After a visit to Thailand your taste buds will never be the same. With so many amazing tastes, flavours, textures and colours from all over the country, eating Thai cuisine is a dining experience to be remembered. Internationally known for being spicy, Thai cuisine tries to balance and layer sour, sweet, salty and bitter elements.  Chefs in Koh Tao will be happy to make a dish less spicy for you, however some will suggest you order something else, as they believe that flavour balance of a less spicy dish will be incomplete. 

The use of fresh herbs like corriander, Thai basil, and lemongrass add a freshness to dishes that not only entice your sense of smell, but also make your eyes hungry.  The colours of the curries are as diverse as the regions that inspired them.  Influences from Laos, China, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, and Cambodia has evolved Thai food to its current culinary glory.

Enjoying Thai cuisine doesn't need to be isolated to eating in Thailand.  In fact, travelers can learn the culinary secrets with a cooking class during their stay on Koh Tao.  Several restaurants offer private cooking classes where the basics are explored and later transformed to your favourite dishes.  Lasting usually one day, a cooking class will cover ingredients, preparation, cooking techniques, the final dishes and take home recipes.  Impress your self and your loves ones by bringing home a little taste of Thailand.

While on Koh Tao you may notice that each Thai restaurant has its own unique way of preparing classic Thai dishes.  Based on Chef's training and passed down traditions, you may prefer one style over another.  If that is the case, most Thai restaurants will offer a cooking class even if they are not advertised.  The Thai people take it as a complement if you love their food and for a small price they will be happy to show you how to do it yourself.  So, once in Koh Tao, eat your heart out, and then learn from your favourite.  Bon Appetit!