Where to Find the Best Street Food in Koh Samui

If you want to experience the real flavour of Koh Samui, skip the fine dining and follow the scent of sizzling garlic and grilled meat to the island’s street food stalls. Thai street food is more than just convenient — it’s a way of life. On Samui, it’s also affordable, fast, and packed with bold, unforgettable flavour.

Whether you’re after smoky satay skewers, crispy pork belly, coconut pancakes, or a spicy papaya salad made to order, here are some of the best places to find street food on Koh Samui.

1. Fisherman’s Village Walking Street (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday from around 5pm, the quiet streets of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village turn into a bustling night market full of smells, smoke, and colour.

This is one of the most popular and well-organised street food scenes on the island. You'll find freshly grilled seafood, Thai-style sushi, pad Thai cooked to order, barbecue ribs, fruit smoothies, and dozens of stalls selling snacks you’ve probably never seen before.

The setting right by the beach also makes it a great spot to walk, eat, and enjoy live music or a sunset cocktail after your meal.

2. Lamai Night Market (Everyday)

Smaller than Fisherman’s Village but just as tasty, the Lamai Sunday Market offers a more local feel and slightly cheaper prices.

Expect classics like mango sticky rice, fried chicken, gyoza, and even fried ice cream rolls. It’s also a good place to try regional dishes like khao soi or kanom jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry).

There’s a great atmosphere here — a mix of locals, expats, and travellers chatting over skewers and plastic plates while enjoying the live music.

3. Chaweng Night Market (Daily)

Located behind the Central Festival shopping mall, this daily food market is a one-stop shop for both traditional Thai food and tourist favourites.

You’ll find grilled meats, noodle soups, spring rolls, fruit shakes, Thai curries, and even burgers and pizza if you need a break from spice.

It’s clean, easy to navigate, and great for groups who all want to try something different.

4. Maenam Walking Street (Thursday nights)

A little more relaxed than some of the other markets, Maenam’s Thursday night walking street feels like a hidden gem.

Here, locals set up stalls selling grilled corn, pork satay, fried shrimp cakes, and sweets like khanom krok (coconut pancakes). Prices are low and the crowd is friendly.

It’s a great spot if you’re staying on the north side of the island and want to explore something more low-key.

5. Local Roadside Stalls (Daily, Various Locations)

Outside of the weekly markets, some of the best food on the island comes from humble roadside carts and pop-up grills that appear as the sun sets.

You’ll find these all over the island, especially along the ring road and near busy intersections or 7-Elevens. Look for smoky barbecues, big pots of curry, or fruit carts with colourful shaved ice toppings.

One golden rule: if there’s a queue of locals, it’s worth stopping.

What to Try

If you're not sure where to start, here are a few must-try Thai street food favourites:

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, shrimp, and tamarind sauce

• Som Tam – Spicy green papaya salad, freshly pounded in front of you

• Moo Ping – Grilled pork skewers, sweet and smoky

• Khao Man Gai – Thai-style chicken rice with garlic broth

• Mango Sticky Rice – Sweet coconut rice with fresh mango

• Roti Pancakes – Crispy, buttery, and often filled with banana or Nutella

• Thai Iced Tea – Bright orange, sweet, and dangerously addictive

Final Tip: Go Hungry, Bring Cash

Most stalls only take cash, and it’s best to go with an empty stomach so you can try a little bit of everything. Prices are usually between 20–100 THB per dish, so even on a small budget, you can eat like royalty.

Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, discovering street food is one of the best ways to experience the real Koh Samui. It’s delicious, sociable, and surprisingly affordable — the kind of meals that stay with you long after your trip is over.