Women Who Inspire: Celebrating Culinary Heritage at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Perched high above the Gulf of Thailand, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui offers a carefree island escape shaped by the warmth and generosity of southern Thai spirit. Here, sweeping sea views and gentle island rhythms create an atmosphere where each moment unfolds naturally. Behind this effortless experience is a team whose hospitality reflects a deeply rooted philosophy of care, generosity, and shared knowledge.

This International Women’s Day, under the global theme Give to Gain, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui honours the women whose leadership, creativity and intuition shape every facet of the guest journey. By sharing knowledge, cultivating talent and leading with care, they create a culture where generosity multiplies gently yet powerfully, influencing the rhythm of island life. “It is carried forward by women whose personal philosophies are deeply woven into the resort’s culture,” says Jasjit Assi, General Manager.

Across the resort, this spirit of mentorship and shared knowledge finds many expressions, including in the kitchens of KOH Thai Kitchen, where a talented team of women bring heritage, creativity and collaboration to every dish.

“At KOH Thai Kitchen, the culinary team brings extraordinary depth of knowledge and creativity to every dish,” shares Hannes Schneider, Resort Manager. “Through experiences such as The Female Culinary Tapestry, we celebrate the remarkable women whose heritage, passion and collaboration shape the flavours our guests discover here.”

Where Heritage Meets the Heat of the Kitchen

In Thai culture, culinary traditions have long been passed from generation to generation, often from mother to daughter. Recipes are learned not only through written instruction but through memory, observation, and time spent together in the kitchen. At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, that spirit of mentorship and heritage continues through the talented women who shape the culinary identity of KOH Thai Kitchen.

Women Behind the Flavours of KOH Thai Kitchen

Throughout March 2026, the resort celebrates this tradition with The Female Culinary Tapestry, a special dining experience presented every Sunday evening at the Michelin Guide–recommended KOH Thai Kitchen. The menu brings together the voices of the restaurant’s women chefs, each contributing dishes inspired by personal heritage, family traditions, and regional Thai flavours.

At the heart of the kitchen is Chef de Cuisine Sumalee Khunphet, affectionately known as Chef Jeab, who hails from Nakhon Si Thammarat in southern Thailand. Drawing inspiration from the coastal landscapes of the region, she transforms familiar ingredients into refined expressions of Thai cuisine while guiding the next generation of chefs through mentorship and collaboration.

“Thai cuisine carries the wisdom of generations,” she shares. “Many of the dishes we cook today were first learned at home, watching our mothers and grandmothers. When we cook, we are not only preparing food — we are sharing our stories and honouring where we come from.”

The evening begins with a cocktail crafted by Senior Bartender Piyatida Chuaysamret (Khun Aor) from Surat Thani, known for drawing inspiration from vibrant tropical fruits. Her creation blends mixed berry-infused gin, berry tea cordial, mangosteen juice, and Monsoon sparkling wine, setting the tone for an evening that celebrates both creativity and heritage.

Starters unfold like chapters of a shared story. Chef Nedsai Kanjananukool (Chef May) from Nakhon Si Thammarat, known for her love of charcoal-grilled flavours and toasted rice, presents Nua Yang Tao Than, grilled wagyu beef paired with dried chilli sauce and toasted rice powder. Chef Jarassri Boonyaphan (Chef Mam) from Songkhla offers Yum Takrai Poo Ma, a vibrant crab meat salad with lemongrass, shallot, mint leaves, and green chilli sauce.

Chef Supawan Kongoubol (Chef Kwan), also from Nakhon Si Thammarat, contributes prawn cakes infused with aromatic southern curry paste, while Chef Ketkaew Thonsaeng (Chef Ying) from Prachuap Khiri Khan adds a refreshing contrast with Yum Hua Plee Gai, balancing banana blossom with coconut and gentle spice.

The main courses continue the narrative of regional authenticity. Phuket lobster infused with herbs and tamarind is presented by Chef Ying, while Chef Jeab prepares Gaeng Ra Waeng Nua Gae, an ancient curry layered with turmeric and lemongrass. Chef May brings comforting flavours with Gai Noi Ob Kamin, roasted baby chicken marinated with turmeric and Thai herbs and served with a bright spicy lime sauce, while Chef Kwan contributes the bold southern heat of Kua Kling. Seabass wrapped in banana leaf completes the selection, capturing the essence of coastal Thai cooking traditions.

Dessert arrives as a graceful finale. Chef Chonlatip Khaiman (Chef Mu) from Nakhon Si Thammarat presents Khanom Mu, pairing berry compote and pomelo with coconut and a hint of balsamic brightness — a dessert designed to feel light and refreshing in the heat of the tropics.

More than a menu, The Female Culinary Tapestry celebrates mentorship, collaboration, and the cultural knowledge shared among generations of women. Each dish reflects not only personal creativity but the heritage and wisdom passed forward through Thai culinary tradition.

“At KOH Thai Kitchen, we cook as a team and learn from one another every day,” says Chef Jeab. “This experience is a celebration of the women who bring their stories, memories, and passion into the kitchen. Through our food, we hope guests can taste a little of that journey.”

In celebrating these voices, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui honours the deeper meaning of Give to Gain. Through knowledge, creativity, and care, these women continue to shape the flavours and stories that define the island’s culinary experience.

For reservations or further information, call +66 2 207 8900, email reservations.thailand@fourseasons.com, or chat via the FS Chat App.