As Thailand continues to embrace more nuanced, experience-driven travel, its culinary scene has also undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. While traditional Royal Thai cuisine still holds its revered status, a fresh wave of chefs is delving into their heritage, crafting a new narrative for Thai recipes. “Our flagship restaurant, Koh Thai Kitchen, is at the forefront of this evolution, with its ever-changing menu,” notes Branka Novakovic,
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The restaurant, under the guidance of Chef de Cuisine Sumalee Khunpet, affectionately known as Chef Jeab, has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide 2024 for its authentic Southern Thai dishes. “For over ten years, Chef Jeab has delighted Four Seasons guests with her unique take on Southern flavors, particularly through her award-winning seafood creations,” Branka adds.
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Jewels of the North
This August, Koh Thai Kitchen shifts its culinary compass northward as Chef Jeab partners with Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai’s Junior Sous Chef, Natapol Pholpong, better known as Chef Net, to showcase Northern Thai cuisine from August 28 to 30, 2024. Chef Net, who has earned acclaim at Khao by Four Seasons for his bold renditions of traditional Lanna recipes, brings a deeply personal touch to his cooking. “My goal is to present original, authentic flavors,” explains Chef Net. “My inspiration comes from the dishes I grew up with, the meals my grandmother would lovingly prepare in her traditional wood-fired kitchen.” During this special event, Chef Net will introduce a selection of his signature Northern Thai dishes, providing a rich culinary journey through the region’s distinctive flavors.
Keeping It Fresh
The special à la carte dinner menu features standout dishes such as Abb Muang, a Northern Thai chili dip served with crispy pork rinds, boiled vegetables, and hardboiled eggs, and Chef Net’s unique take on Chiang Mai Gaeng Hang Ley Moo, a deeply spiced pork curry. The centerpiece of this collaboration is the Tam Rab Thai Buffet Night, where a variety of Northern Thai dishes take center stage against the backdrop of Koh Samui’s starlit coastline. “Guests can look forward to favorites like Nam Prik Num—a green chili dip with onion, garlic, and herbs; Yum Gin Gai—an aromatic Northern chicken soup; Khao Soi—a red curry with pork ribs and fermented rice noodles; and Abb Pla Ping—grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves with Thai herbs,” says Chef Net.
Wake Up to a Different Flavor
Mornings at Koh Thai Kitchen are as stunning as the Samui coastline, with breakfasts bathed in sunlight and framed by swaying palms. Chef Net’s Northern Thai specialties add a vibrant touch to the start of the day with dishes like Tum Ma Khuea, a grilled eggplant paste topped with crispy pork crackling, and Gai Tod Ma Kwaen, a Northern-style roasted chicken, infusing the flavors of Chiang Mai and the North into the breakfast spread.
For those eager to delve deeper into Northern Thai cuisine, Chef Net will also lead a special Northern Thai Cooking Class at KOH Cooking Studio. During this hands-on session, participants will learn ‘cutting-edge’ culinary techniques and create a meal from scratch, guided by Chef Net. Highlights of the class include dishes like Larb Muang Moo, a spicy Northern Thai pork salad, and Yum Gin Gai, a herb-infused chicken soup.
“So whether you’re savoring a specially curated à la carte meal, indulging at the buffet dinner, or uncovering the secrets of Northern Thai cooking, this three-day event promises to deliver an authentic taste of Northern Thailand’s culinary heritage, leaving you with a craving for more,” says Branka with a smile.
For additional details or to make a reservation, visit the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui website or contact +66 77 243 000.
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