One of the problems with traditional souvenirs, such as jewellery, magnets or postcards, is that they are fairly common and they fail to capture the real essence of your trip.

Luckily, there is a way to keep the taste of your vacation fresh, with cooking classes in Koh Samui. Here are a few to try.

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts, Chaweng

Since 1999 Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts has been sharing the secrets of Thai cooking with visitors from all over the world. SITCA offers a variety of courses, from their morning or afternoon three hour classes to intensive one or two week immersive courses. It’s all hands on every step of the way, as visitors prepare and cook each dish themselves under the watchful eye of expert instructors, and afterwards everyone is rewarded by sampling the fruits of their labour. Instructional DVDs are available to buy from the SITCA shop if there is no time to attend a full class or a refresher course might be needed at a later date. The shop also sells powders and curry pastes to use as secret ingredients at home. This is a fun activity that amauteur cooks and professional chefs alike can enjoy.

Pai Cookery Samui, Chaweng

For those who prefer learning in a smaller group, Pai Cookery Samui offers classes to groups of up to four people. This class is popular with those who want to learn to make the perfect spring roll, as well as other popular Thai dishes. The class is separated into four different courses where guests will be instructed on how to make four different dishes. In each course, students will learn how to make a curry paste, a curry and a soup or stir fry dish from scratch. Upon completion of the course, each student will receive a complimentary recipe book to keep practising their newfound skills at home. Click here to find out more

Smiley Cook, Chaweng

As well as catering for small classes of no more than four people, the Smiley Cooking Class programme has a slightly different approach to its cooking instruction. They offer two classes per day (9am and 4pm) and they both start with taking their students on a 30 minute tour of the market, where they can seen what the fresh ingredients look like and learn the beauty of thai herbs, vegetables and spices. After the tour, a two hour cooking class will take place where students will learn how to make four Thai dishes from a menu of their choosing, as well as unlocking the delicious secret of the mango sticky rice dessert. The menu includes dishes such as fried pork or chicken with ginger, Tom Yum (spicy prawn) soup and green mango salad amongst other things. Finish the lesson by sharing food with the other people at the table.

Spice Spoon, Chaweng

Spice Spoon offers more than just a cooking class, it offers a day of immersion into the Thai culture. Each culinary programme includes a tour of the local market, a visit to coconut and organic produce farms and places of untouched natural beauty before returning to the resort in the afternoon. Here, students will learn about Thai and southern Thai cuisine’s cultural significance and health benefits, indigenous ingredients and cooking equipment and convenient replacements to use at home. At about 1pm it will be time to put theory to practice with a step by step cooking class consisting of four recipes. Options include thai fish cakes, coconut chicken soup, thai fried noodles with prawns and so much more.

It’s one thing to visit Koh Samui and be immersed in the culture, but something else entirely to be able to bring a piece of it home. Learning to make popular dishes is both fun and a way of ensuring the memories of Samui stay forever fresh in everyone’s mind.

Happy cooking!

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The best way to capture the essence of Thai culture is with one of Koh Samui’s famed Thai dinner shows.

These exotic events are held at venues across Koh Samui. Here are some of the best options that combine an exceptional dining experience with entertainment that captures the heart of Thailand…

The Imperial Boat House Resort and Spa: A Taste of Thai Culture
The restaurant at The Imperial Boat House in Choeng Mon invites guests to experience the rich culinary and visual heritage of Thailand. Every Monday evening from 7pm the menu at Captain’s Choice offers a selection of authentic Thai cuisine and several themed buffet nights, but the after-dinner entertainment is the main attraction at this beach-side restaurant. What follows is a show of authentic Thai dancing as performed by professional dancers. This is a tasty and spectacular taste of Thai Culture!

Zazen Boutique Resort: Thai Dance Evenings
The Zazen Restaurant in Bophut is praised as a place of sophistication, romance and intimacy. It is bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles and serenaded by the gentle waves and smooth jazz music. The menu of authentic and exotic Thai cuisine is a food lover’s paradise and a true treat for the taste buds. Every Thursday and Sunday, trained dancers and musicians in dazzling costumes present an evening of traditional Thai dancing to complete your dining experience and demonstrate another spectacular aspect of Thai culture for the enjoyment of their guests.

Poppies: Thai Night
In a romantic tropical garden overlooking the sea, Poppies in Chaweng is pure paradise. Their extensive international and Thai menu is built on fresh ingredients and locally caught seafood. Guests can dine by the sea, under the stars or in the teak pavilion overlooking the pool. If the tempting menu and serene location was not enough, every Saturday at Poppies is Thai night. Professional dancers in elaborate costumes will perform the traditional dances of Thailand, all to the tune of traditional Thai music.

Siam Classic Bophut: Dinner and a Show
Siam Classic is a Thai dance and drama show in The Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. The entertainment consists of six dramatic dance forms; Khon, a formal masked dance-drama depicting scenes from the Ramakian and originally performed only for the royal court; Lakhon, which covers several types of dance-drama (usually for non royal occasions) as well as western theatre; Li-khe, a partly improvised, often bawdy folk play featuring dancing, comedy, melodrama and music; Manohra, the southern Thai equivalent of Li-khe, but based on a 2000 year old Indian story; Nang or shadow plays, limited to Southern Thailand and Lakhon or Hun Luang – puppet theatre. To have the full Thai experience, this show includes a five course dinner so everyone experiences the sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of Thailand. This show includes a mini-bus pick up and drop off to any hotel in Koh Samui. The evening kicks off from 7:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The Thai Experience
The Thai Experience in Lamai will redefine the term ‘dinner party’. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail, then seated around a large communal dining table and provided with chef’s hats and Thai aprons. First on the menu is the selection of cocktails. Everyone is shown how to blend fruit juices, liqueurs and syrups to create Me Lychee Long Time, Electric Blue Gin Cocktail and Samui Sunrise Passion Fruit Cocktail. Once the bonding exercise has been completed and sampled, the chefs move on to the three course, fifteen dish meal. Dishes such as fresh crab wonton sandwiches, slow cooked pork leg stew and Thai Tea Tres Leche will enchant everyone and fill all the stomachs in attendance. Along the way, guests will learn how to mix and blend Thai condiments to create perfect dipping sauces and be given the opportunity to quiz the team on any aspects of Thai dining or culture that they have not yet experienced. This is experience is a great introduction to newcomers and a delightful way of making new friends.

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There are a plethora of superb restaurants in Koh Samui, catering for all tastes and budgets. Whether you want a romantic ocean front venue or a BBQ on the beach the island offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 10 restaurants in Koh Samui to help you find your way around.

Tree Tops
Moo 2, North Chaweng Beach, Chaweng, Bophut, Koh Samui
For an intimate dining experience with a spectacular view, look no further than Tree Tops restaurant. This unique restaurant is positioned amongst the tree tops and is regarded as the pst romantic restaurant in Koh Samui. Each table is an individual treehouse, overlooking the breath-taking Samui coast. Chef’s specials include beef tartar smoked with rosemary, snow fish steamed with lemongrass, champagne foam and mango relish, or pan-fried foie gras. The menu is complemented with our extensive wine list which will be carefully explained by our in house Wine Guru.

Orchid Restaurant
167/28 M2, Chaweng Beach Road, Chaweng, Bophut, Koh Samui
This charming restaurant and bar is located in the heart of Koh Samui’s Chaweng beach road, the perfect place to step off the beach for a night to remember. Start your evening with salmon bruschetta, fried calamari or prawns on toast. Then test your chilli tolerance with prawn Panang curry, green Thai curry or try the ‘ho muk talay’ – seafood curry cooked in a coconut. There are also mojitos, beach cocktails and beers aplenty to wash down your food.

The Boudoir
Soi 1, Mae Nam, Koh Samui, Thailand
A cosy little place run by a French couple, The Boudoir mixes French café style with Middle Eastern exoticism. Adorned with brightly coloured cushions and silk drapery, expect to be impressed with the decadent French cuisine. Starters include foie gras, escargot and a selection of wines and cheeses. Main courses options include rabbit with mustard and cream, lamb shank or creamy chef’s pasta with chorizo. The exotic ambiance and rich food complement each other perfectly.

Café 69
157/52 Bophut Avenue Apartment, Bophut, Koh Samui
Does a chicken and mango pie sound appetising? Does the idea of a green chicken curry pie make your mouth water? Absolutely! Café 69 is ideal for people looking for something that little bit different. Expect unusual meal combinations served in an imaginative way, for example delicious chicken curry dumplings served on measuring scales!

Café Mathis
Soi 4, Mae Nam, Koh Samui
Café Mathis has been transformed from a dreary sports bar to a chic and delicious eating experience. Visitors can choose from tempura king prawns, homemade spring rolls with plum sauce, chicken skewers with homemade sate sauce and so much more. But that’s just the appetizer menu. The selection of burgers, salads and carnivorous dishes will leave everyone spoiled for choice. You’ll need to come again to sample what you missed on your first visit.

Barrio Latino
Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui
The instant you hear the upbeat flamenco and salsa rhythms, you may just forget you’re in Thailand. Barrio Latino serves generous portions of guacamole, tacos, burritos, conchita pibil, chilli con carne and pitchers of the best margaritas in Lamai. This place is excellent for fun with friends and special occasions.

Blue Vanilla Boutique
Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Koh Samui
Blue Vanilla Boutique is actually a unique souvenir shop located in the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut. It’s a great place to stop and grab a hot coffee, and a homemade brownie or cheesecake. The store itself sells curry pastes, traditional Thai sweets, teas, vinegars and oils – everything you need to bring Thailand home to your own kitchen.

4 Monkeys
Moo 6, Bang Po, Mae Nam, Koh Samui
You probably won’t notice this petite coffee bar overlooking Bang Po Beach unless you look hard enough. wile the afternoon away with a creamy cappuccino or Thai tea with a side of orange cheesecake or homemade banoffee pie – or even some fruity cocktails for evening drinks

Antica Locanda
Bang Rak, Bophut, Koh Samui, 
Believe it or not it is possible to find an authentic Italian pizza in Koh Samui. Antica Locanda is a slice of Italy that has made its way to Thailand. The menu consists of all the traditional Italian meals you can imagine including pizzas and pastas galore, though you can also sample a green curry pizza if you’re feeling adventurous.

Kob Thai Restaurant
Moo 3, Maret, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui
Known as one of the best Thai restaurants in Koh Samui, the cuisine at Kob Thai prepared with fresh seafood, and you can enjoy it outside in the sun, lounging by the pool. That’s right; this restaurant has its own pool. The crab curry is popular with many customers, but the prawn curry is a delicious alternative. The papaya salad, mango with sticky rice and fruit smoothies are also perfect for an outdoor eating experience.

What do you think?

Have you been to a restaurant in Koh Samui that you just fell in love with? Have you been to 1 of the restaurants in our top 10 restaurants in Koh Samui list?

We’d love to hear from you! Why not share on Facebook, Twitter or Google+

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Koh Samui may be a picture perfect vacation destination but it’s also a living and working island with distinctive local customs and habits. Read on to learn more about Koh Samui culture including its markets, festivals, sports and more.

The very first settlers that landed in Koh Samui were Chinese traders and Muslim fishermen – both groups still inhabit the island living peacefully alongside their friendly Thai neighbours. In the early 1970s, Samui became popular with the hippie backpacking community as an unspoiled hideaway in the gulf of Thailand. This was the start of tourism in Samui and with impressive investment in its infrastructure, the island has since evolved into the popular vacation destination it is today.

A great place to get an authentic taste of Koh Samui life is at the local markets like the Nathon fresh food market, the Lam Din market and the Hua Thanon fishing village. Here you will find a proud and vibrant local culture without the hubbub of too many tourists.

Another important part of daily life on Koh Samui are traditional Thai festivals. The larger celebrations are Chinese New Year which takes place in February, Songkran, the Thai New Year, in April and Loi Krathong, which is also known as the festival of light, which takes place in November. These lively festivals involve parties, processions, food fairs, temple festivals and live performances all over the island. There are also regular food and cultural events staged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in the island’s capital Nathon.

Passing from village to village throughout the year are Koh Samui’s renowned temple fairs. Popular with locals and visitors of all ages these fairs combine live entertainment, local food, market stalls and plenty of fun. Expect to find flip flops galore, plenty of Kung Fu films on show lots of local delicacies including crispy deep-fried grasshoppers!

Buffalo fighting is still a big local sport in Koh Samui, with champion buffaloes being worth more than one million baht. The fighting season varies according to customs and ceremonies so it’s impossible to predict when to watch a fight, but if you visit at the right time they usually take place at stadiums in Ban Makham near Nathon and Ban Saket. Unlike Spanish bull fighting, the animals fight one another, locking horns in a lively display of power and play.

As Thailand’s national sport Thai boxing is another part of Koh Samui life. The sport developed from the ancient Muay Thai martial art and fighters are faced with rigorous training before stepping into the ring. Visitors can see traditional Thai fights Mon, Wed and Sat nights at Phetch Buncha Stadium on in Chaweng or at Lamai Beach on Saturday nights for lady boxing.

Local bars or ‘country’ bars are the venue of choice for local people and are a perfect way to enjoy a typical Samui tradition. Local bars offer live local music, great food and plenty of drinks with the friendly local people. Visitors are just as welcome to join the party so come alone or bring Thai friends if you have them, to fully appreciate the local revelry. Country bars are mostly located around the main island ring road and are easy to spot with cowboy style logos and small stages by the bar.

Koh Samui is a stunning vacation destination with some of the friendliest local people in the world. With its culture of lively festivals, ancient temples and historic sites to sports, spas, restaurants and some of the best beaches in the world, there’s plenty to lure you to discover Koh Samui culture for yourself.

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The island of Koh Samui is a hugely popular tourist destination, home to plenty of luxury resorts and a wide range of traditional and international restaurants.

Here we’ve chosen the top 10 restaurants in Koh Samui to help to decide where to dine during your luxury villa break.

1. Antica Locanda – Bang Rak

www.anticasamui.com

Antica Locanda is known across Thailand for its top quality pizzas. It is held in high esteem with both the local and tourists of the area and the restaurant owner has authentic Italian roots, allowing him to deliver a genuine taste of the Mediterranean. The portions at the restaurant are regularly remarked upon for their large size and their pizzas are amongst the most popular option on the menu. There is an impressive range of fresh seafood and meat dishes for guests who don’t feel like a pizza but we’d really recommend trying at least one.

What the Guests Say

“The pizzas are excellent – some of the best we’ve had in Thailand. The house wines are good and are also reasonably-priced by Thai standards.”

2. Barracuda Restaurant – Mae Nam

www.barracuda-restaurant.com

Barracuda is in the north of Koh Samui nestled in the heart of Mae Nam. Though it has a German owner the restaurant has a talented Thai kitchen team who bring together a zesty fusion of Mediterranean and Thai foods. Local produce is used to complement an ever changing menu and the quality of the food cannot be questioned. Barracuda pays homage to the fishing culture of the outer Thai villages and its décor in particular highlights this important part of the area’s history. Outdoor dining is available in the external lounge and the cocktail and drinks menus offer a range of Thai-inspired beverages.

What the Guests Say

“Food is simple but well-cooked and presented. Dishes are delivered hot to the table by very efficient and polite staff.”

3. Krua Bophut – Bophut

www.kruabophut.com

Krua Bophut is recognised across Koh Samui for its authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant sits on the beach front with decking to allow for al fresco dining, ideal as the view is simply spectacular. The dishes available include a range of the spiciest Thai options around but there are milder choices for those with a less fiery palate. The venue has a casual feel without being too relaxed and the authentic Thai dishes are presented with flair and attention to detail. Their food focuses specifically on the cuisine of Southern Thailand with fresh seafood a central calling card of many of their finest dishes.

What the Guests Say

“Beautiful beach side location. Service was excellent and the food was some of the best I’ve had in in Thailand.”

4. Ocean Eleven Bar & Lounge – Bang Rak

www.o11s.com

Ocean Eleven Bar and Lounge has revitalised a sixty-year old beach front property at the heart of Bang Rak Beach. Open since 2007, the head honcho behind the scenes is experienced German chef Bernd Schillig. With experience across Europe, Singapore and Thailand, Bernd pools his experience as an executive chef in 5* venues at Ocean Eleven. The kitchen has a brigade of ten professionals working in harmony to provide a range of stunning dishes which combine the finest ingredients of Thailand with the discerning palate of Schillig himself. Ocean Eleven offers a fine dining experience with an atmosphere unachievable elsewhere.

What the Guests Say

“Fine dining by the beach! Food is amazing, waiters are friendly, knowledgeable and offer great advice on menu choices.”

5. Orgasmic – Bophut

www.orgasmic-samui.com

If you can get past the slightly tongue-in-cheek restaurant name Orgasmic is one of the best relaxed dining environments in Koh Samui. They market themselves as the coolest beach restaurant on the island and focus closely on providing a laid back and simple dining experience. The cuisine Orgasmic has to offer is as simple as the décor, combining Eastern and Western flavours in innovative ways that keep diners coming back for more. As with all successful beachfront restaurants Orgasmic make sure to deliver faultless local seafood, combing with their own flavours and spices.

What the Guests Say

“Overlooking the bay and the fishermen’s village, Orgasmic uses simply furniture and is very relaxed. The food was excellent and well presented, a must visit with great ambience, friendly service and excellent value.”

6. Prego – Chaweng

www.prego-samui.com

Although you may not be visiting Thailand for Italian cuisine we suggest you at least give on Italian restaurant a go. We’ve picked out the two top offerings on the island and Prego is the first. Stylish and trendy, Prego has a genuine Italian chef at its helm. Authentic Italian is the name of the game at Prego so if you’re looking for a change from the Thai flavours offered by other beach side restaurants then settle into Prego for the rich flavours of the Mediterranean. Wood-fired pizzas and homemade pastas are pepped up with a touch of zesty seafood made all the more memorable by a few choice Italian imported ingredients.

What the Guests Say

“The food was fantastic and the wine was also good. Food arrived quickly despite a very busy restaurant and the service was impeccable.”

7. Sala Samui – Choeng Mon

www.salaresorts.com/samui/wineanddine-en.html

Sala Samui offers luxury dining within their resort restaurant. Their food is designed to take diners on a journey rather than satisfy their stomachs. The restaurant offers multi-course gourmet dining with attention to detail offered in every element of every meal. Sala Samui employs a large brigade of both European and Thai chefs to ensure each of their menu items is authentic and has a true feel for the cuisine it’s trying to create. Degustation and tasting menus are available for diners who are feeling truly extravagant and there are both inside and outdoor dining areas.

What the Guests Say

“Very good European cuisine, with Thai options too and an amazing wine list. The quality is really good and you can tell prime ingredients are chosen.”

8. The Larder – Chaweng

www.thelardersamui.com

One of the newer restaurants on the island, The Larder opened in December 2012 and focuses on both fantastic cuisine and a relaxed bar atmosphere. It has tinges of a gastro pub about it and is run by a pair of ex-pats who have over 10 years’ experience in Koh Samui. The food on offer blends together the flavours of modern British and European cuisine with an international flavour. Comfort food and real old-style classics are on the menu with an extra bit of pizazz offered by the modern cooking methods and stunning presentation. The menu is buoyed by a vast array of cocktails and extensive wine list.

What the Guests Say

“The food was delicious. We recommend you try some of the speciality cocktails and the service was excellent.”

9. The Shack Bar & Grill – Bophut

www.theshackgrillsamui.com

The Shack is based in the heart of Bophut and offers diners with a slightly less exotic palate the chance to enjoy fine cuts of meat and something a little different to the spice-filled Thai flavours offered elsewhere. Grilled meats are the speciality at The Shack, with burgers and other barbecue style food readily available. The Shack’s extensive meat menu is peppered with sides and other offerings to give guests a wider choice. Crab claws and chicken wings are amongst the extensive range of sides to complement the wide range of steaks and burgers and delicately cooked lobster is also available.

What the Guests Say

“Great steaks in lively surroundings with great music. An extensive steak menu includes American and Australian cuts as well as lobster, oysters, king crab and other seafood.”

10. Zazen – Bophut

www.samuizazen.com

With an experienced French chef at the helm Zazen brings together a stunning range of simple flavours displayed in a creative and attractive way. The cooking offered by Zazen is passionate and personal, with a touch of class that won’t be found elsewhere. The flavours that stand out are innovative and almost entirely unique to Zazen. Much of the food is authentic Thai with a twist and the freshness of the food is what stands out above all. The sourcing of ingredients is exacting, with only the finest few making it onto the menu. It is one of the most recommended restaurants on the whole of Koh Samui.

What the Guests Say

“There is a wide selection of Western and Thai food, all prepared and served with excellence!”

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Many villas come with the option of an in-house chef who will take away the stress of cooking during your stay. The villas come with a menu from which you can choose your meals throughout your holiday. Villas do also offer self-catering options if you would prefer to cook your own meals. Prior to your arrival it is also possible to have the villa pre-stocked with all your favourite bites.

However, if part of the lure of visiting Samui is to explore the island and taste the local cuisine then there are many places on the island to do so. There are a whole range of different restaurants and eateries to suit any mood. The food is not exclusively Thai and most restaurants will offer alternatives to traditional Thai cuisine. There are also a whole host of different restaurants including, French, Mexican, Italian, English, Brazilian and Indian.

One of the reasons that food on Samui is so special is because of the great range of fresh ingredients that are available. The fishing village of Hua Thanon is known for providing the island with some of the best and most reasonable fresh fish and seafood on the island. Add to this a delicious selection of meats and poultry, a mouth-watering selection of tropical fruits and vegetables and distinctive herbs and spices and you have yourself a recipe for a lifelong love affair with Thai cuisine.

There are many comprehensive guides available as to where the very best restaurants are and what you can expect from them, and there are places to eat that the whole family will enjoy.

Many people recommend exploring the local cuisine by finding places to eat off the beaten track or by sampling the delights of the local food markets. A great way to find a great place to eat is to look for the places where the locals are eating rather than the place that looks the fanciest. The locals know the area and where to get great food at great places so use this to your advantage and trust them, especially when you are looking for traditional Thai food.

The biggest selection of restaurants and places to eat are based in Chaweng and Lamai which are the more central beachside locations, but no matter where you are on the island a great meal is never far away and often you won’t even need to leave the villa.

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Ooooh … spooky!  But how does he cope when all who have visited Koh Samui start cooking Thai-style as soon as they get home?  Thai cuisine is one of the tastiest in the world, and mastering some of the basics will set you up for quick family suppers or sumptuous dinner party fare.

And here’s a very quick and easy one for a summer lunch or supper:

Thai Waterfall Beef Salad
Ingredients for 2 people:
2-3 steaks – sirloin, or fillet – depending on their size and how much meat you want
Salad greens – rocket, lambs ear, cos, romaine, little gem: whatever you like – torn to bite size
Bean sprouts – one packet
1 cup fresh papaya, cut into small cubes
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
A few leaves of basil

The marinade:
2 Tbs oyster sauce
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs lime or lemon juice
2 Tbs brown sugar
1 cup fresh coriander, stalks removed, chopped

Dressing:
2 Tbs fish sauce (can be omitted if you can’t find it in your supermarket / Asian store.  It adds some saltiness to the salad)
3 Tbs lime or lemon juice
1.5 Tbs soy sauce
2 Tbs ground peanuts
1 Tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tsp brown sugar

1.     Make the marinade first: mix all the ingredients together making sure the sugar is dissolved.  Then put the marinade and the steaks in a new plastic bag or tight seal container, seal, give it a shake, leave in the fridge.
2.     Then make the dressing: as with the marinade, mix all the ingredients together, making sure the sugar is dissolved, leave in a bowl or clean, small salad-dressing bottle.
3.     Get the salad ready.
4.     Grill or griddle the steaks, turning just once.  The steaks should be well sealed to keep their juices in, but still pink in the middle.
5.     When done, slice very thinly.
6.     Place salad on plates with the steak on top.

If you eat this in a Thai restaurant, the salad will already be dressed.  I prefer to leave it for people to add themselves.

And why is it called Waterfall Beef Salad?  Because of the noise of the meat juices hitting the hot grill.  Of course, if you do the grilling inside your oven, you may just have to imagine that!

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If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.

You’ve done Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and a few other places in between.  You’ve eaten at Anna’s, CatCanDoo, Starfish and Coffee, Khun Nai Dern Sai, the Karma Sutra, and – heaven help you – the delightful Cabbages and Condoms.  You’ve lapped up the curries, the fragrant rice, the spicy calamari, but now you are home, and you want to eat like that again!

So here’s a basic Thai Green Curry recipe that might just get you searching for more Thai culinary delights with which to regale your friends and family.

As always, it’s important to use fresh ingredients.  Don’t use huge pieces of chicken, as this will increase the cooking time: you want this one to cook fairly quickly.  This particular Thai curry should combine all four flavours of sweet and sour, salt and spice.  As they say in many places these days: Enjoy!

THAI GREEN CURRY

This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, and 20 minutes to cook on the top of your oven.  You’ll need a food processor to make the paste and a deepish skillet or wok for stir-frying it all.

Ingredients for 2 or 3 people:

For the paste you will need:
4 small green Thai chillies
¼ cup of shallots or diced red onion
1 stalk of lemongrass (discard any tough outer leaves), sliced very thinly OR
3 tbs pre-bought frozen lemongrass
4 cloves of garlic, skinned and minced or chopped very finely
1 walnut-sized chunk of ginger, grated
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground white pepper
1 cup fresh coriander, chopped
3 tbs Thai fish sauce, OR light soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
2 tbs lime juice

The other bits:
2 tbs good stir-fry cooking oil
Enough boneless chicken (thigh or breast) cut into pieces, for 2-3 people
4 kaffir lime leaves (or grated zest of a small lime)
1 can of coconut milk, or similar quantity made from dried coconut milk powder
following the instructions

You can also add some vegetables to this curry to round out the nutrition it provides: any 2 of the following -
1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper, de-seeded and cut into pieces
1 zucchini, sliced lengthways then cut into pieces
A big handful of thin green beans, topped, tailed and cut into 1” strips.

Method:
1.    First of all make the paste by putting all the ingredients into a food processor and whizzing for a few seconds.  If it seems a little thick, to help blend it all add a few drops of the coconut milk.
2.    If you are using the lime leaves, remove them from their stem and cut them into thin strips and set aside.
3.    Heat the stir-fry oil in the wok or skillet over a medium heat.
4.    Add the green curry paste and stir fry for about a minute.
5.    Add ¾ of the coconut milk.  The rest will be used when serving.
6.    Now add the chicken pieces and stir well.
7.    Allow the sauce to come to the boil, then reduce the heat to allow it to simmer gently.
8.    Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
9.    Add any vegetables that you want to incorporate, and the lime leaf strips.  Stir in.
10.    Simmer for further 2 minutes. Check that the vegetables are slightly softened – but not too much: they should still retain their shape and colour and be firm to the bite.
11.    Taste it!  Add a touch more brown sugar to sweeten: add a little more lime juice if it is too salty.  And if it is too spicy, add more coconut milk.

Serve with: Jasmine rice.

Topping: handful of fresh basil on top of the rice, drizzled with a little of the leftover coconut milk.

Go to www.samuiislandvillas.com for more…….

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