maenam, then you will easily stumble upon stalls selling a certain well-seasoned barbecue delicacy called Satay. Served on a skewer inclusive of a mouthwatering peanut sauce, these meaty treats will be hard to ignore. The Chaweng Night Market, found near Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, which has its own restaurants in Koh Samui can be your ‘go to’ in this regard.
Unlike any pancake you’ve had, the popular Thai Pancake is unique in appearance as it is in taste. Found throughout the streets of Koh Samui, this flavourful pancake makes excellent use of coconut, sugar, egg, condensed milk, sliced banana and a sweet jam that will have you salivating at the ends.
Yet another hallmark of the island’s night markets, Grilled Sticky Rice is a snack that is creatively made. First up, the sticky rice is flattened into circular disks and then smeared in egg yolk before grilled to absolute perfection.
Let your sweet tooth dictate the pace of your foodie adventures within Koh Samui’s markets by indulging in some Kalamae. This speciality dessert from Southern Thailand is the result of glutinous rice flour, coconut cream and palm sugar coming into contact with each other.
Available at local restaurants, enjoying Coconut Ice Cream will be the best way to cap off a truly unforgettable time in Koh Samui. Made from iced coconut shavings, peanuts and dried fruit, avoid feeling guilty if you end up polishing off more than a few scoops of this icy cold treat.
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.
