10 Best Local Thai Food to Try in Koh Samui

Thai noodle soup is made of chicken, beef or pork broth and served with a choice of beef, chicken, pork or seafood. You can usually choose the shape and size of your noodles – wide flat, small wiry or medium flat – and add dry chili, white vinegar or other condiments to spice it up (it’s usually served without much pep).

Som tam is a tasty cold dish originally from Isaan, in northeast Thailand, but which has spread right across the country. It includes shredded green papaya, garlic, tomato, yardlong bean, peanuts and chili. Preserved crab is often added to it. Papaya salad is usually served with barbecued chicken or fish, and with khao niao (sticky rice). An excellent variant with shredded carrots instead of papaya is also available for the asking.

Phad thai is one of the dishes most favourited by visitors in Thailand. These hearty, stir-fried noodles seasoned with fish sauce, lime, red chili pepper, sugar and tamarind sauce (to which eggs, dried fish, tofu and bean sprouts can be added) are served with shrimp, chicken or pork.

Originally from Indonesia, satay is a broiled or barbecued chicken, beef, pork or (very occasionally) fish skewer dish served with a peanut sauce. Before being broiled, the meat is marinated in turmeric, which gives its distinctive yellow color. Delicious and easy to eat, this popular snack can be found at roadside stands all around Samui.

Kanom jeen (often wrongly spelt "khanom chin") are crisp, thin rice noodles served with a spicy green or yellow curry, as well as boiled eggs and fresh vegetables. This tasty traditional dish can also be served with papaya salad instead of sticky rice.

Yellow chicken rice is originally from Malaysia and is served with fried shallots, sliced cucumber and a small bowl of clear soup. The yellow color of the rice is made by boiling it with a mix of onions, oil, turmeric and garlic powder. The chicken is marinated with curry powder, turmeric, cumin, cilantro and chili powder. This combination makes it an extremely flavoursome dish.

Barbecued meat, fish or seafood skewers are a classic of street food in Thailand. From chicken breast to entire small squid, and from sausage to pork slices, they’re cheap and you'll often ask for more than just one skewer. It’s simply delectable and really easy to enjoy while walking around a night market.

Chicken rice is a classic of Thai cuisine that originated from Hainan province in southern China. Its name says it all: it’s a simple chicken breast with rice. The chicken is poached and the resulting liquid fat – mixed garlic and ginger – is used to cook the rice. It’s usually served with hen bouillon, fresh vegetables and a spicy sauce.

Thai pancakes are a favorite for those with a sweet tooth. This flatbread originated in India and is one of the most popular snacks for Thais and visitors. Served with egg, condensed milk, banana, chocolate sauce or jelly, this snack can be eaten at any time of the day.

Cocktail stalls is a new trend in night markets and walking streets around Samui. You can get a mojito or a Tequila Sunrise served in a plastic goblet, and drink it as you continue shopping. Despite their low price, these street cocktails are often as good – if not better and as potent – as the more expensive mixed beverages served in trendy bars.