Koh Samui — Where to Eat, What to Try, Prices
Koh Samui is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its beaches, coconut palms, and diverse cuisine. From street stalls with cheap and delicious food to beach restaurants with ocean views — Koh Samui offers many culinary experiences. In this article, we'll tell you about the best places to eat in Koh Samui, share tips on choosing restaurants, and help you navigate the variety of offerings on the island.
Top 5 Restaurants in Koh Samui
1. The Cliff Bar & Grill
A restaurant on a cliff with stunning ocean views. The Cliff Bar & Grill offers Thai and international cuisine in an elegant setting. Especially popular for romantic dinners at sunset, when the sun sets behind the horizon, painting the sky in orange and pink tones.
What to definitely try:
- Massaman Curry — mild curry with beef and potatoes
- Grilled Seafood — fresh seafood cooked on the grill
- Thai Iced Tea — traditional Thai iced tea
- Coconut Ice Cream — coconut ice cream
The Cliff is not just a restaurant, it's a culinary journey with stunning views. Here, every dish is served with attention to detail and elegance.
2. Dining on the Rocks
A luxurious restaurant on a cliff with panoramic ocean views. Dining on the Rocks offers refined Thai and international cuisine in a romantic setting. Especially popular for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Restaurant features:
- Panoramic ocean views
- Luxurious atmosphere
- Refined cuisine
- Especially good seafood dishes
3. Zazen Restaurant
A beach restaurant in Bophut with ocean views. Zazen Restaurant offers Thai and international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Especially popular for beach lunches and dinners.
4. The Library
A modern beach restaurant in Chaweng with minimalist design. The Library offers Thai and international cuisine in a stylish setting. Especially popular among young people and tourists.
5. Krua Bophut
An authentic Thai restaurant in the fishing village of Bophut. Krua Bophut offers traditional Thai dishes in an authentic atmosphere. Especially popular among locals and tourists seeking authentic Thai taste.
Street Food in Koh Samui
Street food is the heart of Koh Samui, and here it's at its finest. The island offers many street stalls where you can try authentic Thai food at affordable prices. Be sure to try Massaman Curry — mild curry with beef, which is especially popular on the island.
Best places for street food:
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Night markets in Chaweng — a large night market with many street stalls. Here you can find everything: from traditional Thai dishes to seafood and desserts. Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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Night markets in Lamai — a market on Lamai Beach with many street stalls. Stalls with seafood and Thai food are especially popular. Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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Bophut Fishing Village — a historic area with many restaurants and street stalls. Restaurants with seafood and Thai cuisine are especially popular.
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Street stalls along the beaches — many stalls offer diverse food at affordable prices. Stalls with Pad Thai, seafood, and tropical fruits are especially popular.
Street food in Koh Samui is not only cheap but also incredibly tasty. Local chefs know the secrets of cooking dishes passed down from generation to generation.
Popular Dishes in Koh Samui
Several classic Thai dishes are prepared especially well in Koh Samui. Be sure to try Massaman Curry — mild curry with beef, which is especially popular on the island. Also don't miss Thai Iced Tea — traditional Thai iced tea, which is especially refreshing in hot weather.
Top 5 Dishes to Try in Koh Samui:
- Massaman Curry — mild curry with beef and potatoes
- Thai Iced Tea — traditional Thai iced tea
- Khao Soi — noodle soup in coconut curry
- Coconut Ice Cream — coconut ice cream
- Pad Thai — stir-fried rice noodles with egg and shrimp
Seafood in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is famous for its seafood, which is especially fresh thanks to its proximity to the ocean. Beach restaurants offer diverse seafood dishes, from simple to refined.
Best places for seafood:
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Beach restaurants in Chaweng — many restaurants offer fresh seafood with ocean views. Restaurants are especially popular for sunset dinners.
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Beach restaurants in Lamai — a more peaceful area with beach restaurants. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood in a more relaxed atmosphere.
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Bophut Fishing Village — a historic area with many seafood restaurants. Especially popular among locals and tourists.
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Street stalls with seafood — at night markets you can find stalls with grilled seafood. Prices from 100 to 300 baht.
Best Areas for Food in Koh Samui
Chaweng
The most popular area with many restaurants, cafes, and street stalls. Here you can find both expensive restaurants and street food. Beach restaurants and night markets are especially popular.
Lamai
A more peaceful area with beach restaurants. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood and Thai cuisine in a more relaxed atmosphere than in Chaweng.
Bophut
A fishing village with many restaurants and street stalls. Restaurants with seafood and Thai cuisine are especially popular. A historic area with an authentic atmosphere.
Tropical Fruits in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is famous for its tropical fruits, which are especially fresh and tasty. On the island, you can find many fruit stalls where you can try fresh fruits and juices.
Popular fruits:
- Mango — especially popular in season (April-May)
- Coconut — fresh coconuts available year-round
- Papaya — especially popular in salads
- Pineapple — sweet and juicy
- Lychee — seasonal fruit (May-June)
Tips for Tourists
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Try street food — it's cheaper (50-100 baht) and often tastier than in restaurants. Street chefs prepare dishes every day and know all the secrets.
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Try seafood — Koh Samui is famous for its seafood, which is especially fresh thanks to its proximity to the ocean.
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Visit night markets — night markets in Chaweng and Lamai offer huge variety of food and entertainment.
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Try Massaman Curry — mild curry is especially popular on the island and is an excellent choice for those who don't like spicy food.
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Try tropical fruits — Koh Samui is famous for its tropical fruits, which are especially fresh and tasty.
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Use FoodSensAI — our AI assistant will help you find the best places near you, taking into account your preferences and budget.
Conclusion
Koh Samui is a tropical island with diverse cuisine, where everyone will find something to their liking. From street food for 50 baht to refined beach restaurants with ocean views — everyone will find something here. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment and try new things. Thai cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, and Koh Samui is the perfect place to discover all its diversity. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident!
