Koh Phangan guide · Where to eat
Places to eat in Koh Phangan, with what to order and how comfortable each is for families and older travellers.
Updated
Thai food on Koh Phangan is built on fish sauce, shrimp paste, oyster sauce and meat or fish stocks, so a plate of vegetables is rarely vegetarian unless you say so. Useful phrases are 'jay' (vegan, usually without garlic and onion as well), 'mangsawirat' (vegetarian) and 'mai sai nam pla' (no fish sauce). Evening markets and walking streets are fun but mostly grilled meat and seafood; ask at each stall.
This is not a good island for Indian restaurants. No Jain kitchen could be confirmed from a page we opened. Chana Masala in Hin Kong and Namaskar in Ban Tai are tagged Indian, and several fully vegan kitchens in Srithanu, Thong Sala and Chaloklum carry vegan and pure vegetarian tags, each with its source.
Vegan food is the real strength. Local guides describe Srithanu and the Hin Kong road as the centre of vegan and healthy cafes, and Mama Market's evening food court has many vegan stalls. At least one cafe in Chaloklum describes its home cooking as vegan; check dairy, honey and egg with staff because ice cream, desserts and some cheeses may differ.
If you are Jain or strictly vegetarian, speak to your resort before you book, ask whether the kitchen can cook without onion, garlic and root vegetables, and bring your own dry snacks and staples. Do not rely on a roadside stall.
Menus and kitchens change. If you follow a strict diet or have an allergy, confirm with the restaurant before you order.
Beachfront at Thong Sala, Koh Phangan
A seaside restaurant in Thong Sala serving Thai and western dishes, listed by travel guides as a place for a sunset meal.
7/22 Moo 6, Hin Kong, next to the 7-Eleven
A vegetarian Indian restaurant on the Hin Kong road next to a 7-Eleven, serving North and South Indian dishes, masala dosa and lunchtime thali sets.
Nai Wok Bay, beachfront, attached to a small resort
A fully vegan beachfront kitchen at Nai Wok Bay attached to a small resort, serving Thai classics and some Burmese dishes.
Srithanu
A fully vegan cafe and deli in Srithanu known for house-made cashew and nut cheeses, cakes without refined sugar, and savoury plates.
72/1 Moo 8, Srithanu
A fully vegan all-day cafe in Srithanu with smoothie bowls, tofu scrambles, burgers, ramen and loaded waffles.
28/1 Moo 7, Chaloklum beachfront
A fully vegan restaurant on Chaloklum beachfront serving mezze platters and mains, open from late morning to 22:00.
Main road between Thong Sala and Srithanu, Moo 5
A family-run jay Thai kitchen on the main road between Thong Sala and Srithanu, serving curries, stir-fries, noodles, soups and mock meats.
Srithanu, near Zen Beach, west coast
A covered evening food court near Zen Beach, with live music and many vegan and vegetarian stalls, described as the island's best bet for plant-based eating.
Ban Tai, a short ride south-west of Thong Sala
An Indian and Nepali restaurant in Ban Tai with tandoor naan, momos, dal bhat and curries, where vegetarian dishes can be made vegan on request.
Beachfront, inside the Orion Healing Centre, Srithanu
The fully vegan cafe inside the Orion Healing Centre on the Srithanu beachfront, with juices, smoothies, bowls and a separate detox menu.
Just off the main road, 5 to 10 minutes' walk from Thong Sala pier
Thong Sala's daily evening food market, a short walk from the pier, with Thai street dishes, fruit shakes, roti and some clothes and phone accessories.
Thong Sala, Koh Phangan, a short distance from the local market
A cluster of independent food stalls in Thong Sala where each kitchen cooks its own dishes, so you can walk the row and order what looks good.
Wok Tum, on the Hin Kong road near Srithanu
A fully vegan garden restaurant on the Hin Kong road at Wok Tum, with burgers, bowls, burritos, quesadillas and Thai curries.
Back of the Pantip Market food court, Thong Sala
A fully vegan organic Thai counter at the back of the Pantip Market food court in Thong Sala, with brown rice and a short menu.
Haad Yao, on the hill down toward the beach
A vegetarian restaurant on the hill down to Haad Yao beach with Thai and Western dishes and an extensive vegan menu, known for vegan khao soi.
