Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Collaborates with Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai to Bring Northern Thai Flavours to the Island

As modern Thailand pivots to more nuanced and experience-oriented travel, a growing trend over the past decade has seen its cuisine undergo significant retrospection. While classic Royal Thai fare retains its exalted position at the table, a new generation of chefs are exploring their own heritage to create an alternative vernacular of Thai recipes. “Our flagship Thai restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen is very much in the conversation with its constantly evolving menus,” suggests Branka Novakovic, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Led by Chef de Cuisine Sumalee Khunpet, fondly known as Chef Jeab, the restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide 2024 for its authentic Southern Thai cooking on the island. “For over a decade, Chef Jeab has regaled Four Seasons guests with their own interpretation of Southern flavours and an award-winning seafood concept,” adds Branka.

Jewels of the North

Bringing a northern focus to the kitchen this August, Chef Jeab collaborates with Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Junior Sous Chef Natapol Pholpong, known as Chef Net, to celebrate Northern Thai cuisine from August 27 to 30, 2024.  Chef Net has brought accolades and recognition to Khao by Four Seasons for his bold representation of home-styled cooking and reimagined Lanna recipes. “Original and authentic flavours are what I strive for on my menus,” elaborates Net. “Dishes from my childhood, and meals that my grandmother would conjure up in her traditional wood-stove kitchen are where my inspiration comes from,” says the chef who will introduce a selection of his signature dishes during this unique Northern Thai culinary expedition.

Keeping It Fresh

The special a la carte dinner menu is underscored by Abb Muang, a Northern Thai chili dip served with crispy pork rind, boiled vegetables, and hardboiled eggs, and Chef Net’s interpretation of the indigenous Chiang Mai Gaeng Hang Ley Moo - a richly spiced pork curry that is another must-try on the menu. The highlight of this collaboration is the Tam Rab Thai Buffet Night, where an assortment of Northern Thai fare becomes central to the theme, even as guests soak up the stunning, starlit coastal views. “Look to savour favourites such as Nam Prik Num - a green chili dip with onion, garlic, and herbs; Yum Gin Gai – an aromatic Northern chicken soup; Kha Nom Jean Nam Ngiaw - a red curry with pork ribs and fermented rice noodles; and Abb Pla Ping - grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves with Thai herbs,” suggests Net.

Wake Up to a Different Flavour

Breakfasts at Koh Thai Kitchen are as spectacular as Samui’s coastline, bathed in the morning sun, and the swaying palms. Chef Net’s fresh flavours add to the lively mood with signature dishes such as Tum Ma Khuea, a grilled eggplant paste with crispy pork crackling, and Gai Tod Ma Kwaen, a Northern styled chicken roast, bringing a unique flavour of Chiang Mai and the North to the table.

“For those who would like a first-hand experience of making some these exotic Northern Thai recipes, Chef Net will also host a special Northern Thai Cooking Class at KOH Cooking Studio, where he will guide guests through some ‘cutting-edge’ culinary tips while creating a meal from scratch,” suggests Chef Jeab. Favourites from his kitchen, such as Larb Muang Moo, a spicy northern Thai pork salad, and Yum Gin Gai, a herb based chicken soup, are just some of the highlights of this interactive cooking session.

“So whether you are enjoying a special a la carte meal, plating up at the buffet dinner, or learning the secrets of Northern Thai cooking, this three day event promises to leave you with a true taste of Northern Thailand cuisine and a definite craving for more,” smiles Branka.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui or contact +66 77 243 000.