The Local Cuisine Specialties of Koh Samui and Surat Thani

The island of Koh Samui contains a bounty of culinary delights that are hidden to many tourists. While the island itself teems with fresh seafood, coconuts, and native vegetables, not much is known about the local cuisine specialties of both Koh Samui and its home province of Surat Thani.

But the local cuisine of Koh Samui and Surat Thani may no longer be among the hidden gems of the region. Guests who are open to trying new things may want to start their exploration of Koh Samui cuisine with these offerings, which make the most out of the island’s native ingredients.

6 Local Culinary Specialties Within Koh Samui and Surat Thani

While many local specialties are available at markets and home-style restaurants, enthusiasts of fine dining and modern Thai cuisine are also taking notice and serving their takes of popular recipes from Koh Samui and Surat Thani. These recipes go beyond the familiar comfort of curries and pad thai to deliver unique experiences.

1. Crab Curry

Curried crab is common in Southeast Asia, but in Koh Samui it’s prepared with fish paste, crab marrow, and betel leaves in addition to coconut milk and herbs. Try the local crab curry with rice or noodles for a twist on a classic recipe.

2. Wai Khua

Food and travel magazines have started featuring this Koh Samui specialty based on its presence in restaurants and home kitchens. Recipes for wai khua may differ—some cooks use octopus, while others use squid–but the constant is the coconut curry broth, pink with shrimp paste and flavored with an array of fresh local herbs.

3. Stir-Fried Malindjo Leaves with Egg

This dish from Southern Thailand is a popular side dish in homes and restaurants across Koh Samui and Surat Thani. Malindjo leaves are like spinach in color, consistency, and texture. Stir-frying the leaves with eggs and not only makes the dish healthy but substantial enough to stand up to the spiciness of curries.

4. Sour Curry

In Koh Samui, yellow curry is prepared with local seafood such as grouper or seabass cooked in a puckery yellow broth with a soup-like consistency. Some recipes add coconut shoots for an extra dimension of flavor and texture.

5. Squid Cooked in Ink

Fishermen in Koh Samui and Surat Thani swear by this dish to keep them satisfied during long hours at sea. The region’s version of the Thai seafood dish involves stuffing the squid with sticky rice before frying it in squid ink or soy sauce, or a combination of both. In some cases, herbs are added to make the dish more aromatic.

6. Sea Urchin Salad

Koh Samui’s sea urchin may not be as creamy as Japanese uni, but when combined with a spicy mango salad it takes on a whole new dimension of flavor. This dish is also a common favorite with local fishermen who prepare sea urchin alongside the catch of the day.

How To Try Koh Samui and Surat Thani’s Culinary Delights

While local establishments can make authentic versions of Koh Samui’s cuisine specialties, the best way to ensure both freshness and authenticity is to consult with the private chef at your luxury villa in Koh Samui. Working with a private chef ensures the high quality of ingredients and culinary skill that goes into the preparation of these dishes.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the attention to detail that private chefs can bring to every step of the process, from securing ingredients at the local market to cooking and preparation. An additional bonus of working with a private chef is discussing substitutions or modifications to dishes that may trigger food sensitivities for guests.

For those who want to try specialties in a more refined environment, each villa’s Guest Experience staff can assist in locating and securing reservations for Koh Samui’s most prestigious restaurants.

Related reading: Get to Know Your Villa Staff

Discover the “Must-Taste” Specialties of The Region

While Koh Samui’s local cuisine specialties may not be as globally popular as pad thai, they represent aspects of the island’s cultural identity that visitors can experience for themselves. This is especially important when it comes to discovering what makes Koh Samui unique among other islands and destinations.

For adventurous eaters, there is nothing more eye-opening than getting your taste buds turned on by Koh Samui’s native specialties. Try any of these dishes when looking for a welcome change from the usual fare at your luxury private villa, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Explore more options for Dining in Koh Samui.

–

Featured Image by Amazing Thailand