Top 9 Street Food You Must Try In Ko Samui, Thailand

street food in koh samui
Patricia
Patricia 
Published
| 4 min read

Paradise probably looks like Ko Samui, Thailand. This destination is the country’s second-largest island, known for its pristine beaches, virgin rainforests, and gorgeous communities. The island has become a popular spot for both posh and budget travellers, especially because tons of hotels and spas are scattered all around. Those who are on a budget can still enjoy paradise thanks to the many budget hostels available. Aside from the dazzling sceneries and the ultimate getaway that it promises, Ko Samui also offers delicious street food. Don’t be surprised - Thailand is known for having mouthwatering and affordable dishes, and the ones in Ko Samui do not disappoint. Keep reading, because we listed down the top street food you must try in Ko Samui, Thailand.

1. Spring rolls

Vietnamese Spring rolls
Source: Photo by user stu_spivack used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Thai spring rolls are a must-try for anyone who’s visiting the country. Spring rolls are a popular dish in Southeast Asia and every country has its own unique way of cooking it. In Thailand, they are made with ground pork, diced carrots, sliced cabbages, and thinly sliced onions. Wrap them with a rice wrapper then deep fry. The result is a scrumptious finger food that can be found in every corner of Thailand. Ko Samui features this delicacy in its restaurants and street carts. There are also some hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve different types of spring rolls that you should definitely try.

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2. Khao Pad (Fried rice)

Khao phat kraphao mu
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Khao pad, also known as Thai fried rice, is a well-known recipe that’s not only consumed in Thailand but also in other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia. There are many variations of fried rice, but khao pad is special since it needs to have shrimp. Aside from shrimp, this dish is also made up of chilis, fish sauce, and sometimes a squeeze of lime juice. It is best paired with basil chicken. Hotels and restaurants in Ko Samui often serve this on their menu. Small-time street vendors also have their own authentic and delicious take on this classic Thai meal.

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3. Thai banana pancake

Roti kluai khai chiang mai 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Pancakes in Thailand are different compared to the pancakes we know. In Thailand, the pancake is made of roti, and roti is made from margarine and oil that creates a sweet yet savory bread. This delicacy is often sold in the streets of Thailand and is paired with different types of filling, such as chocolate and banana. The most popular flavor is the banana one. The crispy roti is filled with slices of banana and cream. It’s a delicious morning or afternoon snack that will definitely improve your mood. Imagine waking up and admiring the beautiful natural sceneries of Ko Samui while indulging in this classic street food.

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4. Kai Jiew Moo Saap (Pork omelet)

Crispy pork phat thai in omelette ball - Chiang Rai - 2017-07-03 (003)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Iudexvivorum used under CC0

Kai jiew moo saap, also known as Thai pork omelet, is a savory breakfast delight. It’s a well-known Thai comfort food found on the streets. It’s made from minced pork (or turkey or chicken, depending on the restaurant), eggs, onions, fish sauce, and oil. The process is just like cooking your regular omelet, combining both the wet and dry ingredients and frying it up in a pan. The result is a delicious dish best consumed with a good amount of rice. This street food is pretty filling, which means you can enjoy this for lunch and save your money for other experiences in Ko Samui.

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5. Satay (Pork skewers)

Satay (Pork skewers)
Source: Pixabay

Satay is a dish that originated in Indonesia. Because of its popularity, the dish found its way to other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and of course, Thailand. Thailand has its own spin to this dish: the satay here is paired with a delightful peanut sauce. These yummy pork skewers are dipped in peanut sauce then paired with Jasmine rice or with khao pad. The streets of Ko Samui are filled with vendors selling satay, and this dish can also be a late-night snack enjoyed with a good bottle of beer.

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6. Kalamae (Sticky rice)

Mango sticy rice
Source: Photo by user Dennis Wong used under CC BY 2.0

Another dessert to check out on the streets of Ko Samui is kalamae. This is a dessert made from coconut, glutinous rice flour, and palm sugar. This dessert is abundant in Ko Samui since the island is known for its coconut – the main ingredient of this dessert. They come packaged, making it look like your average store-bought candy. This local dish melts in your mouth and has all the best qualities of homemade sweets.

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7. Som Tam (Green papaya salad)

Som tam thai
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Som Tam is a green papaya salad that is a staple in many local restaurants. The salad is a combination of spicy and salty, making it a refreshing appetizer. This dish came from the northwestern part of Thailand, near the border of Laos, where green papaya salads first originated.

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8. Pad Thai (Noodle dish)

Pad Thai (Noodle dish)
Source: Pixabay

A trip to Thailand is definitely incomplete without a plate or two of the famous pad Thai. This popular dish put Thai cuisine on the map, and it has been a favorite amongst locals, foodies, and tourists. Pad Thai is a noodle dish combined with a savory sauce and topped with crushed peanuts. It also comes with scrambled eggs and any type of protein, whether it’s chicken, pork, or shrimp. Vegans can also enjoy this dish since all the protein elements can be replaced with tofu. Pad Thai is the ultimate comfort food, best served with great views and a good bottle of beer.

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9. Gai Yang (Grilled chicken)

Somtam kaiyang khaoniaow
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Takeaway used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Gai yang is also known as kain yang, and this is another dish influenced by Laos and is now eaten throughout the whole of Thailand. It’s your typical barbeque chicken, but instead of being sliced before being cooked, the chicken is grilled as a whole. This dish is best paired with som tam and pad thai.

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Try these delicious dishes in Ko Samui

Complete your travel itinerary by having the best food trip of your life. This list of the top street food you must try in Ko Samui, Thailand should definitely be part of your travel list.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Pat is a graduate of Language and Literature and a full time mom to a cat. She loves reading and going to the beach. Her favorite city in the world is Baguio City. See her shenanigans through her...Read more

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