Best Places to Eat in Koh Phangan | + Must Try Dishes!
Koh Phangan is known for its beautiful beaches and lively parties. But if you ask me, the island’s food scene is what truly stands out – there’s a surprising variety of places to eat.
You’ll find authentic Thai meals, comfortable cafés to relax in, or budget-friendly places to grab a bite. In essence, there’s something for everyone. Let me take you through some of the best spots I found during my time on the island.
Related: Check out my favorite beaches on Koh Phangan and the best places to dive in Koh Phangan.
Table of Contents
1. Pantip Market
For an authentic street food experience
If you’re stepping off the ferry at Thong Sala, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the Pantip Market. It’s one of the most accessible food markets, located right in the town center, making it an easy stop if you’re new to the island or just hungry after a day of exploring.
Pantip Market is the epitome of street food chaos but in the best way. You’ll find rows of food stalls, each offering something different.
The market is open from 6 AM to around 11 PM, but things really get going around 7 PM. If you prefer to beat the crowd, head there a bit earlier. Even though it’s a bustling street food scene, I found Pantip to be clean and well-kept, with vendors following good hygiene practices.
If you wind up at this spot, I suggest you try the grilled prawns from one of the stalls. They’re fresh, smoky, and simply delicious.
2. Saturday Walking Street Market
Street food, shopping and live music – a must do when in Koh Phangan
You can’t miss the Saturday Walking Street Market if you’re visiting over the weekend. Imagine the same lively energy as Pantip Market but stretched along the main street, with food, crafts, and live music to keep you entertained while you snack.
What I loved most about this market was the fusion of traditional Thai treats with international cuisine. One minute I was savoring a perfectly fried Thai pancake, and the next, I was munching on a chicken pizza bread. There’s something for everyone here, and the vibe is more relaxed than the typical street market.
The handmade crafts are a nice touch, too. I ended up buying a small painting from a local artist.
I sampled several treats, but if I had to choose, I’d go for the Thai pancake (roti) over and over again. It’s crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, with sweet condensed milk drizzled over the top.
3. Kika’s Place
Better Italian than I had in Italy – Yes you heard that right!
Tucked away in Sri Thanu, Kika’s Place is a little gem that you might miss if you’re not looking for it. But trust me, it’s worth finding. This spot has a blend of Italian, Mediterranean, and European flavors, and it’s one of the most relaxed places I’ve eaten at.
One thing that stood out to me was the menu’s flexibility. They offer several vegetarian and vegan options, and the staff is always open to adjusting dishes if you have any dietary preferences. It’s a great place for a laid-back meal, especially if you’re craving something light and fresh after indulging in Thai food for days.
Kika’s Place is a bit pricier than the street food markets but the quality is worth it, and I found their grilled halloumi salad surprisingly refreshing with a perfect balance of flavors.
4. At Chiang Mai
Their khao soi is the single best thing I ate on the island!
For something a bit different, head to At Chiang Mai. This small restaurant specializes in Northern Thai cuisine and serves dishes that are hard to find elsewhere on the island. The restaurant is easy to find, right near the main road that runs through town.
I was particularly impressed by the khao soi, a rich, creamy coconut curry with crispy noodles on top. That paired with their fried chicken is out of this world! The prices are incredibly reasonable, too, with most dishes costing between 100-200 THB, making it perfect if you’re on a budget.
The ambiance here is relaxed and unpretentious, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying authentic food.
5. LEO Thai Food
There are a lot of ‘authentic Thai family resurtants’ but LEOs was the best I tried
For an authentic Thai experience, LEO Thai Food is where you’ll want to go. Located on the road to Haad Yao, this small, family-run restaurant is easy to miss, but it’s a favorite among locals. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a convenient spot for a quick, affordable meal.
I tried the massaman curry, and it was one of the best I had. The portions are generous, and the prices are unbeatable. What sets LEO apart is the authenticity of the food. It’s simple, home-cooked food, served with no frills but plenty of flavor.
6. Grandma’s Kitchen
You’ve got to try her sizzling pepper chicken
If you’re craving something familiar, Grandma’s Kitchen is the place to be. This cozy little spot serves up comforting food and some Western dishes. It’s located on a quiet street, making it a peaceful spot for a relaxed meal.
The family-friendly atmosphere is what makes Grandma’s Kitchen stand out. The portions are large, the food is comforting, and the vibe is welcoming. The restaurant tends to get busy during dinner – and for good reason –so if you’re planning to visit with a group, it’s best to arrive early or call ahead to reserve a table. I recommend you try their fried rice with garlic butte. It’s a simple, hearty dish that hits the spot.
7. Hundred Islands Coffee Bar
For a flat white as good as they make them back home
For those who can’t live without their morning coffee, Hundred Islands Coffee Bar is a lifesaver. The coffee bar is one of the best spots on the island to grab a coffee and settle in with your laptop. The café offers free Wi-Fi and has plenty of comfortable seating, so it might appeal to you if you’re a digital nomad or just looking to get some work done.
I ordered a cappuccino, and it was smooth and rich – exactly what I needed to kickstart my day. This, paired with banana pancakes makes for a satisfying breakfast.
8. Alfa Coffee Roaster
Alfa Coffee Roaster’s aroma of freshly roasted beans hits you the moment you walk in, and it’s clear they take their coffee seriously. The café itself is minimalist and cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours.
I tried their affogato, a homemade vanilla ice cream, and dark roast espresso double shot. It was creamy, strong and made with love. Alfa also serves a selection of light bites, which make it a great spot for breakfast or brunch.
What sets Alfa apart from other coffee spots on the island is their dedication to quality. It’s the kind of place where you can tell that each cup is crafted with care. If you’re a coffee lover, this place is a must.
Thailand Travel Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?
100% YES! — Thailand has some of the best healthcare in Asia (and the world) but it’s not free for tourists.. well – it is and it isn’t.
The thai government has extended it’s tourist healthcare policy for ‘up to $15,000 medical cover’ for tourist accidents, up until the end of 2024. That will cover you for small dings, but won’t be enough for anything major.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, or motorcylce riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for diving, or motorcyle riding (Which is one of the main reasons I went to Thailand!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Probably not — 93 countries are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism for up to 60 days.
However, some other countries do need a pre-approved eVisa or a Visa on Arrival (VoA) (check here!). These start at 2,000 THB for 15 days and prices go up from there!
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Thailand?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
Thailand is commited to rabies eradication, though there are still a few cases each year. Generally the risk in Thailand is seen as extremely low.
As always, talk to your GP or specialised travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Thailand?
Cash is king in Thailand, but electronic payments have come a long way in the 5 years since I last visitied. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, resturants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the Thai ATMs I tried although the ATMs to charge a fee of 220 baht to withdraw.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Thailand?
In short. FANTASTIC
There is a good network inter-city busses in Thailand and travel this way is very cheap and very comfortable. Domestic flight are also very affordable.
The best part about Thailand is booking agencies all work together to offer combined tickets that will get you exactly where you want to go. For example, we got a hotel transfer to the ferry terminal -> Ferry to Surat Thani -> Bus to Krabi -> Mini Van tranfer to Ao Nang all on the same booking. So easy!!
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Thailand?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is prepaid SIM cards are cheap and availible to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourst SIM!)
Don’t get tricked into getting a tourist SIM at the airport. Go to any 7-Eleven store and buy a local pre-paid SIM card which is cheaper, faster and gives you more data.
NB: Make sure to bring your passport for ID verification!
Another option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Thailand?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Thailand?
Safest not to — tap water in Thailand may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not reccommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
