Khaw Glong Thai Restaurant

Khaw Glong Restaurant in Chaweng has earned its place as one of the area’s most trusted spots for authentic Thai food. Opened in late December 2011, it’s now one of the oldest restaurants in Chaweng and continues to welcome both first-time visitors and loyal regulars into a newly renovated dining room. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a warm family feel that has stayed constant even as the dining scene on Koh Samui has changed a lot over the years.

What makes Khaw Glong stand out is its commitment to true Thai cuisine using fresh, high-quality ingredients and no MSG or additives. The kitchen prepares every dish to order; nothing is pre-cooked and vegetables are chopped just before they hit the pan. The result is noticeably fresh flavour and texture, though guests should expect a slightly longer wait than at places that batch-cook. For travellers who value quality over speed, that’s a fair trade-off. The team is happy to customise spice levels and can cook most dishes in a vegetarian way. Guests with dietary needs are encouraged to let the staff know—the service team is attentive and has been together since 2013, which helps with consistency.

Much of the produce comes from Khaw Glong Hills, the restaurant’s own farm overlooking the coast of Samui. They also buy daily at the local fresh market, keeping frozen and processed items to a minimum. The farm is pesticide-free and the owners hope to host guests there in the future for farm-to-table experiences with sea views. This close link between farm and kitchen shows in the freshness of the food, from crisp vegetables to aromatic herbs.

Sustainability is another strong point. The restaurant has removed single-use plastics, opting for glass bottles, compostable straws, and eco-friendly takeaway containers. For a destination managing the impact of tourism, this is a thoughtful choice and adds to the feel-good factor of dining here.

Khaw Glong’s reputation is backed by awards and praise. After reopening post-pandemic, it received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice in 2024. Previously, it won Travellers’ Choice multiple times (2018–2020), and in 2020 it ranked 5th Best Restaurant in Thailand for Everyday Dining. It has also collected six consecutive Certificates of Excellence. Press mentions highlight the intimate setting and consistently fresh cooking, while travellers repeatedly call out the curries—some even claim they’re the best they’ve had in Southeast Asia.

Menu highlights often include deeply flavoured curries, classic stir-fries, and well-balanced salads, all with clean, bright seasoning. The kitchen avoids shortcuts, so flavours come from proper stocks, pastes, and fresh herbs rather than enhancers. Dishes can be made mild to fiery, and the staff will guide guests on what suits their taste. Portions are fair, presentation is simple and tidy, and the focus is firmly on flavour.

Location-wise, Khaw Glong sits just off the main beach road in Chaweng—central enough for an easy stop after the beach or before a night out, yet tucked away enough to feel calm compared with the bustle outside. It’s a small space, and that intimacy is part of its charm, but it also means tables fill quickly.

Tips and advice:

Book ahead during high season or arrive early to avoid a queue.
If sensitive to chilli, start mild and adjust on a second round—spice levels are taken seriously here.
Ask about produce currently coming from Khaw Glong Hills; seasonal items can be especially good.
Let the staff know about allergies or dietary needs—they’re used to accommodating requests.
If you prefer a quieter experience, visit for an early dinner.

Reasons to visit:

You want one of the best Thai restaurants in Chaweng with genuine flavours and careful cooking.
You care about freshness and can taste the difference when vegetables are chopped to order.
You appreciate restaurants that take sustainability seriously.
You like small, family-run places with consistent service and pride in what they do.

Service is managed by a tight-knit team that’s been together for years, and the kitchen is led by owner Isareeyaporn Yosboonthung (Chef Na), a passionate home cook rather than a formal hotel-school chef. That background shows in the food: comforting, precise, and clearly cooked with care. Music and street life from Chaweng sometimes drift in—on some nights you might catch the energetic beat of Thai boxing adverts rolling past—but inside the mood remains calm and welcoming.

For travellers planning a food-led trip through Koh Samui, Khaw Glong is a reliable pick that lives up to its reputation. It’s not about flashy plating or fusion twists. It’s a place that has stayed true to its roots, focused on honest Thai recipes done right, with fresh ingredients, mindful service, and a light touch on the planet.

Phone: 092-446-5919
Email: [email protected]

For authentic Thai food in Chaweng cooked fresh with care, Khaw Glong delivers. Book ahead and enjoy some of the most consistent Thai flavours on the island.