Koh Samui: Thai Cooking Class with Beachside Lunch & Recipes

Summary

Thai cooking class in Koh Samui with local chef & beach lunch

You’ll learn to cook classic Thai dishes right on Koh Samui’s beach, guided by a local chef who shares family stories and flavor secrets. Expect hands-on lessons, laughter over pronunciation fails, and a meal you’ve made yourself enjoyed steps from the sea. You’ll go home smelling like lemongrass — and maybe thinking about coming back.

What’s the experience like?

“You want more chili?” Chef Som asked, grinning as she handed me a tiny green pepper. I hesitated — I’d already sweated through my shirt just chopping lemongrass. The kitchen was open to the sea breeze at Melati Resort, but the real heat came from the wok. There were only three of us in the group that morning, so it felt like we were just hanging out in someone’s home kitchen (if your friend had a view of turquoise water and knew how to make Tom Yum Goong from scratch).

I kept messing up the pronunciation of ‘Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai’ — green curry chicken — and Som laughed every time I tried. She showed us how to crush garlic with the flat of a knife (“not too hard!”), and explained why Thai basil smells different here than back home. The smell of coconut milk simmering with kaffir lime leaves is something I still think about. We took turns stirring, tasting, adding fish sauce drop by drop until it was “just right,” whatever that meant for each of us.

Lunch was what we cooked: spicy seafood salad, green curry, stir-fried chicken with cashews. Eating on the shaded deck right by the sand made everything taste brighter somehow — or maybe it was just relief that my curry hadn’t turned out weirdly sweet like last time I tried at home. Som sat with us while we ate, telling stories about her grandmother’s recipes and how she learned to balance flavors by smell alone. She handed us USB sticks with all the recipes (which I promptly lost in my backpack), plus a little certificate that made me laugh because it felt both official and totally unnecessary.

If you’re looking for a day trip in Koh Samui that’s not just another tour but actually lets you get your hands dirty (literally — turmeric stains are no joke), this Thai cooking class is worth it. It’s relaxed but real — not rushed or touristy — and you leave full in every sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thai cooking class at Melati Resort

• Arrive at Melati Beach Resort & Spa
• Learn traditional Thai cooking techniques
• Prepare Som Tum Salad starter
• Cook Tom Yung Goong main dish
• Make Mango and Sticky Rice dessert
• Enjoy the meal you prepared

Top questions

What dishes do you cook in the Koh Samui Thai cooking class?

The menu usually includes spicy seafood salad (Yum Thalay), Tom Yum Goong soup, green curry chicken (Gaeng Kiew Wan Gai), and stir-fried chicken with cashew nut.

Is lunch included in the Melati Resort Thai cooking class?

Yes, you eat what you cook during the class as your lunch on site.

Are vegetarian options available for this Thai cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian dishes are available if requested at booking.

How many people are in each Koh Samui cooking class?

The maximum is four people per class; if overbooked, you’ll be offered another date or refund.

What do I get to take home after the class?

You receive a certificate and a USB stick with all recipes from your session.

Is there an age limit for joining this Thai culinary experience?

The minimum age is 12 years old to participate in the class.

Does this Thai cooking class include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What happens if my travel plans change after booking?

Your booking can be changed free of charge to fit new travel arrangements if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all fresh ingredients and tools needed for each dish, hands-on guidance from a friendly local instructor at Melati Resort & Spa, self-cooked meals enjoyed right by the beach after class, plus a certificate and USB stick with every recipe so you can try them again at home.