Joanna James
Apart from its sun-kissed beaches, delightful weather, and abundance of water sports, Koh Samui offers its visitors the perfect array of mouthwatering local dishes, each one more delicious than the other. Here are 10 must-try dishes for anyone holidaying in this destination!
This bold and tangy curry packs a punch and is made with tamarind, turmeric, and fresh fish. Unlike typical creamy Thai curries, Gaeng Som is light, spicy, and slightly sour – best eaten over a plate of jasmine rice after a long day of swimming in the sea.
A Southern Thai favourite, this crispy fried fish is marinated in fresh turmeric, garlic, and pepper before being deep-fried to perfection. This delectable dish is often served with a spicy chilli dipping sauce and best enjoyed beachside with a cold drink in hand.
For those who wish to indulge in something a bit healthy, Khao Yam is the perfect option. It combines rice with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, dried shrimp, and a delicious sauce that is spicy yet sweet.
Tender pork belly, which is slow-cooked in soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper, with just a tinge of sweetness, Moo Hong is Southern Thai comfort food at its best. Typically eaten with rice, Moo Hong is a rich, savoury, and comforting dish that is a local favourite.
Soft rice noodles served with a rich, spicy fish curry sauce, topped with fresh vegetables and herbs—this dish has long been a street food staple in Koh Samui. The creamy curry combined with the noodles makes for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Stink beans may not sound appealing to the average tourist in Koh Samui, but locals swear by their bold flavour. This is usually stir-fried with shrimp, garlic, and chilli paste, showcasing a unique flavour that pairs wonderfully with a cold beer in hand.
Unlike the famous Tom Yum, this lesser-known but just as delicious and comforting soup uses galangal, lemongrass, and lime juice to whip up a clear, sour broth. It’s typically cooked with Pla Krabok, a local fish, giving the dish a distinct Koh Samui flavour. When it comes to pool side dining, Koh Samui excels in this area, providing guests with the perfect combination of scrumptious food with a relaxing atmosphere. Those on the search for hotels to stay in Koh Samui can opt to stay at properties like Santiburi Koh Samui.
This Chinese-influenced dish features boiled eggs and pork belly stewed in a broth consisting of soy sauce, garlic, and a five-spice powder. It’s sweet, savoury, and comforting – perfect for anyone craving something hearty and comforting.
Steamed in banana leaves, this curried seafood custard combines coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh local seafood such as prawn, squid and mussels. It’s silky, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.
A favourite late-night treat, Thai-style roti is thin, crispy, and often filled with banana slices and egg before being placed on the grill and then drizzled with sweetened condensed milk. Fried on street carts all over Koh Samui, it’s the perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, and deliciously indulgent.
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.
