Koh Thai Kitchen at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Featured in Michelin Guide 2024

As Thailand continues to shine in the luxury tourism and travel industry, world media is taking notice and accolades accrue across the “land of smiles.” Following the success of the initial edition of the Michelin Guide in Thailand in 2018, where Bangkok became the 7th Asian city to boast a dedicated Red Guide, Michelin has expanded into a number of regional tourist hotspots, recently scouring the restaurant trail on the island of Koh Samui.

Worthy Recognition

Perhaps the most glaringly omission on the Michelin map, the stunning Gulf of Thailand destination of Koh Samui has a growing reputation among food enthusiasts across the region. With many prodigious chefs calling the island home, it was only time before Koh Samui was inducted into the Michelin landscape. “At the inaugural edition in 2024, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is proud to announce that its Thai specialty restaurant Koh Thai Kitchen is among the 7 finalists,” says General Manager Jasjit Assi, ecstatic about the inclusion. “Fuelled by our commitment to sustainability and the fact that we source locally, the authenticity of our menus truly transcends beyond taste.”

Leading with Passion

Chef “Jeab” Sumalee Khunpet’s perseverance and dedication is at the forefront of this recognition. Earning her stripes cooking authentic Southern Thai food at Four Seasons for well over a decade, her philosophy for cooking is simple and honest. “I like the ingredients to tell a compelling story,”she smiles. Inspired by the local produce that makes Thai cuisine a celebration of all seasons, Chef Jeab is always evolving her menu to ensure guests have something special to savour at every meal. Never missing her morning visit to the local market, she is first to receive the freshest produce as it arrives.

Dining with a View

Set atop a palm-fringed hillside, where every table offers stunning coastal vistas extending all the way to the horizon, Koh Thai Kitchen’s location is a winner all by itself. “We have to ensure that our food gets as much camera credit as the location,” laughs Branka Novakovic, Director of Restaurants and Bar. The panoramic ocean views are perfect for the menu, typically favouring seafood and spicy southern flavours. The restaurant also serves as venue for some spectacular culinary journeys such as Tam Rab Thai – an extensive buffet offering of pan-Thai foods from across the country. Live wok counters and salad stations churn out some truly inspired cooking, as live folk music and craft set the tone for an evening of enchantment.

Most recently, Chef Jeab has crafted a Thai-style tapas and cocktail experience that is inspired by Samui’s magical seascape and features some special treats. “Finger foods are common on the streets of Thailand, but are frowned upon in more sophisticated settings,” she feels. “My aim was to bring the fun and frolic of the streets to our guests with all the frills of a Four Seasons dining experience.”

A Pinch of Happiness

While there are many cooking techniques in a Thai kitchen, there is one common thread that binds them all. “And that is happiness,” says Jeab, “Every Thai recipe needs a quotient of joy for it to arrive on your plate with that extra sizzle!” Not shy of sharing her trade secrets, Chef Jeab’s specials such as the Pad Kapi Goong Moo Sub (stir-fried prawns with minced pork, fresh chilli, tossed in a prawn paste) hint at a fair amount of love and authenticity in her style. The mains are no joke though, with the Plakapong Neung Manao (steamed, boneless whole seabass served with a spicy lime dressing) and Massaman Nua (cardamom-scented, slow-cooked Australian wagyu beef in the Massaman curry) bringing some seriously local flavours to the table. “This recognition certainly gives us an added opportunity to carve a niche for sustainable southern Thai cuisine here on the island,” feels Assi. “Not just for food lovers in Thailand but across the world.”

To embark on the culinary journey, call +66 (0) 77 243 000, chat through the FS App Chat, or reserve a table here.