How to Eat Like a Local in Samui

By its own right, Koh Samui is not just one of Thailand's most beautiful resort islands, it is also a destination for culinary excellence. There are so many world-class restaurants that feature innovative menus and talented chefs. Taking a journey through the culinary landscape of Koh Samui is another experience that you should consider alongside the beach hopping. Find out how the locals go about their dining.

French Cooking

The Boudoir Koh Samui is a French dining establishment that is inspired around the idea of Arabian Nights. As such despite being a French restaurant, the décor and ambience take on a more Middle Eastern and oriental aesthetic. It is considered one of the best restaurants in Koh Samui.

The Boudoir offers authentic French cuisine including a delicious duck confit, classic Crème Brulee and some of the most flavourful entrees you have ever tasted. The restaurant is very popular among locals and tourists alike, so it is advised that you book ahead as there is limited seating.

Fine French Dining

Chez Francois is one of the best restaurants in Koh Samui, a nondescript building that has an intimate setting where people often go-to for personal and small gatherings. Chez Francois is run by the owner and chef Francois Porte. Chez Francois is one of those French restaurants that make precise dishes portioned with the best ingredients. It is most popular with the ex-pats in Koh Samui. Chef Francois sometimes prepares the food in front of the guests. The staff are all professional and competent and very friendly. It makes for a marvellous dining experience.

Food on the Tree Tops

Many Koh Samui Villa resorts are home to some of the best restaurants in Koh Samui, and Tree Tops Sky Dining and Bar at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort is one of them. There are only eight tables on a treetop canopy that overlooks spectacular views of a lush rainforest. You have to make reservations way ahead of time because the restaurant is very popular in Koh Samui and not just because it has a unique concept, but it also serves some delicious food. The restaurant is run by an expert team headed by Michelin chef Jakov Orsulic. The menu is seasonal and has a heavy focus on Thai dishes, seafood and meat.

Terraced Decks

Dining on the Rocks is a fusion cuisine restaurant that is situated "on the rocks" in Bophut, Koh Samui. There is a focus on sustainable organic produce and ingredients and a broad amalgamation of international and regional cuisine. The restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners thanks to its views of a lustrous sunset over the Gulf of Thailand and there is a massive menu that you can choose from that includes a Sensibility Menu and an Indochine Menu. You can also order a la carte if you'd so prefer. The restaurant is open from 5 pm to 10 pm daily.

Seafood Wonder

Located in the very heart of Bophut's Fisherman Village, 2 Fishes Samui is an Italian restaurant that specialises in seafood. The fare is freshest and comes from daily catches made in the fisherman village. The chef, Leandra Panza has over 25 years of experience in Italian restaurants in Singapore, Melbourne and all over Europe. If you are planning a reservation, be sure to try the grilled king prawns with hot garlic oil, chilli and lemon as well as the steamed red snapper fillet.

Modern Café

Café 69 is a modern café located in Bophut's Fishermen Village. It is open from 1 pm to 11 pm except on Mondays and can be found directly opposite Samui Go-Kart. The café serves Southern Thai Indigenous Cuisine with a modern twist.