Some say that the best way to “know” a place is through its food… well, in that case, foodies will absolutely love getting to know Koh Samui better! Here are four dishes that give you a complete Thai meal experience, from spicy to sweet and plenty of flavours in between.

Tom Yum
This fiery yet refreshing soup gives you a great idea of classic Thai cuisine since it’s spicy, sour, and wonderfully aromatic. Made with ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, coriander, lime juice, and mushrooms, tom yum hits that perfect balance of heat and zest on your foodie adventures in Koh Samui. Dining on the island also gives you a chance to try tom yum goong, which additionally features shrimp.

Keang Kua Bai Cha Pu
This is a Southern Thai speciality that’s as indulgent as it sounds. It’s a yellow crab curry with coconut cream and betel leaves, which offer a distinctive taste and aroma. The curry is rich, fragrant, and slightly spicy, offering delicious goodness in every bite. Look to try it at restaurants like Essence at Avani+ Samui Resort, which serve it with rice noodles for a truly unforgettable meal.

Som Tum
If you love salads with “personality”, this one’s a must-try! Som tum is a spicy green papaya salad that definitely packs a zesty punch with chilli, garlic, and lime, along with the addition of tomatoes and long beans. Some local versions also come with grilled prawns, which is not surprising since fresh seafood is a signature part of dining in Koh Samui.

Mango Sticky Rice
Of course, no Thai meal is complete without this iconic dessert. Sweet glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk, topped with golden slices of fresh mango and a drizzle of coconut sauce… it’s a divine dessert that is also great as a refreshing treat in between your sightseeing escapades. Some restaurants even add a scoop of coconut ice cream to make it even more heavenly!