How to experience Koh Lanta Cuisine from A to Z

Thai cuisine has already taken the world by storm. In Koh Lanta, the local communities offer flavours of Southern Thailand to visitors. The dishes are intensely flavoured and feature fresh seafood and those farmed on the island. We are talking about deep-fried cicadas and tiny dried fish. Let’s explore the dishes of Koh Lanta and how to enjoy them.

Takeaway, Mu manao, CC BY-SA 3.0 

How to eat at nomadic roadside shops?

When you look for Krabi restaurants, try to find these nomadic roadside markets. They are set up in different locations in Ko Lanta daily. On Mondays, they set up shop in Khlong Dao which is about 7 minutes away from resorts like the Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort. On Tuesdays, they move to Khlong Nin and to Saladan on Wednesdays. On Thursdays, you can find these shops in Haad Phra Ae and in Khlong Nin on Fridays. On Thursdays, they go back to Saladan. On Sundays, go to Old Town to find these nomadic shops. Wherever you go to find the nomadic shops, you’ll smell the fragrance of curry paste and hear the clink of knives butchering fresh cuts of fish or meat. Feast on shredded green mango with fresh chilli, a dash of lime juice and fermented fish sauce. Try some sunning dried anchovies and leafy greens or fish curry.

How to enjoy food along Khlong Nin and Khlong Khong

This street food area is centred on the mosque in Baan Khlong Tob. The dishes they serve are authentic and packed with flavours. Try some nibbles like ‘khao mok gai’ (roti and sticky rice served with fried chicken). Then wash it all down with some creamy ‘chaa yen’ (Thai version of iced tea). If you prefer tropical fruit, go for a mango shake. You don’t have to be concerned about eating street food in Thailand.

What to eat in Koh Lanta – Khao Soi Gai?

This is actually a northern Thai dish, but you can enjoy it with a twist in Koh Lanta. It is coconut curry soup simmering chicken thighs. They serve it with boiled egg noodles on top and some fried egg noodles on top. You get crunchy and soft textures in the same dish. You’ll get a side of lime wedge, mustard greens, and red onion (raw) along with a dash of chilli oil. Add as many condiments as you can to get the perfect bite.

What to eat in Koh Lanta - Panang Curry

You can try this thick red curry with the perfect combination of salty, zesty, and sweet with some steamed rice. The curry paste is made with chilis, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime zest and leaves, ginger, coriander roots and seeds and cumin seeds. They also add garlic, shrimp paste, peanuts and more importantly makrut lime juice. All of this simmer in creamy coconut milk with either pork, chicken or vegetables. The result is heavenly. 

What to eat in Koh Lanta - Moo Manao

This dish is basically ‘lime pork’ – tender slices of pork bathed in a dressing made with spices, garlic and lime. They serve it with some fresh vegetables with a crunch and top the dish with mint leaves. You can pair this with some craft beer.

What to eat in Koh Lanta - yum mamuang pla khem

This is the famous green mango salad. The fresh strands of green mango are mixed with crispy fish, dried shrimp, cashew nuts and shallots. They add a good mix of chili powder, fiery and flavoursome bird’s eye chili, palm sugar (grated) tamarind and fish sauce and finally a squeeze of lime juice. You can have this with steamed rice.