One of the best things about travelling in Thailand is the food, and Koh Tao is certainly up to standard when it comes to eating. You will find fresh fruit smoothies, delicious barbequed kebabs and naughty Thai-style pancakes filled with anything you can imagine, readily available from street vendors all over the island. If you are after a proper feed, a Thai meal will definitely hit the spot, and this island has plenty of local favorites to choose from. In the main town of Sairee Beach, you will find plenty of places along the beach road serving up a wicked Pad Thai, and in the evenings most beach front restaurants roll out their catch of the day, as well as other meats and vegetables, for a buffet, Thai-style Barbeque. To experience the best of Thailand’s traditional dishes, head up the side road towards the Gyms and Roctopus Dive, to find some of the local hidden treasures. On this road you’ll find places like Yam’s Kitchen, that makes a sensational Curry. If you’re confused about which one to choose, here’s a rundown of the selection; First you have your classic Red and Green Thai Curries, which are quite saucy with the addition of a lot of Coconut Milk, and differentiate through the use of different colour chilies, and the choice of vegetables used (Green curry is typically Aubergine and green beans, while Red curry usually has carrots and a lot of onion). Then there’s the very popular Massaman Curry, which has more Indian style flavours and spices in its thick, creamy sauce, as well as peanuts, and typically contains just meat and potatoes. If you still can’t decide, go for a Panang Curry, which is a dish that has the base of both a Thai red Curry, and Massaman Curry, with half the amount of coconut cream as the other ones. You will also find Pud’s Restaurant up this road, which along with award-winning fried curries, does amazing fried rice dishes and stir-fries, all served with a smile. Further up you will see Nong’s Diner, which not only has great Thai Food, but also boasts decent Mexican dishes, and pretty good pizza’s if you’re feeling a bit naughty. If you carry on up the road you will find another famous food spot called Mint Kitchen, which has everything you could want, including amazing fruit smoothies, western breakfasts choices, burgers and sandwiches and sensational Thai dishes. On the way back down stop in a Banyan Bar for classic cocktails, ice cold beers and the best proper English-style potato chips in town. Back on the main road you will find a few more small kitchens with great seafood dishes, as well ‘Jai Nee’s’ which has the acclaimed (by many of the divers in town) Best Chicken Massaman, ever. You will not be disappointed. If you like it hot, then add some of the dried chilies or even the ‘Prik-nam-Pra’ (very hot fresh chilies with garlic, lime and fish sauce) for that authentic zing. All Thai restaurants will provide these condiments plus more, if it’s not already on the table, just ask – they will be happy that you want to try “Thai-style Spicy”. In terms of other cuisines, nearby on one of the small walking streets toward the beach, you can pick-up sushi, tapas, and pasta, as well as fantastic sandwiches with any cheeses you want from ‘Zest’ Sandwich bar, and back on the beachfront you can tackle one of ‘Good Time Adventures’ renowned Burgers.
