1. What are some popular local dishes to try on Koh Chang?
Some popular local dishes to try on Koh Chang are:– Pla Kaphong Tod (deep-fried barramundi fish)
– Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup)
– Massaman Curry (rich, peanut and coconut-based curry)
– Khao Phad (fried rice)
– Seafood BBQ (grilled seafood such as prawns, squid, and fish)
– Gai Pad Met Ma Muang (stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts)
– Gaeng Keow Wan Goong (Thai green curry with prawns)
– Som Tam (papaya salad)
– Gaeng Daeng (Thai red curry)
– Khao Neow Mamuang (mango sticky rice)
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available on the island?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available on the island. Many restaurants offer vegetable stir-fries and curries that can be made without meat or animal products. Some specific vegetarian/vegan restaurants on Koh Chang include Por Kai Jaa Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant, The Alternative Restaurant & Bar, and Sabaidee Vegetarian Restaurant. Additionally, many Thai dishes such as som tam and tofu stir-fry can be easily made vegetarian/vegan by omitting certain ingredients.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options available on the island?
Yes, there are some vegetarian and vegan dining options available on the island. Some restaurants offer specific vegetarian or vegan menu items, while others have a variety of dishes that can be easily adapted to suit these dietary restrictions. Some popular options include plant-based dishes at Sava Beach Bar & Restaurant, vegetarian sushi rolls at Pekin Express in Windwardside, and vegan burgers at Scout’s Place in Lower Town. Additionally, there are also many local fruits and vegetables available for purchase at markets and grocery stores for those looking to prepare their own meals.
3. Can you recommend a good seafood restaurant on or near the beach?
One highly-rated seafood restaurant on the beach is The Beachcomber in Newport Beach, California. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including lobster, clam chowder, and fish tacos. Their outdoor seating area has stunning views of the ocean, making it the perfect spot for a beachside meal. Other popular options include Duke’s Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii and Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, Florida.
4. Is street food safe to eat on Koh Chang?
While street food may be an enjoyable and authentic way to experience local cuisine, it is important to exercise caution when eating on the streets of Koh Chang. While most vendors take care to prepare fresh and safe food, there is always a risk of foodborne illnesses. To minimize this risk, look for crowded stalls with high turnover rate, as this indicates that the food is likely fresh and popular among locals. Additionally, make sure to only eat hot and well-cooked food, avoid raw fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in tap water, and only drink from sealed bottles or cans.
5. Are there any particular restaurants known for their views or sunset dining experiences?
Yes, there are restaurants known for their views and sunset dining experiences. Some popular ones include:
1. The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach, California – Known for its panoramic ocean views and breathtaking sunsets.
2. 360 Rooftop in Nashville, Tennessee – Offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and live music during sunset.
3. Top of the Mark in San Francisco, California – Located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel with stunning views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge.
4. Siros at Marina Bay in Quincy, Massachusetts – Offers scenic waterfront dining with picturesque views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.
5. La Jolla Cove in La Jolla, California – A popular spot for sunset viewing while dining at one of the many beachfront restaurants.
6. Oia Sunset in Santorini, Greece – Overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its famous sunsets and traditional Greek cuisine.
7. Baoli Miami in Miami Beach, Florida – Offers a stunning view of Biscayne Bay with an outdoor terrace perfect for watching sunsets over the water.
8. Gibney’s Pub & Eatery in Malahide, Ireland – Situated on a cliff overlooking Malahide Harbour with spectacular views of Dublin Bay and Howth Head.
9. El Farallon at Resort at Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean offering amazing sunset views and fresh seafood options.
10. Altitude Sky Lounge in San Diego, California – Located on the 22nd floor of the Gaslamp Quarter’s Marriott Hotel with panoramic views of downtown San Diego and Coronado Island during sunset.
6. What is the price range for eating out on Koh Chang?
The price range for eating out on Koh Chang varies depending on the type of restaurant and cuisine. Street food and local eateries typically start at around 100 baht ($3 USD) per meal, while mid-range restaurants can range from 300-500 baht ($9-15 USD) per meal. Fine dining options can cost upwards of 1,000 baht ($30 USD) per meal.
7. Are there any upscale or fine dining options available on the island?
Yes, St. John does have some upscale and fine dining options available on the island. Some popular choices include The Terrace at the Westin Resort and The Lime Inn in Cruz Bay, as well as Zozo’s at Caneel Bay and Asolare in Coral Bay. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Caribbean, French, Italian, and seafood. Reservations are recommended for these types of dining experiences.
8. Can you suggest any budget-friendly places to eat on Koh Chang?
1. Rim Kong Seafood: This local restaurant offers delicious and fresh seafood dishes at affordable prices.
2. Blue Lagoon Restaurant: A great spot for Thai food with a scenic view of the lagoon, this restaurant also offers budget-friendly options.
3. Nature Beach Resort Restaurant: This beachfront restaurant serves traditional Thai and Western cuisine at reasonable prices.
4. Baan Rung Khun Seafood & Steakhouse: Another popular seafood restaurant on the island that won’t break the bank.
5. Plearn Kitchen: This small, family-run restaurant offers tasty Thai dishes for a budget-friendly price.
6. Mam Kai Bae: A roadside stall serving up delicious pad thai and other Thai favorites at very affordable prices.
7. Cafe del Sunshine: Located in Lonely Beach, this cozy café offers a mix of Western and Thai dishes at reasonable prices.
8. Kati Culinary Park: A great place to try authentic Thai street food without spending a lot of money.
9. Which areas of the island have the best selection of restaurants and local food options?
1. San Juan: As the capital and largest city, San Juan has a diverse range of restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes as well as international cuisine. The historic Old San Juan district is particularly known for its wide selection of local food options.
2. Piñones: This coastal town on the northeastern side of the island is famous for its beachside kiosks, where you can find some of the best street food in Puerto Rico such as alcapurrias, bacalaitos, and pinchos.
3. Rio Grande: Located on the east coast, this town has a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. You can also find traditional dishes like arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and mofongo (mashed plantains).
4. Ponce: The second-largest city on the island offers a mix of fine dining restaurants and local eateries serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, including dishes like lechón (roasted pork), tostones (fried plantains), and tembleque (coconut pudding).
5. Guavate: This mountainous region in Cayey is known as the “Ruta del Lechón” (Pork Highway) due to its many lechoneras or roadside stalls serving delicious roast pork alongside other typical Puerto Rican dishes.
6. Luquillo: This beach town has a wide variety of dining options from casual beachside grills to more upscale restaurants serving Caribbean fusion cuisine.
7. Rincón: Known for its surfing beaches, this laid-back town on the west coast also boasts excellent seafood restaurants offering fresh catches from the nearby waters.
8. Culebra Island: Accessible by ferry from Fajardo, Culebra Island has some fantastic waterfront restaurants offering freshly caught seafood and other local specialties.
9.Beaconsfield Plaza de Mercado in Santurce. This market is a must-visit for foodies, with a wide variety of stalls serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as mofongo, seafood, and fruit smoothies.
10. Are there any cultural experiences, like traditional Thai cooking classes, available for tourists to participate in on Koh Chang?
Yes, there are several options for cultural experiences on Koh Chang, including traditional Thai cooking classes. These classes allow tourists to learn about the local cuisine and techniques used in traditional Thai cooking, and often include a visit to a local market to pick out fresh ingredients. Some popular places for cooking classes on Koh Chang include Baan Zen Cookery School, Blue Lagoon Cooking School, and Cooking with Monlikit. Additionally, tourists can also participate in other cultural experiences such as traditional dance performances, temple visits, and local homestays for a more immersive cultural experience on the island.
11. Is it easy to find international cuisine such as Italian, Indian, or Mexican food on the island?
Yes, it is easy to find international cuisine such as Italian, Indian, or Mexican food on the island. There are many restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of international cuisine options, catering to different taste preferences. Additionally, there are also specialty ethnic grocery stores that sell ingredients for cooking international dishes at home.
12. What is a must-try dish for first-time visitors to Koh Chang?
A must-try dish for first-time visitors to Koh Chang is the traditional seafood barbecue, known as “Pla Pao” in Thai. This dish typically includes a variety of fresh seafood, including fish, prawns, squid, and crab, that are grilled over an open flame and served with spicy dipping sauces and rice. It’s a delicious and authentic taste of the island’s famous seafood cuisine. Other popular dishes to try include “Pad Thai” (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and choice of meat or shrimp), “Tom Yum Goong” (spicy and sour soup with shrimp), and “Grilled Fish with Herbs” (fresh fish marinated in herbs and spices).
13. Do any restaurants offer live music or entertainment in the evenings?
Yes, there are several restaurants that offer live music or entertainment in the evenings. Some examples include:
1. Hard Rock Cafe – They often have live bands or musicians performing on their stage during dinner service.
2. Planet Hollywood – They have a DJ playing music and hosting trivia nights on certain evenings.
3. House of Blues – A popular spot for dinner and shows, featuring both local and touring musical acts.
4. B.B. King’s Blues Club – As the name suggests, this restaurant offers nightly live blues performances.
5. The Rusty Spur Saloon – A Western-style bar and restaurant with live country music every evening.
14. Are there any food markets or night markets where visitors can sample a variety of local dishes in one place?
Yes, there are several food markets and night markets in different parts of the world where visitors can sample a variety of local dishes in one place.
Some popular food markets and night markets include:
1. Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market: One of the largest wholesale fish markets in the world, visitors can try a wide range of fresh seafood here including sushi and sashimi.
2. Borough Market, London: This historic market offers a variety of British and international cuisine, including gourmet burgers, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked goods.
3. Donghuamen Night Market, Beijing: Located near the famous Wangfujing shopping street, this market offers a variety of street food such as fried scorpions, silkworms, and other exotic delicacies.
4. Mercado Central de Santiago, Chile: This bustling market is known for its fresh produce and traditional Chilean dishes such as empanadas and seafood stew.
5. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: A popular tourist spot for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of local cuisine including pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and Vietnamese coffee.
6. La Boqueria Market, Barcelona: A colorful market filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and plenty of tapas bars where visitors can sample Spanish specialties like jamon (cured ham) and paella.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok: This massive outdoor market is known for its cheap street food options including pad thai (stir-fried noodles) and mango sticky rice.
8. Marrakech Night Market (Jemaa el-Fnaa), Morocco: This lively square transforms into a bustling night market offering various Moroccan dishes such as tagine (slow-cooked meat stews) and savory pastries.
9. Salcedo Saturday Market, Manila: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this market offers a variety of Filipino dishes and street food along with fresh produce and artisanal products.
10. Pike Place Market, Seattle: This iconic market is known for its fresh seafood options as well as the famous original Starbucks coffee shop.
15. Can you recommend a restaurant with kid-friendly options and activities nearby?
One great option is Chuck E. Cheese’s, which offers a variety of kid-friendly menu options and many fun activities such as arcade games, rides, and play areas. Another option is Dave & Buster’s, which also has a kid-friendly menu and a large selection of arcade games and other activities. Check out their locations online to see if there are any nearby restaurants and activities for your family to enjoy!
16.Perhaps some recommendations for food carts/street vendors that offer delicious and affordable snacks.
1. The Halal Guys – famous for their chicken and gyro platters on rice
2. The Cinnamon Snail – vegan food truck with unique creations like Korean BBQ seitan sandwiches
3. Wafels and Dinges – serves Belgian waffles with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savory
4. Korilla BBQ – Korean BBQ tacos and burritos
5. Big Gay Ice Cream – soft serve ice cream with fun and creative toppings
6. Papaya King – classic hot dogs and tropical fruit drinks
7. The Original Soupman – known for their tasty soups like lobster bisque and chicken gumbo
8. Luke’s Lobster Roll – fresh Maine lobster rolls
9. Biryani Cart – flavorful Indian biryani bowls
10.Mamoun’s Falafel- authentic Middle Eastern falafel wraps
11.The Trini-Paki Boys – Caribbean and Pakistani fusion cuisine including grilled jerk chicken and curry dishes.
12.Vendy Award winner, Calexico Cart- Mexican street corn, sizzling carne asada, and delicious quesadillas.
13.Wheelhouse Philly Cheesesteaks- traditional Philly cheesesteaks made with 100% ribeye beef.
14.Taïm Mobile- fresh and healthy falafel pitas or platters.
15.Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee- perfectly glazed donuts in a variety of flavors, along with rich coffee options.
16.Los Tacos No. 1- authentic tacos al pastor filled with marinated pork cooked on a spit, served on handmade tortillas.
17.Is it common for restaurants to use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes?
It is becoming increasingly common for restaurants to use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in their dishes. Many restaurants are recognizing the benefits of sourcing ingredients from local farms and producers, including better quality and taste, support for small businesses, and reduced environmental impact from transporting food long distances. As consumers become more interested in knowing where their food comes from and supporting local agriculture, restaurants are responding by incorporating these ingredients into their menus.
18.Are there any hidden gem restaurants that are worth seeking out in more remote areas of Koh Chang?
There are a few hidden gem restaurants in more remote areas of Koh Chang that are worth seeking out. Some notable options include:1. Kati Culinary – Located on Lonely Beach, this small restaurant serves up delicious Thai dishes at affordable prices.
2. Palm View Restaurant – Tucked away in the hills of Kai Bae, this restaurant offers stunning views and amazing seafood dishes.
3. Buddha View Restaurant – This family-run restaurant is located on the southern tip of the island and features a menu of tasty Thai and Western dishes.
4. Blue Turtle Cafe – Situated on the western side of Koh Chang, this cozy cafe serves up homemade food and refreshing drinks with beachfront views.
5. Baan Mae Resort and Restaurant – A bit off the beaten path in Salakphet, this resort has a fantastic restaurant with authentic Thai cuisine overlooking the sea.
6. The Red Snapper – Hidden in the village of Khlong Son, this cozy restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and mouth-watering pizzas.
7. Himmelkron Restaurant & Bar – Located on the northeastern side of Koh Chang, this German-owned restaurant offers an array of traditional German dishes along with delicious cocktails.
Overall, these hidden gem restaurants offer not only great food but also unique ambiance that is well worth seeking out if you’re looking for a more authentic dining experience on Koh Chang.
19.How does dining at a resort differ from eating at a stand-alone restaurant?
Dining at a resort typically involves a more relaxed and leisurely experience compared to eating at a stand-alone restaurant. This is because resorts often have multiple dining options, in addition to their main restaurant, such as poolside bars or outdoor seating areas, which allow guests to move around and try different culinary experiences. The overall atmosphere at a resort’s restaurants is also more casual and laid-back, creating a vacation-like ambiance. Additionally, resort dining often includes entertainment and events such as themed nights or live music performances, making it a more immersive and enjoyable experience for guests.
Moreover, resorts often offer all-inclusive meal plans where guests can enjoy unlimited food and drinks for a fixed price, adding value and convenience to their dining experience. On the other hand, stand-alone restaurants are typically smaller in size with limited menu options and do not provide the same level of amenities or activities that resorts do. Stand-alone restaurants also tend to have higher prices compared to resort restaurants due to the added amenities and services provided by resorts. Overall, dining at a resort offers a more comprehensive and luxurious experience compared to eating at a stand-alone restaurant.
20.What are some dining Dos and Don’ts when it comes to respecting local customs and etiquette?
Dos:
1. Do research the local customs and etiquette before dining in a new country or culture.
2. Do greet the host or hostess first before sitting down.
3. Do try to use the local language when ordering food.
4. Do wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.
5. Do compliment the food and show appreciation for the meal.
6. Do use utensils if they are provided, rather than eating with your hands.
7. Do follow proper table manners, such as not talking with your mouth full and keeping your elbows off the table.
8. Do offer to help clear the table or wash dishes after the meal.
9. Do respect any dietary restrictions or preferences of your hosts or dining companions.
10. Do thank your hosts for the meal and hospitality.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t be late for a dinner invitation, as punctuality is valued in many cultures.
2. Don’t start eating until everyone at the table has been served or given permission to begin eating.
3. Don’t talk loudly or make excessive noise while eating, as it can be considered rude in some cultures.
4. Don’t refuse food that is offered to you, as it may be considered impolite.
5. Don’t pick at food or play with utensils while waiting for others to finish their meal.
6. Don’t leave a significant amount of food on your plate, as it may be seen as wasteful in some cultures.
7. Don’t criticize or complain about the food, even if you don’t like it.
8. Don’t use your napkin as a tissue or wipe your face on it during the meal.
9.Don’t take large bites of food or chew with your mouth open, which can be considered impolite in many cultures
10.Don’t place utensils directly on the table, instead rest them on your plate between bites or on a utensil rest.