Samui is a wonderful culinary destination, boasting world-class restaurants featuring a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Thai to authentic Italian food, and modern fusion creations. Here are some of our favourite foodie experiences in this beautiful part of the world.
The Social Samui
The Social is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy delicious fusion fare courtesy of British-born owner and chef Martin Selby. The Social serves breakfast, brunch and lunch from 7am and 6pm and the views over the bay are stunning at any time of day. However, nothing beats sitting in the relaxed bar area with a hand-crafted cocktail as you watch the sunset before dinner.
Described as "world food" the eclectic dinner menu features tuna tartare tacos, chorizo mackerel, grilled local prawns in a tamarind sauce and delicious wood-fired pizzas. The vibe is super-chill, and so cosy and welcoming that you could easily come for brekkie and just stay all day and into the night. There's plenty of events on too, from comedy nights to live music. Visit The Social Samui for more information.
Blue Fire Thai cooking classes
If you're keen to brush up on your cooking skills, try a traditional Thai cooking class at Blue Fire Grill at Outrigger resort. This fun and informative cooking experience will see you make a range of delicious dishes from scratch such as authentic Pad Thai and Thai green chicken curry, followed by a casual lunch where you get to sample your creations. The recipes are fresh, easy and absolutely delicious, and you're sure to feel inspired to try them out at home.
Chi Samui
This super-chic spot is the place to see and be seen, with a beautiful lobby and elegant bar, stunning wet-edge pool and beachfront location with incredible views. There are plenty of spots to relax with beanbags, sunbeds, loveseats, sunloungers and swings aplenty.
The food is fresh and delicious, too, with Chef Andrew Freeman from the UK serving modern, fresh cuisine created with local and artisanal produce. Menu highlights include homemade beetroot hummus with sourdough bread, fresh vegetable rice paper rolls with a tamarind dipping sauce, tuna tartare, and a slow-cooked beef cheek Massaman curry that melts in the mouth.
Desserts are a true highlight of the Chi experience too, with vegan chocolate cheesecake and deconstructed lemon meringue pie some of the stand-outs. The hand-crafted cocktails are amazing too. Visit Chi Samui to find out more.
We Green
A foodie experience with a twist, We Green is well worth a visit if you're spending time in Koh Samui. One of Samui's newest tourist attractions, We Green showcases Koh Samui's way of life and includes a cultural park, organic vegetable farm and restaurant. You can participate in making traditional Thai foods including sweet treats and rice noodles, take a tour of the beautiful gardens and enjoy a delicious and incredibly fresh vegetarian lunch at their paddock-to-plate style cafe.
Pepenero restaurant
An authentic Italian restaurant in the middle of Thailand seems unlikely but that's exactly what Pepenero is. Chef Alain Toma is hugely passionate about food, and it shows in every aspect of Pepenero, from the traditional inn-style decor to the food and wine list. Highlights include bruschetta with gorzonzola and burrata, delicious homemade pastas such as Ragu Bolognese and fettuccine with porcini mushrooms and a divine osso bucco with yellow rice. If you have room for dessert, try the panna cotta and finish off with a nightcap of homemade orangecello.
Outrigger Koh Samui
If you're looking for a beautiful and relaxing space to stay, look no further than Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort. This lush beachfront resort is located on the shores of Hanuman Bay and is just a stone's throw from all the great eateries listed above.
This small luxury resort has just 52 suites, each of which has a plunge or lap pool and sundeck. It's a quiet spot, perfect for couples although families are welcome too. The one-bedroom villas are truly special, with deep bathtubs and elegant decor.
The beauty of staying at Outrigger is that you can do as much or as little as you like. Relax by the pool and enjoy a drink at the heavenly swim-up wet bar, try a cooking class, book a massage at the divine Navasana Spa or go for a kayak around stunning Hanuman Bay.
More details: Outrigger Koh Samui Resort is located at 63/182 Moo 5, T. Bophut Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand. One Bedroom Pool Villas start from THB 8,500 (A$408) per room per night including breakfast and all taxes and service charges. Visit outrigger.com for more information and special deals.
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