What Food To Try in Koh Samui and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Koh Samui for 2024.
National currency: Baht, symbol — ฿ (international currency code THB).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Koh Samui cafes and restaurants
$2.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.83
$21.4
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $18.3
$5.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.19
What to Try in Koh Samui
Must-try Dishes
Jok - Rice Porridge - A creamy, savory rice porridge usually topped with pork or chicken, served with crispy garlic and fresh herbs. Locals often have it for breakfast with a side of pickled vegetables for that perfect start to the day.Som Tum - Spicy Papaya Salad - Fresh green papaya mixed with spicy chili, lime, and fish sauce, all pounded to achieve that signature crunch. You’ll find vendors serving it as a zesty snack, especially around lunchtime when the heat rises.
Pad Krapow Moo Saap - Stir-Fried Basil Pork - Ground pork wok-fried with garlic and Thai basil, often served over rice with a fried egg on top. This hearty dish is popular for dinner, especially among university students grabbing a quick meal before heading home.
Gaeng Tai Pla - Southern Thai Fish Curry - A rich, aromatic curry made with fermented fish entrails and mixed vegetables, offering a unique umami explosion. This local specialty is often savored during communal meals, as families love to share big bowls together.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngeow - Noodles with Spicy Soup - Soft rice noodles served in a fragrant broth made from tomatoes, herbs, and minced pork, topped with fresh greens. People often enjoy this dish for brunch, especially during the cooler months when the warmth is extra comforting.
Yam Pla Dook Foo - Crispy Catfish Salad - Fluffy, deep-fried catfish served on a bed of spicy salad with a mix of herbs, lime, and fish sauce. It’s a popular dish for sharing at dinner, usually accompanied by sticky rice and a large group of friends.
Khao YP - Organic Rice on a Banana Leaf - A seasonal dish featuring steamed rice and an assortment of fresh veggies served wrapped in banana leaves. Many locals prefer to enjoy this treatment as a lunch option in love for sustainability and fresh flavors.
Laab - Spicy Minced Meat Salad - Minced meat (usually pork or chicken) mixed with herbs and seasoned with lime and roasted rice powder, served fresh and spicy. It's commonly shared during family gatherings, usually as a vibrant starter before a hearty meal.
Desserts & Drinks
Thai Iced Tea - ชาเย็น (sweet tea) - Strong black tea brewed, sweetened with condensed milk, and served over ice. Locals enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, perfect for those hot, sunny days in Koh Samui. Thai Coffee - กาแฟไทย (robust coffee) - Bold coffee made from dark-roasted beans brewed through a filter and mixed with condensed milk. Often served hot in the morning, you'll find locals sipping on it to kickstart their day; the aroma alone is enough to draw you in!
Coconut Shake - น้ำมะพร้าวปั่น (refreshing smoothie) - Fresh coconut blended with ice and sometimes a touch of sugar or milk for creaminess. This crowd-pleaser is best enjoyed along the beach during the sweltering afternoon heat, making it a perfect thirst-quencher.
Khanom Bun - ขนมบุน (spongy dessert) - A sweet, fluffy cake made from rice flour and topped with coconut cream, often served warm. Common during local celebrations, these little delights are definitely best shared with friends during festive times.
Sticky Rice with Mango - ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง (fruity dessert) - Sweet sticky rice paired with ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut milk. It's a quintessential dessert often enjoyed during the mango season; many locals indulge in this treat at evening street markets.
By the way, when it comes to coffee, avoid asking for “coffee” alone—locals maintain their strong preferences for sweetened or milk-based variations!
Food and Groceries in Koh Samui
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.44 |
| Oranges | $1.68 |
| Potatoes | $1.21 |
| Apples | $1.83 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.68 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.3 |
| Imported Beer | $1.83 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $13.73 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $2.75 |
| Cigarettes | $1.83 |
| Rice | $1.31 |
| Local Cheese | $13.73 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Walking through the bustling streets of Chaweng during dinner rush gives a clear glimpse into local dining habits. It’s around 7 PM, and you can see families gathered for their nightly meal, with the aroma of street food wafting through the air. Local eateries buzz with energy, while upscale places tempt patrons with colorful seafood displays, a quintessential scene here.
In Koh Samui, typical meal times usually align closely with communal dining habits. Breakfast is often around 8 AM, lunch between 12 PM and 1 PM, and dinner typically takes place post-7 PM. It's worth noting that the dinner hours are particularly frenetic, especially around Chaweng and Lamai. (Avoid dining there close to 8 PM if you prefer a quieter experience!)
Pricing can vary significantly depending on where you choose to eat. For instance, enjoying a grilled seafood platter in Chaweng might set you back about 800 THB, while the same dish in a quieter neighborhood like Maenam could cost around 500 THB. It's a classic case of the tourist tax, as high-demand areas like Chaweng and Bophut often charge a premium. Ah, the whole “looked at the menu and thought, ‘yikes!’” moment!
Payment customs are relatively straightforward; cash is king in most local establishments, although many higher-end places accept credit cards. One key tip: always check if service charges are included in the bill, as some places add 10% automatically, which doesn't always translate to a tip. Speaking of tipping, it isn’t mandatory but appreciated—rounding up to the nearest 20 THB is a common practice.
A local eating habit to note: many Thais will share dishes instead of each person ordering separately. You'll often see tables filled with small plates for communal enjoyment, enhancing the social aspect of dining. Just remember: a common tourist mistake is assuming everyone follows the “one dish per person” rule; it’s perfectly normal to delve into a shared selection.
Take advantage of the vibrant night markets too! They usually start bustling around sunset and are a fantastic place to try a bit of everything without breaking the bank. Just watch out for peak times—weekends tend to be especially crowded.
As for reservations, they aren't always necessary unless you're planning to dine at one of the few fine dining spots, especially during busy holiday seasons when tables fill fast.
With the high season approaching, be prepared for prices to nudge upwards, particularly in popular tourist areas. It’s a dynamic food scene that constantly shifts with the seasons, reflecting the character of Koh Samui itself.
In Koh Samui, typical meal times usually align closely with communal dining habits. Breakfast is often around 8 AM, lunch between 12 PM and 1 PM, and dinner typically takes place post-7 PM. It's worth noting that the dinner hours are particularly frenetic, especially around Chaweng and Lamai. (Avoid dining there close to 8 PM if you prefer a quieter experience!)
Pricing can vary significantly depending on where you choose to eat. For instance, enjoying a grilled seafood platter in Chaweng might set you back about 800 THB, while the same dish in a quieter neighborhood like Maenam could cost around 500 THB. It's a classic case of the tourist tax, as high-demand areas like Chaweng and Bophut often charge a premium. Ah, the whole “looked at the menu and thought, ‘yikes!’” moment!
Payment customs are relatively straightforward; cash is king in most local establishments, although many higher-end places accept credit cards. One key tip: always check if service charges are included in the bill, as some places add 10% automatically, which doesn't always translate to a tip. Speaking of tipping, it isn’t mandatory but appreciated—rounding up to the nearest 20 THB is a common practice.
A local eating habit to note: many Thais will share dishes instead of each person ordering separately. You'll often see tables filled with small plates for communal enjoyment, enhancing the social aspect of dining. Just remember: a common tourist mistake is assuming everyone follows the “one dish per person” rule; it’s perfectly normal to delve into a shared selection.
Take advantage of the vibrant night markets too! They usually start bustling around sunset and are a fantastic place to try a bit of everything without breaking the bank. Just watch out for peak times—weekends tend to be especially crowded.
As for reservations, they aren't always necessary unless you're planning to dine at one of the few fine dining spots, especially during busy holiday seasons when tables fill fast.
With the high season approaching, be prepared for prices to nudge upwards, particularly in popular tourist areas. It’s a dynamic food scene that constantly shifts with the seasons, reflecting the character of Koh Samui itself.
Tourist Reviews
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