One of the underrated food destinations in Thailand is located by the seaside, offering an abundance of local cuisine and the freshest produce from the ocean. Surat Thani may not be as popular as Phuket or Ko Samui, but did you know that Ko Samui is actually a part of Surat Thani?
Join us as we take you to Southern Thailand, to a place known as the "City of the Good People" and "the province of a thousand islands," to explore local delicacies and budget-friendly places you wouldn't want to miss in this culinary gem.
Sum Gradang Nga, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Located in an enchanting house enveloped by ylang-ylang plants, Sum Gradang Nga is a favourite among locals for its bold flavours of Southern Thai cuisine. Consider the spicy pork cartilage with its lively seasoning or the crab curry, which offers a rich umami experience alongside vermicelli, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-sour cucumber salad. The restaurant boasts two dining areas: an outdoor space shaded by trees and a stylish interior adorned with pastel pink décor.
Address: 31/57-59 Soi Donnok 8/1, Donnok Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. +66 7721 6528.
Yok Kheng, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
The main attraction at this establishment is its expertly prepared regional specialties, with a standout being the long tong, a delicacy from Surat Thani. This dish consists of tender dry noodles coated in a sweet and sour pink sauce, accompanied by succulent portions of pig's blood, skin, and meat. Be sure to save room for the delightful mango with sticky rice for a satisfyingly sweet conclusion to your meal.
Address: 5/2 Tonpo Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. +66 7728 2285.
Lucky Restaurant, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Lucky is a two-storey restaurant with a charming, retro atmosphere. The chef-owner continues the tradition of previous generations in this family-run establishment. She personally visits the market daily to choose the freshest ingredients and supervises every dish prepared in the kitchen, which offers a variety of Thai-Chinese, Southern Thai, and seafood dishes. One must-try dish is the wok-fried shrimp, nicely cooked with its perfect blend of salt and chilli, infused with the aromatic flavours of garlic and pepper.
Address: 1 Thathong Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. +66 7 727 3471.
Pa Ting, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Pa Ting, established in 1967, is currently managed by the founder's daughter. Located in a simple, open-air building with views overlooking the Don Sak River, the restaurant specialises in seafood prepared according to traditional local recipes. Signature dishes include salted Kulao fish served with a Thai salad dressing rich in flavoursome Thai herbs, and crab curry with seabite leaves, which highlights the natural umami of freshly caught seafood, complemented by a spicy in-house curry paste. Ample parking is available at the front.
Address: 1/8 Mu 5, Don Sak, Surat Thani, 84220, Thailand. Tel. +66 77 371 126.
Lian Tai, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Lian Tai is renowned for its expertise in crafting deep-fried doughnuts, a tradition rooted in their father's original fermented dough recipe, perfected over five decades ago. These doughnuts, known as Patongo, boast a crisp, golden-brown exterior, encasing a soft, fluffy interior. They are particularly irresistible when paired with a decadent, sweet pandan custard for dipping.
Address: 70 Chonkasem Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. ++66 7727 3471.
Khao Phra Ram Long Song Lao Ohw, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
For over six decades, this spot has been a local favourite, known for its delicious satay pork and the famous phra ram long song, a traditional Siamese dish. The phra ram long song features tender slices of pork in a curry sauce that skillfully combines rich, robust flavors with the creaminess of coconut milk.
Address: 22 2 Witeetad Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. +66 8 1538 2875.
Keo Pla, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Established in 1959, this beloved noodle shop is a local institution. It's famous for its homemade fish dumplings filled with celery and fish balls bursting with umami, a combination that consistently draws long queues of eager diners. The soup is a perfect harmony of sweet and savoury flavours, infused with a herbal aroma that awakens the senses. Portions are hearty and generous, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Address: 560/4 Na Mueang Road, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, 84000, Thailand. Tel. +66 7728 2022.
Phunisa, Surat Thani (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Perched atop a picturesque hill, this restaurant offers splendid views of the Tapi River meandering through a lush landscape of palm tree plantations and mountains. Their menu features delicious Southern Thai dishes, such as salted duck egg and local river prawns. The prawns are enhanced with a spicy seafood sauce and a chargrilled aroma, adding depth and complexity to their natural umami. Additionally, the spicy Southern Thai curry soup with pork cartilage boasts intense peppery and spicy flavours.
Address: 11/1 Mu 1, Khao Hua Khwai, Phunphin, Surat Thani, 84130, Thailand. Tel. +66 8 0529 6111.
Baan Suan Lung Khai, Ko Samui (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Uncle Khai's garden house, situated on the chef-owner's coconut plantation, is a project of passion. He acquires seafood from his acquaintances, nearby fishermen, and prepares local and Southern Thai dishes using the freshest daily ingredients. Guests, who are required to make a reservation a day ahead, can relish fresh oysters and grilled seafood on the outdoor wooden decked veranda, complete with an open kitchen.
Address: 4170, Taling Ngam, Ko Samui, 84140, Thailand. Tel. +66 81 416 2244 or via Line: @az123.
Jun Hom, Ko Samui (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
This unpretentious, open-air eatery is a local gem on the island, offering an affordable opportunity to taste simple, local dishes in a knockout beach location. The portions are hearty, modestly priced, and lip-smacking, as the salty, crispy appetiser of deep-fried local silver sillago. The stir-fried squid is tender and beautifully cooked in a sweet, flavourful sauce and steeped in a lemongrass aroma. Alfresco dining on a blissful beach location.
Address: 8/3 Mu 5, Mae Nam, Ko Samui, 84330, Thailand. Tel. +66 77 602 008.
Kapi Sator, Ko Samui (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
The restaurant preserves the authenticity of Southern Thai cuisine, thanks to a culinary repertoire that is hard to find elsewhere. One example is the delightful local squid in sweet coconut milk soup with a hint of lemongrass. The daily fish menu varies based on the catch of the day. If it's available, the deep-fried whole pomfret topped with spicy Southern Thai curry is highly recommended. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining options with plenty of parking.
Address: 25/236 Mu 6, Tawirat Phakdi Road, Bo Phut, Ko Samui, 84320, Thailand. Tel. +66 98 799 8007.
Krua Chao Baan Samui, Ko Samui (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024)
Krua Chao Baan translates to "local kitchen," a name that perfectly captures the atmosphere of this restaurant, known for its focus on Southern Thai cuisine. Their signature omelette is a delightful combination of crispy texture, non-greasy, mixed seafood, and well-seasoned minced pork. Another standout dish is the stir-fried squid with pineapple, a local recipe unique to the island, offering a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and peppery flavours.
Address: 438/18 Mu 1, Maret, Ko Samui, 84310, Thailand. Tel. +66 87 893 7766.
Illustration image: © Michelin
