Eating on the Islands

The culinary quality on the Gulf Islands is surprisingly high — both for authentic Thai food and international cuisine. Prices are 20–50% higher than on the mainland, but still a fraction of European prices.

★★★ Street Food & Night Markets

Lamai Night Market (Koh Samui) — The most authentic night market on the island, Sundays and Wednesdays from 5 PM. Locals eat here: grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping, 10 ฿/piece), Pad Thai (60 ฿), Som Tam (40 ฿), Mango Sticky Rice (80 ฿). Best to come with an empty stomach — and try at least 5 stalls.

Thong Sala Night Market (Koh Phangan) — Daily from 5 PM at the pier. Fresh grilled fish (whole Barramundi: 150 ฿!), Rotee (Thai crepes with banana and Nutella, 40 ฿), green curry (60 ฿). Better and cheaper than any restaurant.

Sairee Village Food Stalls (Koh Tao) — Small food stalls along the main street. Khao Pad (fried rice): 60–80 ฿. Tom Yam Kung (shrimp soup): 100 ฿. Phad Krapao (basil minced meat with fried egg): 70 ฿.

★★★ Top Restaurants

The Tarua Samui (Koh Samui) — Upscale Thai cuisine in a beautiful garden restaurant in Bophut. The signature dish: Massaman curry with 12-hour braised beef (380 ฿). Vegetarian menu excellent. Reservation recommended. Main courses 280–550 ฿.

Peppina (Koh Samui) — The best pizza on the islands — run by an Italian expat, with imported ingredients and a real wood-fired oven. Margherita: 290 ฿. Truffle pizza: 490 ฿. Often a 30-minute wait, but worth it.

Phantip Food Market (Koh Phangan) — Covered food court in Thong Sala with 15+ stalls. Each stall has its specialty. Highlight: the Khao Soi stall (northern Thai curry noodle soup, 80 ฿) and the sushi stall (Nigiri from 30 ฿/piece).

Barracuda Restaurant (Koh Tao) — Fine dining on Koh Tao? Yes, and it works. Fusion cuisine with fresh fish directly from the fishermen. Tuna Tataki: 350 ฿. Three-course menu: from 900 ฿. Reservation necessary.

★★ Vegetarian & Vegan

Thai cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly — say “Jay” (เจ, vegan/Buddhist) or “Mang Sa Wirat” (มังสวิรัติ, vegetarian). On the islands, there are also many western vegan cafés:

• Goodsouls Kitchen (Koh Phangan) — Vegan café in Srithanu. Buddha Bowls: 180 ฿. Kombucha: 80 ฿
• Veggie Samui (Koh Samui) — Purely plant-based restaurant in Lamai. Cashew curry: 160 ฿. Smoothie bowls: 150 ฿
• PANA (Koh Tao) — Health-food café with the best smoothie bowls on the island (180 ฿)

Price Comparison (Typical Dinner)

Budget (under 150 ฿ / 4€): Street food stall, food stall, 7-Eleven microwave meals (yes, they are better than you think)

Mid-range (150–350 ฿ / 4–9€): Beach restaurant, Thai restaurant, simple western café

High-end (350–800 ฿ / 9–20€): Fine dining, beach clubs, upscale fusion cuisine