Koh Samui, renowned for its stunning beaches and tropical beauty, is also a haven for food lovers. The island offers a rich variety of dining experiences, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants, allowing visitors and residents alike to explore the best of Thai and international cuisine. Whether you’re seeking traditional Thai flavors, fresh seafood, or gourmet dining, Koh Samui’s food scene is as diverse as its scenery. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the island’s must-try culinary delights.

1. Authentic Thai Cuisine

No trip to Koh Samui is complete without sampling authentic Thai cuisine. Known for its bold flavors, Thai food combines sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes in dishes that are both complex and balanced. On Koh Samui, you’ll find an array of restaurants and street vendors serving up local specialties.

•   Pad Thai – One of Thailand’s most famous dishes, Pad Thai is a must-try. Made with stir-fried rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, egg, and a tangy tamarind sauce, it’s a staple of the island’s street food scene.
•   Tom Yum Goong – This spicy and sour shrimp soup is packed with flavors from lemongrass, lime, and chili. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its vibrant taste.
•   Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad) – This refreshing salad, made with shredded papaya, peanuts, and a spicy lime dressing, is a perfect dish for hot days on the island.
•   Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry) – Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, green curry is a must for curry lovers. Made with coconut milk, green curry paste, and a choice of meat or vegetables, this dish is a crowd favorite.

Whether you visit local markets, beachside eateries, or fine dining establishments, you’ll find that authentic Thai food is abundant and affordable throughout the island.

2. Seafood Delights

Being surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is a seafood lover’s paradise. The island’s restaurants are known for serving the freshest catches of the day, from grilled fish and shrimp to squid and crabs. Many restaurants offer beachfront dining, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean.

•   Grilled Seafood Platters – Popular at both local eateries and upscale restaurants, seafood platters often include an assortment of grilled fish, prawns, squid, and lobster, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
•   Seafood BBQ – Many beachfront restaurants offer BBQ seafood, where you can select your own fresh seafood and have it grilled to perfection.
•   Chaweng Night Market – For a more casual experience, visit Chaweng Night Market, where you can find a variety of seafood stalls selling grilled fish, prawns, and crab at reasonable prices.

Koh Samui’s seafood is not only fresh but also prepared using traditional Thai methods, blending local herbs and spices to enhance the natural flavors of the ocean.

3. International Cuisine

Koh Samui’s diverse expat community and influx of tourists have led to a wide variety of international cuisine being available on the island. From Italian pasta to Japanese sushi, the island’s dining scene caters to global tastes.

•   Italian – For those craving Italian cuisine, there are several restaurants on Koh Samui that offer authentic wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and classic dishes like lasagna and risotto. Popular spots like Pepenero in Bophut are known for their high-quality ingredients and traditional Italian recipes.
•   Japanese – Sushi lovers will be pleased with the number of Japanese restaurants on the island. Fresh sashimi, tempura, and ramen are popular menu items. Namu, located at the W Koh Samui, is well-regarded for its modern Japanese fusion cuisine.
•   French – If you’re in the mood for French cuisine, Koh Samui boasts several bistros offering classics like coq au vin, escargot, and croque-monsieur. Chez Francois is a fine dining favorite, offering an intimate setting and a carefully curated French menu.

The international food scene on Koh Samui ensures that visitors can enjoy a taste of home or explore new global flavors.

4. Street Food and Night Markets

One of the most exciting ways to experience Koh Samui’s food culture is through its bustling street food scene and vibrant night markets. The island’s night markets are filled with food stalls offering a variety of local and regional dishes at affordable prices.

•   Chaweng Night Market – A must-visit for foodies, Chaweng Night Market offers a range of street food options, from grilled meats and seafood to noodle soups and sweet treats. Don’t miss trying the popular Thai pancakes, known as roti, filled with banana and drizzled with condensed milk.
•   Fisherman’s Village Walking Street – Every Friday, Fisherman’s Village turns into a lively night market, with food vendors lining the streets. Here, you can sample everything from skewered meats and grilled seafood to tropical fruit smoothies and Thai desserts.
•   Mae Nam Walking Street – On Thursdays, the Mae Nam Walking Street comes alive with street food vendors and local artisans. It’s a great place to try regional Thai dishes, such as khao soi (a northern Thai curry noodle soup) and moo ping (grilled pork skewers).

Street food in Koh Samui is a great way to explore the island’s diverse culinary offerings while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets.

5. Farm-to-Table Dining

Koh Samui has embraced the farm-to-table movement, with several restaurants focusing on locally sourced, organic ingredients. These establishments prioritize sustainability and freshness, offering dishes that highlight the flavors of the island’s natural produce.

•   The Farmer’s Table – Located in Maenam, this restaurant is known for using organic, locally grown vegetables and herbs in its dishes. The menu features a mix of Thai and Western dishes, all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
•   Sweet Sisters Café – This café in the south of the island offers organic, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, made with ingredients sourced from local farms. Their focus on healthy, sustainable food makes it a popular spot for conscious eaters.

Farm-to-table dining allows visitors to enjoy fresh, nutritious meals while supporting local farmers and sustainable practices on Koh Samui.

Koh Samui’s food scene offers something for everyone, from the adventurous foodie to those seeking comfort in familiar flavors. Whether you’re enjoying street food at a bustling night market, indulging in fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, or savoring international cuisine, Koh Samui promises a memorable culinary experience. With so many options to choose from, the island is a paradise not only for beach lovers but for food lovers as well.