Back from Nang Yuan Island, very hungry, eating at Koh Tao Pier, April 2022, Fish Cheeks and Mak Kep

Back from Nang Yuan Island, very hungry, eating at Koh Tao Pier, April 2022

For me, mr.hotsia, this southern sea travel trip means more than just a simple rest because after spending several days onNang Yuan Islandfamous for its tranquility and beautiful nature, I had to return to Koh Tao Pier to recharge with fresh seafood here.

Koh Tao, Surat Thani Province, is a stopover from Nang Yuan Island that I rarely miss because besides being easy to travel to, the food is always appetizing. My friends and I traveled early in the morning, took a boat from Nang Yuan Island to Koh Tao Pier, which took only about 15 minutes. Seeing the clear azure sea of the Gulf of Thailand instantly refreshed me.

The atmosphere at Koh Tao Pier is lively as well, surrounded by fresh seafood restaurants. My friends and I chose a restaurant that looked busy because we believed the food must be fresh and delicious.

Must-try dishes on Koh Tao

For mr.hotsia, eating is another form of travel. I like to choose dishes that reflect island life and local ingredients, starting with “Horse Conch” – large, sweet, and crunchy, dipped in spicy seafood sauce. Then “Steamed Squid with Lime and Roe,” fresh enough that the roe is still full in the belly. Grilled squid is also a choice that never disappoints, with bouncy meat and the fragrant aroma of charcoal.

The dishes I strongly recommend are “Fish Cheeks” and “Mak Kep.” Although the names sound unusual, the taste and preparation remind me of the authentic local flavors of Surat Thani. I once tasted fish cheeks here; the meat was firm, tender, and smooth on the tongue. Mak Kep is a local fruit skillfully used in cooking. Both dishes made my meal on Koh Tao very special.

Markets and food culture of Koh Tao

Besides seaside restaurants, the community markets on Koh Tao are another place I, mr.hotsia, like to visit to stroll through the morning market. The bustling atmosphere is full of life, with cheerful vendors selling fresh seafood, fruits, and interesting local souvenirs. Koh Tao’s morning market is similar to the Surat Thani morning market I have experienced before. The atmosphere here still retains the true local spirit, just like inFresh seafood at Surat Thani morning marketwhich I have recorded in my clips.

If you want to try intensely flavored local dishes, I recommend tryingNang Yum, a local Koh Tao dishthat is spicy and flavorful. Don’t forget to also taste local dishes on nearby Koh Samui, such as inKoh Samui local cuisinewhich I have detailed previously.

Travel experience and personal impressions

I, mr.hotsia, feel this trip extends the happiness from Nang Yuan Island because after experiencing the tranquility and nature there, arriving at Koh Tao with its lively atmosphere and fresh seafood made me feel complete in terms of food, travel, and culture.

Whether you are a foodie or a traveler, get ready for extraordinary flavors. The taste of fish cheeks, Mak Kep, and other dishes here will surely make you want to come back again.

If you want to see the atmosphere and food I, mr.hotsia, enjoyed live, you can watch the clipBack from Nang Yuan Island, very hungry, eating at Koh Tao Pier, April 2022, Fish Cheeks and Mak KepI guarantee it will make your stomach growl!