Local Vibes

Guan Yin Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan

Guan Yin Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan Set on a quiet hillside on Phangan Island, the Guan Yin Chinese Temple is a graceful retreat shaped by traditional Chinese architecture and meticulous craftsmanship. The multi-building complex, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of...

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry)

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry)

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry) On Koh Samui, mornings begin with a shimmer. The sea turns silver as the sun rises, and if you look closely near the rocky shores, you’ll catch small flashes of movement — reef squid, known locally as wai, gliding gracefully through the...

 Samui’s Secret Sour Note

 Samui’s Secret Sour Note

Samui’s Secret Sour Note Known as taling pling, the bilimbi tree is a modest presence in many Thai gardens – yet its fruit plays a quietly vital role in the kitchen. In the South, it’s also called moong mung. A cousin of the starfruit, bilimbi produces clusters of...

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง)

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง)

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง) A quintessential Thai dish that perfectly balances the nation’s signature sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours, Tom Yum Goong is a must-try. This aromatic soup, recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, is made...

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ)

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ)

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ) Hoy Jor usually features minced crabmeat stuffed with seasoned pork, then deep-fried into golden perfection. The contrast between the soft, juicy crabmeat and the crispy outer layer makes for a delectable bite, often served with a flavourful dipping...

Kraprao Pla Muek (กระเพราปลาหมึก)

Kraprao Pla Muek (กระเพราปลาหมึก)

Kraprao Pla Muek(กระเพราปลาหมึก) The much-loved pat krapao – crowned theworld’sbeststir-fry in 2023 —can be enjoyed with virtually any type of protein, not just chicken or pork. This version which involves tender squid, gives each bite a briny lift. The squid is...

Poo Maa Neung (ปูม้านึ่ง)

Poo Maa Neung (ปูม้านึ่ง)

Poo Maa Neung(ปูม้านึ่ง) Steamed flower crab offers a simple, indulgent seafood experience. Lightly seasoned, it showcases the crab’s natural sweetness, complemented by a tangy-sweet-salty seafood sauce. Perfect on the beach or at a seaside restaurant, it’s a must-try...

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง)

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง)

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง) A comforting fried rice dish with a coastal twist, Khao Pad Goong features plump, juicy shrimp stir-fried with rice, eggs, and vegetables, then seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce. This dish is a staple in Thai beach towns, offering a...

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด)

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด)

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด) Goong Choop Pang Tod, or deep-fried battered prawns, is an irresistible dish that’s both crispy and tender and especially loved by kids. The prawns are coated in a light, crunchy batter, fried until golden, and served with a side...

Guan Yin Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan

Guan Yin Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan Set on a quiet hillside on Phangan Island, the Guan Yin Chinese Temple is a graceful retreat shaped by traditional Chinese architecture and meticulous craftsmanship. The multi-building complex, dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of...

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry)

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry)

Wai Kua (Reef squid curry) On Koh Samui, mornings begin with a shimmer. The sea turns silver as the sun rises, and if you look closely near the rocky shores, you’ll catch small flashes of movement — reef squid, known locally as wai, gliding gracefully through the...

 Samui’s Secret Sour Note

 Samui’s Secret Sour Note

Samui’s Secret Sour Note Known as taling pling, the bilimbi tree is a modest presence in many Thai gardens – yet its fruit plays a quietly vital role in the kitchen. In the South, it’s also called moong mung. A cousin of the starfruit, bilimbi produces clusters of...

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง)

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง)

Tom Yum Goong(ต้มยำกุ้ง) A quintessential Thai dish that perfectly balances the nation’s signature sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavours, Tom Yum Goong is a must-try. This aromatic soup, recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, is made...

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ)

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ)

Hoy Jor(ฮ่อยจ๊อ) Hoy Jor usually features minced crabmeat stuffed with seasoned pork, then deep-fried into golden perfection. The contrast between the soft, juicy crabmeat and the crispy outer layer makes for a delectable bite, often served with a flavourful dipping...

Kraprao Pla Muek (กระเพราปลาหมึก)

Kraprao Pla Muek (กระเพราปลาหมึก)

Kraprao Pla Muek(กระเพราปลาหมึก) The much-loved pat krapao – crowned theworld’sbeststir-fry in 2023 —can be enjoyed with virtually any type of protein, not just chicken or pork. This version which involves tender squid, gives each bite a briny lift. The squid is...

Poo Maa Neung (ปูม้านึ่ง)

Poo Maa Neung (ปูม้านึ่ง)

Poo Maa Neung(ปูม้านึ่ง) Steamed flower crab offers a simple, indulgent seafood experience. Lightly seasoned, it showcases the crab’s natural sweetness, complemented by a tangy-sweet-salty seafood sauce. Perfect on the beach or at a seaside restaurant, it’s a must-try...

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง)

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง)

Khao Pad Goong(ข้าวผัดกุ้ง) A comforting fried rice dish with a coastal twist, Khao Pad Goong features plump, juicy shrimp stir-fried with rice, eggs, and vegetables, then seasoned with soy sauce and fish sauce. This dish is a staple in Thai beach towns, offering a...

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด)

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด)

Goong Choop Pang Tod(กุ้งชุบแป้งทอด) Goong Choop Pang Tod, or deep-fried battered prawns, is an irresistible dish that’s both crispy and tender and especially loved by kids. The prawns are coated in a light, crunchy batter, fried until golden, and served with a side...