Places to eat in Koh Tao

With an influx of tourists coming to the island, Koh Tao now caters for a wide range of tastes. From traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai and tom yum soup to western food such as pizza, pancakes and burgers, you’re sure to find something to suit your palate. Most of the restaurants can be found around Sairee Beach, but Mae Haad and some of the other smaller beaches offer great food too!

Breakfast

Although you can eat Asian food for breakfast, many of the cafes and restaurants offer western-style breakfasts, too. Places such as Coconut Monkey (25/92 Moo 2, Mae Haad Beach, Koh Tao 84360) and Fitness Café (35/42 Moo 1, Sairee Village East) offer great coffee, juices and smoothies. They also have a huge range of breakfast and brunch options which cater to all types of food preferences and intolerances. From wraps and pancakes, to bakery items, muesli and protein shakes you will find plenty of healthy and delicious options.

Lunch

Throughout Asia it can be difficult to get hold of fresh fruit and vegetables, therefore by the time you get to the islands and have spent days partying on Koh Phangan, you may be craving some fresh, raw food.

As the name suggests, I Love Salad in Koh Tao (22/35 Moo 3, Chalok Baan Kao, Koh Tao 84360) is a fantastic place to enjoy a healthy salad. With local produce and interesting combinations this is great for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Choose from avocado/mango toast, vegetarian burgers, banana pancakes and a huge array of fresh salads.

For a cheap Thai lunch head to 995 Duck (955 Duck, Sairee Beach, Koh Tao). This understated restaurant specialises in duck dishes with noodles and rice and tastes delicious. We recommend heading here after a long diving lesson as it will certainly hit the spot!

If you’re out and about exploring the island, the restaurant at Shark Bay is a great place to stop for some food. The pineapple fried rice, served in half a pineapple is delicious and buying something from the restaurant means you can enjoy the beach all day.

Dinner

Sairee Beach is full of restaurants and cafes so you can easily find somewhere inexpensive or upmarket to suit you.

For a chic dinner spot, head to The Gallery (10/29 Moo 1 Sairee Village, Koh Tao 84360). This sophisticated restaurant offers exquisite food in a stylish yet unobtrusive way. While you wait to be seated (there are only seven tables), wander around the gallery looking at the photographs taken by the restaurant’s owner. When seated, choose from traditional Thai dishes such as massaman curry, cashew nut chicken, spring rolls and chicken satay, all cooked by the owner’s Thai wife. You will not be disappointed!

For something more low-key, there are plenty of restaurants offering cheap but tasty Thai food. Su Chilli (Sariee Main road, Koh Tao), La Carotte Qui Rit (Mae Haad, Koh Tao) and Yin Yang (Chalok Baan Khao, Koh Tao) all provide a range of great Thai options. In pretty much every restaurant in town you can grab a pad thai that will be delicious and filling. The funny thing about eating pad thai is that each restaurant has their own style so you can have a different experience every night!

Street Food

There are several street food vendors around Koh Tao, the majority of which offer great cuisine. It is important to note when buying street food that you witness the food being freshly cooked first-hand. This is the best way of ensuring the food is properly cooked and the produce is not washed in unclean water.

Sawaddee Thai Food (6/33 Moo 2, Mae Haad, Koh Tao 84360) is a wonderful option with freshly cooked food and friendly staff.

Wherever you choose, don’t forget to share your dining experiences online so other travellers can enjoy the delicious food that you have tried and tested!