Part of the joys of holidaying in Koh Phangan is the chance to sample the delectable dishes on offer and here are some of the best you should try.

Noodle and Rice Dishes

When savouring culinary creations, ensure to head to a Koh Phangan restaurant that serves Pad Thai, a famed stir-fried rice noodle dish; also popular is Kuay Tiew, a dish with noodles in a broth with various meats. Rice fans can look to try Khao Man Gai which has rice with fried chicken and Khao Pad consisting of fried rice with spring onion, egg and vegetables.

Soups & Curries

Tom Yum Goong is a perennial favourite and is a soup with shrimps and ingredients like lemongrass, galangal and garlic; Tom Kha Gai is a similar soup with chicken instead of prawns and coconut milk. At restaurants of resorts like Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, you can also experience the unique flavours of Thai green or red curries and distinctive Massaman curry.

Salads

Salad lovers can try Som Tam, a very popular Thai salad using shredded raw or green papaya; this spicy dish also features carrots, tomatoes, fish sauce, chillies and more; another variation is Som Tum Gai Yang which has added grilled chicken. Yum Neua Yang, a salad with spicy beef and Larb Pla Tod, a salad with fish like fried seabass are also worth trying.

Tris_T7, Somtum Kaikem Papaya salad of Thai Food, CC BY-SA 4.0

Desserts

One of the best desserts to try on your visit to Koh Phangan is Khao Niew Mamuang which is fresh mango and sweet glutinous rice made with coconut milk; for added refreshment, some restaurants will add coconut ice cream too. You can also enjoy some of the many fresh fruits on offer which include pineapple, mango, papaya, mangosteen, rambutan and durian.