1. What are some popular local dishes to try in Ko Chang?
1. Pad Thai: A classic dish of stir-fried noodles with eggs, shrimp, and tofu.
2. Tom Yum Goong: Spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime, and chili peppers.
3. Massaman Curry: A rich and savory curry filled with tender chunks of meat or vegetables.
4. Seafood Platter: A must-try for seafood lovers, this platter includes fresh fish, prawns, squid, and other local delicacies.
5. Som Tam: Also known as green papaya salad, this refreshing dish is made with shredded papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, and peanuts.
6. Kai Yang: Grilled chicken marinated in a blend of spices and served with sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.
7. Khao Man Gai: Steamed chicken on rice served with a flavorful sauce that packs a punch.
8. Gaeng Keow Wan (Green Curry): Deliciously creamy curry made from green chilies, coconut milk, and fragrant herbs.
9. Laab Moo/Gai/Neua: Spicy minced pork/chicken/beef salad flavored with lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers,and fragrant herbs.
10. Bananas in Coconut Milk (Gluey Buad Chee): A sweet dessert made by simmering ripe bananas in coconut milk flavored with palm sugar and pandan leaves.
2. Are there any must-visit restaurants on the island?
One highly recommended restaurant on the island is the PostRock Café in Oistins, which offers delicious seafood and live music. Other popular options include The Cliff, a fine dining establishment with stunning ocean views, and Cutters of Barbados, known for its savory sandwiches and local delicacies.
3. What type of cuisine is most commonly found in Ko Chang?
Thai cuisine.
4. Are there any vegetarian-friendly options available at restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly options on their menus such as veggie burgers, salads, pasta dishes, and vegetable stir-fry. Some restaurants may also have a separate vegetarian or vegan section on their menu. It is always best to check with the restaurant beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your dietary restrictions.
5. Can you recommend any seafood restaurants with fresh catches?
Some seafood restaurants that are known for their fresh catches are:
1. The Crab Cooker (Newport Beach, CA)
2. Channel Fish Co. (Boston, MA)
3. The Barking Crab (Boston, MA)
4. Pike Place Fish Market (Seattle, WA)
5. Legal Sea Foods (multiple locations)
6. Monterey’s Fish House (Monterey, CA)
7. Captain Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market (Panama City Beach, FL)
8. Nick’s Fishmarket Maui (Lahaina, HI)
9. PJ Lobster House (Port Jefferson, NY)
10.Boston Lobster Feast (Orlando, FL)
6. Is street food a safe and popular option for dining in Ko Chang?
Street food is a very popular and common option for dining in Ko Chang. The island has a variety of street vendors and night markets offering a wide selection of delicious and affordable dishes. However, as with any type of street food, it is important to exercise caution and choose vendors that have clean and well-maintained cooking practices to ensure food safety. It is also recommended to go for cooked-to-order dishes rather than pre-prepared ones, and to avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods. 7. Are there any dining options with a view of the beach or ocean?
Yes, there are several dining options with a view of the beach or ocean in Huntington Beach. Some popular options include Duke’s Huntington Beach, The Deck on Laguna and Beachcomber Cafe.
8. Do the restaurants cater to dietary restrictions or allergies?
Many restaurants nowadays have options for customers with dietary restrictions or allergies. However, it is always a good idea to inform the restaurant beforehand to ensure that they can accommodate your specific needs. Some restaurants may also have allergen menus available for customers to view online or in-store. It is important to communicate any restrictions or allergies to the server before ordering so they can provide recommendations and make necessary accommodations.
9. Where can I find the best Pad Thai on the island?
There are many great restaurants on the island that serve delicious Pad Thai, but some highly recommended places to try include Charm Thai Restaurant, Baan Tawai Lanta Cafe, and Dee Dwong Lanta Restaurant. It’s always a good idea to ask locals or hotel staff for their favorite spots as well.
10. What are some unique, local ingredients used in Ko Chang’s cuisine?
1. Koh Chang oysters – these are found on the island’s shores and are a delicacy in many seafood dishes.
2. Mountain Morning Glory (Pak I-Tim) – this leafy green vegetable is commonly used in stir-fry dishes.
3. Wild mushrooms – abundant in the island’s forests, they are often used in soups and curries.
4. Sea grapes (Latok) – a type of seaweed that is popular as a topping for salads or eaten as an appetizer.
5. Coconut sugar (Nam Tan Maprao) – made from the sap of coconut flowers, this sweetener is used in desserts and sauces.
6. Salak (Snake fruit) – a local fruit with a unique taste, it is often eaten on its own or used in desserts.
7. Sea salt – harvested from the Gulf of Thailand, this salt is used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
8. Galangal – similar to ginger, this aromatic root is commonly used in Thai curries and soups.
9. Banana blossom (Hua Plee) – the flower of a banana tree that can be eaten raw or cooked, it is often used in salads or curries.
10. Cashew nuts – grown on the island’s many cashew plantations, they are often roasted and served as snacks or used as toppings for dishes.
11. Are there any highly-rated fine dining options on the island?
Yes, there are a few highly-rated fine dining options on the island such as:
1. Blue by Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton: widely considered the best restaurant on the island, offering French cuisine with Caribbean influences.
2. Flagrant Bar and Grill: Known for its modern twist on Caribbean dishes and stunning ocean views.
3. Marmalade: A popular spot for farm-to-table cuisine with global influences.
4. Cocina Abierta: A contemporary bistro offering creative small plates and cocktails.
5. Zest Restaurant at The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: Featuring fresh seafood and creative Puerto Rican dishes in an elegant setting.
6. La Vista Smokehouse at El Conquistador Resort: Offering a fusion of traditional American BBQ with Puerto Rican flavors.
7. Oceano Restaurant at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel: A seafood-focused fine dining experience with breathtaking views of the ocean.
8. Pikayo by Chef Wilo Benet: One of Puerto Rico’s top-rated restaurants, offering modern takes on traditional Puerto Rican dishes.
9. 1919 Restaurant at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel: Featuring upscale international cuisines in an elegant setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
10.Casita Miramar: An intimate and elegant restaurant serving creative and delicious Puerto Rican-fusion dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
12. Can you recommend some budget-friendly places to eat on Ko Chang?
Sure, here are some budget-friendly places to eat on Ko Chang:
1. Jek Pui’s Kitchen: known for its tasty Thai dishes at affordable prices.
2. Kai Bae Hut Restaurant: a popular spot for seafood and BBQ dishes with a great view of the beach.
3. Famous Pizza: offers a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and salads at reasonable prices.
4. Tha Nam Shrimp Farm: a riverside restaurant serving fresh seafood dishes at budget-friendly prices.
5. Soda Boutique & Café: known for their delicious smoothie bowls, salads, and sandwiches at affordable prices.
6. Khai Mook Seafood: located on Kai Bae Beach, this restaurant offers a wide range of seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
7. Blue Lagoon Restaurant: serves authentic Thai cuisine at budget-friendly prices with ocean views.
8. Sai Daeng Restaurant: this local eatery serves up delicious traditional Thai food at affordable prices.
9. Tantawan Resort Bar & Restaurant: offers both Thai and Western dishes at budget-friendly prices with ocean views.
10. Bang Bao Seafood Market: located in the southern tip of the island, this market is known for its cheap and fresh seafood options that can be cooked onsite by nearby restaurants for a small fee.
13. Is it possible to find international cuisine, such as Italian or Indian, on the island?
Yes, there are several restaurants on the island that serve international cuisine, including Italian and Indian. Some popular options include L’Italiano, Capriccio Italian Restaurant, and Indian Curry House.
14. What are some popular spots for trying traditional Thai desserts and snacks?
Some popular spots for trying traditional Thai desserts and snacks include street food markets like Yaowarat (Chinatown) in Bangkok, local cafes and restaurants, as well as dessert shops and stalls in shopping malls. Some specific places that are highly recommended for trying traditional Thai desserts and snacks include:
1. Or Tor Kor Market (Bangkok): This market offers a variety of traditional Thai sweets and snacks such as mango sticky rice, kanom krok (coconut pancakes), and durian chips.
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok): This market has a section dedicated to an array of local desserts like mango with sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and tub tim krob (water chestnuts in sweet syrup).
3. Mae Varee Fruits Shop (Bangkok): This fruit shop is known for their signature sweet ripe mangoes served with sticky rice, coconut milk and a sprinkle of toasted mung beans.
4. Khanom Thom Yum Authentic Thai Desserts (Bangkok): A hidden gem located in the heart of Bangkok serving up authentic Thai desserts such as sago coconut pudding, steamed banana cake, and pandan custard pie.
5. Chokchai 4 Soi 62 Floating Market (Bangkok): A floating market famous for its unique selection of traditional Thai sweets like butterfly pea flower jelly, black sesame dumplings, and grilled bananas.
6. Salaya Night Market (Nakhon Pathom Province): Located just outside Bangkok, this night market is known for its delicious street food including deep fried taro balls filled with custard or shredded coconut.
7. Talad Nad Rod Fai Train Night Market Srinakarin (Bangkok): A popular night market where you can find both sweet and savory traditional Thai snacks such as mochi filled with peanut butter or red bean paste, steamed buns stuffed with savory fillings like pork or chicken floss, and crispy crepes with sweet or savory toppings.
15. Where can I go for a romantic dinner with my partner on Ko Chang?
Some great options for a romantic dinner on Ko Chang include:
1. The View Restaurant – This restaurant offers stunning views of the ocean and serves delicious Thai and Western dishes.
2. KA-TO Lifestyle Restaurant – Located on White Sand Beach, KA-TO offers intimate outdoor seating with candlelit tables and a menu featuring local seafood and international dishes.
3. Kai Bae Beach Resort – Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach at this resort’s open-air restaurant, serving authentic Thai cuisine.
4. Buri Rasa Koh Chang Resort & Spa – This world-class resort features an elegant beachside restaurant with a diverse menu and beautiful sunset views.
5. Sassi Alese Italian Restaurant – For a taste of Italy in a romantic setting, head to this restaurant located on Klong Prao Beach.
6. Paradise Bar & Restaurant – Located on Lonely Beach, this cozy restaurant offers a secluded spot to dine with your partner and enjoy fresh seafood, Thai dishes, and cocktails.
7. Mam Kai Bae Seafood Restaurant – Situated right on the water, this renowned seafood restaurant is perfect for a special date night with its relaxed atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes.
8. The Buddha View Restaurant & Winebar – This romantic hilltop restaurant boasts panoramic views of the island and offers an excellent selection of international wines to complement your meal.
16. Are there any rooftop bars or restaurants on the island with beautiful views and good food?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars and restaurants on the island with beautiful views and good food. Some popular options include The Roof at The Peninsula Hotel, Sugar at EAST Hong Kong, Ce La Vi at Lan Kwai Fong, Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, and Sevva in Central.
17. Can you recommend any hidden gem restaurants that may not be well-known to tourists?
1. The Grill House (Cape Town) – This hidden gem offers delicious South African cuisine in a cozy and intimate setting.
2. The Olive Tree Restaurant (Franschhoek) – Located in the picturesque Winelands town, this restaurant serves up creative dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
3. Satori (Johannesburg) – This trendy restaurant specializes in contemporary Asian fusion cuisine and has a unique cocktail menu.
4. Bel Punto Italian Kitchen (Durban) – Tucked away in the small beach town of Umhlanga Rocks, this restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes with stunning ocean views.
5. La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek) – This boutique winery also has a farm-to-table restaurant that offers beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards while you dine on French-inspired cuisine.
6. Tao’s Chinese Cuisine (Johannesburg) – For delicious and authentic Chinese food, head to Tao’s for their signature Peking duck or hotpot dishes.
7. The Mill Kitchen & Bar (Port Elizabeth) – Housed in an old windmill, this charming restaurant serves up modern bistro-style fare with a Mediterranean twist.
8. Cheyne’s (Hout Bay) – A popular spot among locals, this seafood-focused restaurant offers a creative menu with stunning ocean views.
9. Saigon Restaurant (Pretoria) – Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine at this family-run establishment known for their pho and other traditional dishes.
10. Rust en Vrede Restaurant (Stellenbosch) – This award-winning restaurant is located on a historic wine estate and features seasonal menus showcasing the best of South Africa’s produce.
18. Which night markets or street food areas should I visit for a diverse culinary experience?
1. Shilin Night Market: This famous night market in Taipei offers a variety of traditional Taiwanese street food, including oyster omelette, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and more.
2. Raohe Night Market: Located in Songshan district, this market is known for its local snacks and specialty dishes such as pepper cakes and spare rib soup.
3. Ningxia Night Market: This market is smaller than others but offers some unique dishes like Taiwanese meatball soup and glutinous rice balls.
4. Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market: Also known as Snake Alley, this market is famous for its exotic street food such as snake blood wine, snake meat, and turtle stew.
5. Tonghua Night Market: A popular spot among locals for late-night dining, this market offers an array of authentic Taiwanese dishes such as congee with various toppings and seafood hotpot.
6. Gongguan Street Food Area: Located near National Taiwan University, this area is popular among students and offers a variety of cheap yet delicious snacks from different regions of Taiwan.
7. Nanjichang Night Market: Known for its fresh seafood offerings and freshly caught fish grilled on the spot, this market also has classic street foods like fried chicken cutlets and stinky tofu.
8. Yansan Night Market: Located in New Taipei City, this night market has a mix of traditional Taiwanese snacks as well as international cuisine such as Korean BBQ and Filipino dishes.
9. Jingmei Night Market: Along with the usual street food items like braised pork rice and roast duck rice noodles, this market also has a wide selection of vegetarian options.
10. Ningbo Street Seafood Market: As the name suggests, this market specializes in seafood dishes such as seafood soup noodles, fried squid rings, grilled prawns on skewers, etc.
19. What is the average price range for meals in Ko Chang’s restaurants?
The average price range for meals in Ko Chang’s restaurants is between 150-400 baht (approximately $5-$13 USD). Some higher-end restaurants may have prices above this range. Street food and smaller local eateries may have lower prices. Prices can also vary depending on the type of cuisine and location of the restaurant.
20.What is one dish or restaurant that you personally recommend trying while visiting Ko Chang?
One dish that I would recommend trying while visiting Ko Chang is the famous seafood barbecue at Ngam Kho Seafood. This restaurant is located right on the beach and offers a variety of fresh seafood such as giant prawns, squid, crab, and fish. The seafood is grilled to perfection and served with delicious dipping sauces. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful views of the ocean.