Where to Eat on Koh Samui

When you first imagine Koh Samui you would bethe award winning "Tongsai Thai Salad with Seafood".
forgiven for thinking that a tropical island in ThailandThe restaurant itself sits on a low hill and is
would be somewhat limited in terms of the diningextremely spacious and airy, with seating both inside
options on offer. Sure there will be some decentand out, and naturally offers some great views of
traditional Thai food and not much else, but thatthe bay below. Despite being somewhat off the
couldn't be further from the truth. Samui now boastsbeaten track at Choeng Mon Beach, it is well worth
a multitude of top class restaurants featuring cuisinethe effort to make the trip at least once during your
from across the globe as well as more than juststay.
"decent" Thai food. While the majority of restaurantsGourmet Dining
tend to be in and around Chaweng Beach it would beBetelnut
a mistake not to make the effort to explore fartherBetelnut has now been around long enough to be
afield as there are some fantastic restaurants spreadclassed as a Samui institution, offering casual yet
all across the island. The following are just a selectionelegant dining in an intimate setting. Operations are
of what Samui has to offer, and you would be welloverseen by experienced chef Jeffrey Lord, who's
advised to try at least one of them during your stayinnovative, creative and spontaneous dishes are a
- you certainly won't regret it!unique fusion of Thai, Californian, European and
Time for RomanceJapanese styles. Although the menu is small, it offers
On The Rocks at Sila Evason Hideawaya wide range of flavours and textures. For serious
Dining on the Rocks, the signature restaurant of thefood lovers, Jeffrey can design special tasting menus
Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa, boastswith advance notice. Among the dishes on offer are
uninterrupted 270 degree views of the surroundingBlackened Wahoo with Samui Salsa and the
sea and outlying islands. With tables for two spreadintriguingly named Buddha Jumped Over the Wall (if
over no less than eight different areas, there areyou want to know what it is you will just have to go
never more than a handful of tables in any oneand try it for yourself!)
section. The most romantic spot however must beMouth-Watering Organic
the single table which sits alone on its own privateZazen Restaurant at Zazen Boutique Resort &
deck which is so popular with couples it is oftenSpa
booked days in advance. The menu is innovative andThis uniquely designed restaurant sits right on the
not only reflects a fusion of Asian and Westernwaters edge between Maenam and Bophut. The
styles, but also offers some unusual contrasts whichmenu could best be described as "Contemporary
can best be described as "New Asian Cuisine" with aEast to West cuisine", with a strong emphasis on the
wine selection especially chosen to accompany everyuse of healthy organic ingredients wherever possible,
dish. Try the "Experiences" 10 course set dinner tosomething which surprisingly is not always easy to
get a real taste of what this restaurant it all about.achieve on the island. There are a number of set
Tempting Thaimenus on offer such as the "Asian Tropical Menu"
Chef Chom's at Tongsai Bay Cottagesfeaturing Oriental Cuisine from six different countries
This is one restaurant that can truly claim to offeror the four course lobster menu for two, as well as
"Royal Thai Cuisine", as Chef Chom herself comesan extensive a la carte menu. The wine cellar
from a family who used to cook in the palace of theselection more than equals the food selection,
late Princess Vibhavadee Rangsit. Equally delicious isboasting more than 75 different varieties of wine.
the more home style Thai cooking, which features