Where to Eat & Drink on Koh Samui

Street-side som tam, fresh seafood by the water, boho cafés and sunset bars — how to eat well on the island, from 60-baht noodles to a proper night out.

Eating is half the holiday on Koh Samui — and some of the best meals cost a couple of euros. Here is how to eat your way around the island, from roadside stalls to a memorable dinner by the sea.

Thai food, done right

Start with the classics: som tam (green papaya salad), khao soi, grilled chicken and sticky rice, and whatever curry is bubbling at the market. Roadside stalls and the night markets are where the real flavour is — and where locals actually eat.

Seafood by the water

Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is the place for a slower seafood dinner — fresh fish, prawns and squid, tables almost on the sand. Maenam and Bang Por also have excellent, less touristy seafood spots.

Cafés & brunch

• Boho cafés around Bophut and Fisherman’s Village for specialty coffee and matcha
• Healthy bowls, smoothies and vegan options across the north coast
• Bakeries for a slow morning before the beach

Sundowners

Time at least one evening for a sunset drink — the beach bars along the north and west coasts catch the gold light over Koh Phangan beautifully.