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Jungle Club has a nice view and fine for a drink but it's a lot of nonsense. Orders wrong (drink and food), bill wrong (many extra items charged and wrong change). Lots of excuses and they even told us we couldn't sit at the table they sat us on and wanted my party of 10 to move in the middle of our appetizers. We were chill so no problems but at their high prices I don't to be hassled all night. Food was sub-par, tasteless, small portions and not even close to menu descriptions. Boooo!

Sorry for your bad experience but i have to say this is the first negative response to the Jungle Club i have either read or heard, and i would still recommend friends visiting to spend a half day there.

Thanks for you concern but no need to apologize for someone else's mistakes (unless of course your associated with the establishment and then you should state that). Everyone has their own set of expectations and each visit is situational and there for different. I am a retired service industry professional having been the owner/operator (Chef) of restaurants in America and do have high standards but also am realistic of what to expect for what I pay here from living in Thailand for 10 yrs.

On our vacation here we've been eating at Bang Po Seafood often and it's amazing! Took my falang family of 25 there for dinner one night (to get them out of Chaeweng) and everyone said it was their best meal they've had in Thailand and my Thai family keeps asking to go back. They makes a mean pie (pizza) at Samui Frisbee Golf with the added bonus of something for the kids (and me) to do to keep to that's fun and healthy. Also like the Mayalasian pre-prepared restaurant/street food stand across from Soi 1 in Mae Nam. Still looking for other gems if anybody has any suggestions. Don't mind spending money as long as it's worth it.

What you say??

Jungle Club has a nice view and fine for a drink but it's a lot of nonsense. Orders wrong (drink and food), bill wrong (many extra items charged and wrong change). Lots of excuses and they even told us we couldn't sit at the table they sat us on and wanted my party of 10 to move in the middle of our appetizers. We were chill so no problems but at their high prices I don't to be hassled all night. Food was sub-par, tasteless, small portions and not even close to menu descriptions. Boooo!

Sorry for your bad experience but i have to say this is the first negative response to the Jungle Club i have either read or heard, and i would still recommend friends visiting to spend a half day there.

+ 1

It is a bit famous for its slow service (laid back) and higher than average prices (you cannot just pop to the market easliy from there - everything is a major expedition) but the view and the ambiance more than make up for these, as well as the usually cheerful and friendly staff and guests there.

It is always on our list for taking visitors there when they visit Samui

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Jungle Club has a nice view and fine for a drink but it's a lot of nonsense. Orders wrong (drink and food), bill wrong (many extra items charged and wrong change). Lots of excuses and they even told us we couldn't sit at the table they sat us on and wanted my party of 10 to move in the middle of our appetizers. We were chill so no problems but at their high prices I don't to be hassled all night. Food was sub-par, tasteless, small portions and not even close to menu descriptions. Boooo!

Sorry for your bad experience but i have to say this is the first negative response to the Jungle Club i have either read or heard, and i would still recommend friends visiting to spend a half day there.

Thanks for you concern but no need to apologize for someone else's mistakes (unless of course your associated with the establishment and then you should state that). Everyone has their own set of expectations and each visit is situational and there for different. I am a retired service industry professional having been the owner/operator (Chef) of restaurants in America and do have high standards but also am realistic of what to expect for what I pay here from living in Thailand for 10 yrs.

On our vacation here we've been eating at Bang Po Seafood often and it's amazing! Took my falang family of 25 there for dinner one night (to get them out of Chaeweng) and everyone said it was their best meal they've had in Thailand and my Thai family keeps asking to go back. They makes a mean pie (pizza) at Samui Frisbee Golf with the added bonus of something for the kids (and me) to do to keep to that's fun and healthy. Also like the Mayalasian pre-prepared restaurant/street food stand across from Soi 1 in Mae Nam. Still looking for other gems if anybody has any suggestions. Don't mind spending money as long as it's worth it.

What you say??

What i say is you make it all sound so personal.

I tried to be polite and i certainly don't need some xxxxx sarcastic reply whether you are a "so called" industry professional or not. When i offer a critique i try to be objective, not personal, subjective.

I stand my my original post and would recommend the Jungle Club as a place to visit, especially as i've always had a good feedback. Funny, the reason i first heard about the place was word of mouth. And if its such a let down, how come its been there so long?

Anyway, you've had your say, i've had mine, so lets let others be the judge.

I agree with Bang Po Seafood. I'm native Thai and went with my Thai friends from Bangkok and we all agreed it was overall better than Sabian Le.

Regarding the excuse that it's "a major expedition" to the market for them. Well, many of their produce are delivered to them, no?

Also, I can't see how it can be more difficult for them to drive to the market (Macro?) than for example other establishments which are on the other side of the island, which has an even longer drive.

For the expensive price that they charge, one would expect top notch prompt service to come with it.

For me, a spectacular view and ambiance certainly won't make up for overpriced mediocre food and slow service. In that case, I can just go there for the view and only get something to drink. Actually, if I want really spectacular view, there's several other places which I will be able to take my own 7-11 bought drink and enjoy the view for free.

On our vacation here we've been eating at Bang Po Seafood often and it's amazing!

I agree with Bang Po Seafood. I'm native Thai and went with my Thai friends from Bangkok and we all agreed it was overall better than Sabian Le.

You can also try my favorite place, it's closer to Nathon.

Opposite the first Family Mart coming from Bang Po.

Sign only in Thai "Bankram"

Small family run business, excellent spoken English.

We did Bang Por Seafood on Thursday for lunch. Clay pot of mussels, plate of stir fried squid, 4 x bbq king size prawns and 5 crabs. 2 small Changs for me and the GF had a water, 1200 baht.

Loved the location, view, sand in the restaurant and when comparing cost to what I would have paid back in Sydney was blown away by the value.

From Jungle Chef, "Also like the Mayalasian pre-prepared restaurant/street food stand across from Soi 1 in Mae Nam" ... not noticed that one... going to have to give it a try!

Let's face service can vary... depending a number of things, the worse for some smaller restaurants, is many customers all coming in at the same time...

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Jungle Club has a nice view and fine for a drink but it's a lot of nonsense. Orders wrong (drink and food), bill wrong (many extra items charged and wrong change). Lots of excuses and they even told us we couldn't sit at the table they sat us on and wanted my party of 10 to move in the middle of our appetizers. We were chill so no problems but at their high prices I don't to be hassled all night. Food was sub-par, tasteless, small portions and not even close to menu descriptions. Boooo!

Sorry for your bad experience but i have to say this is the first negative response to the Jungle Club i have either read or heard, and i would still recommend friends visiting to spend a half day there.

Thanks for you concern but no need to apologize for someone else's mistakes (unless of course your associated with the establishment and then you should state that). Everyone has their own set of expectations and each visit is situational and there for different. I am a retired service industry professional having been the owner/operator (Chef) of restaurants in America and do have high standards but also am realistic of what to expect for what I pay here from living in Thailand for 10 yrs.

On our vacation here we've been eating at Bang Po Seafood often and it's amazing! Took my falang family of 25 there for dinner one night (to get them out of Chaeweng) and everyone said it was their best meal they've had in Thailand and my Thai family keeps asking to go back. They makes a mean pie (pizza) at Samui Frisbee Golf with the added bonus of something for the kids (and me) to do to keep to that's fun and healthy. Also like the Mayalasian pre-prepared restaurant/street food stand across from Soi 1 in Mae Nam. Still looking for other gems if anybody has any suggestions. Don't mind spending money as long as it's worth it.

What you say??

What i say is you make it all sound so personal.

I tried to be polite and i certainly don't need some xxxxx sarcastic reply whether you are a "so called" industry professional or not. When i offer a critique i try to be objective, not personal, subjective.

I stand my my original post and would recommend the Jungle Club as a place to visit, especially as i've always had a good feedback. Funny, the reason i first heard about the place was word of mouth. And if its such a let down, how come its been there so long?

Anyway, you've had your say, i've had mine, so lets let others be the judge.

Though I usually don't get involved in the tit-for-tat hide-behind-your-avatar Thaivisa cat fights I feel like making an exception this time since I've shown nothing but manners while giving my honest opinion and now have been insulted with an euphemism of a vulgarity. Firstly there was no sarcasm nor intention of sarcasm in my post and trying to make it seem that way to protect what seems to be a personal interest in the business will not fool many. As you have not responded to my suggestion that one should mention any vested association with a particular institution and have tried another childish game of trying to blame another for one's own doings, mainly that I have made this personal, is ridiculous. And now you suggest that we've had our say and leave it at that, I'm sure that would suit your agenda!

As for your doubting my professional qualification that is up to you to believe or not. Having attended the world's finest culinary school and cooked in some of the great kitchens as well as been the personal Executive Chef for a world leader I am confident in my knowledge of the food industry. Just from the fact that you don't realize that food is subjective proves that you don't posses an understanding of the restaurant business.

My British family with little understanding of Thai cuisine inquired why the Tom Ka Gai not only was bland but didn't taste like coconut and I explained that it was just canned Carnation with some chemical raised chicken and without even mushrooms or other traditional ingredients resulting in a cheap and unsatiating dish. My BBQ Ribs marinated in the house special marinade with a seafood sauce was four short ribs coated in a cheap store bought tomato based bbq sauce, no value for the money or of any interest to my taste buds. The pasta dishes weren't only void of any salt but any seasoning whatsoever, the Carbonara just like a milk soup (my 9 yr old Thai boys response to "How is it?" was "nothing" (meaning the quality, flavor and enjoyment it got from it)) and the Bolognaise had barely enough sauce to moisten the pasta. For over 2400 bht I (unsarcatically) expect more!

As for the service would you like to be yelled at, after getting your drink order delivered incorrectly, that you should have order from the bartender and not the waiter who came to your table and inquired what you would like to drink because he was new, hence implying it was our fault. And then ordering from the bartender and after 1/2 hr and not getting your drinks only to go to the bar and being told that he wrote it down but forgot to bring them, implying not only that we were going to be charged for them and not get them but probably it was our fault again for expecting them! (ok, a little sarcasm just for fun)

I stand by my original assessment that this place is pure and utter nonsense and will add that your posts are as well. If your not the manger there you could well be!

OK thank you all, enough of the bickering. We are all entitled to air our opinions & not be shot down for it. We all have different standards & expectations, we critique accordingly.

No need to get personal just because someone is not of the same opinion of a place we like.

A lot of places here on the island sadly live on a reputation of being bla bla bla but fail to deliver big time. An honest critique of their performance might just be the shot in the arm for them to pick up their game..

Anyone seen spaghetti squash on sale in Koh Phangan? With "wellness" being big business here I thought it would be easy to find but I haven't seen any at the supermarkets or the organic shop in Thong Sala.

I seen many types of squash around, but not that one....(here) what's so special about spaghetti squash ? (Thai's tend to call them Pumpkins)

It would also be seasonal... if it were available....

Makro, perhaps .... is it open on KP yet?

I seen many types of squash around, but not that one....(here) what's so special about spaghetti squash ? (Thai's tend to call them Pumpkins)

It's a pasta substitute for the paleo/anti-gluten pseudoscience movement who think actual pasta is poisonous. (No, I'm not making this up).

I seen many types of squash around, but not that one....(here) what's so special about spaghetti squash ? (Thai's tend to call them Pumpkins)

It's a pasta substitute for the paleo/anti-gluten pseudoscience movement who think actual pasta is poisonous. (No, I'm not making this up).

There is a lot of pseudoscience from the "wellness" movement but some people are gluten intolerant and some people just have different dietary needs or preferences.

Anyway, to answer what's special about it, when you cut it open and scrape it out you get strings just like spaghetti which can be cooked and used just like spaghetti.

Makro is open on KP so I'll check it out. I'd be surprised if one of these detox/wellness/whole food/organic places that are all over KP didn't serve it.

Having tried the big breakfast recently @ Cassidys in bang rak after being recommended online and in person I can confirm that it was absolutely superb!

On my leaving this fine island after a delightful month I wanted to thank the local TV members for their useful suggestions as well as the less than helpful but never the less amusing comments. To show my appreciation I wanted to share some final thoughts on the local restaurant scene (my attempts at humor is often mistaken for being a wise ass but my opinions are honest, forthright and admittingly long so read at your own will, or pace, as I’d rather not hear any more complaints concerning the breadth of my complaints)

One of the most wonderful discoveries were the great local seafood places, most often on the beach but not always, that served real Thai food with that Thai smile and hospitality that the country’s tourist industry was built on but unfortunately isn’t always the case anymore. But these delightful treasures still do exist here and are well worth making the effort to try.

The first of three that I must mention is Bang Po Seafood with it’s absolutely fresh ingredients so much so that I would just order whatever they would recommend (or have). Feet in the sand, stunning sunsets, very fair prices (I took my family from overseas for a dinner of hours of feasting and drinking for only 13,000 bht - there was 25 of us!!). This place is totally the real deal!

Also, on Poorsuckers’s recommendation, Bangkarm was great. The girl who took our order, with the Chef in the background to help if necessary, was not only as pleasant of a person as you might ever find but also her suggestions were informed and spot on. Their Squid Soup with Coconut and Sour Fruit was amazing and everything we had was not only good but also a little different then the played out varieties of Tom Yum and farmed fish dishes that those of us who reside in the Kingdom know oh so well.

Another find I stumbled upon on the Mae Nam walking street is called Kosen Restaurant. The Chef jokingly asked if I was a Chef (big mistake!!) as I wandered through the kitchen on the way back from the bathroom, and immediately had me by her side helping with the final seasonings, not a more endearing gesture could she have bestowed. The food was not only made with love but they offered some very interesting dishes and were more than generous especially with touches like the crab with dry curry having handfuls of lump and claw meat, not the usual in-shell preparation. This place is a gem! One a subsequent visit, which again everything was tasty, there was one slight misstep, really not anything that couldn’t happen in any kitchen anywhere, and the Owner/Chef came out herself and apologized saying it was “an overly bad thing” (loose translation), which it really wasn’t that bad, and insisted on discounting all the food (for 6 ppl.) 50%! Even though it’s not an especially fancy place, but is nicely appointed, they are a total class act!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t quickly mention some from the Hall of Shame. These are places that basically shop at Macro and don’t have any emotional attachment to what they do, if they admit it or not. As I’ve exhausted my opinion of the Jungle Club I’ll move right on to a few French places that truly disappointed. Huete, a small bistro and sandwich shop in Mae Nam served me a cold caracas of rabbit for 320 bht which consisted of three bites of meat with polenta. Asking for it to be heated more it went back into the microwave though he rudely claimed he was using the broiler function, either way it’s not how to heat a stewed item (nor is it really a broiler). His laziness and carelessness was well represented in the quality of his food.

Also at La Villa Corse for 320 bht I got dry and again not warm Boar Sanglier, a kind of stew 45 min after some of my party had already finished eating. Another kitchen that Chef Mike (microwave oven) was fully employed. For 500 bht with a drink and appetizer for myself, and I had had six others with me, I expect the waitress to have glanced at the menu at least once before, for them not be out of my choice of beverage and the first three fish dishes we ordered (out of four and the one they did have and serve us mistakenly wasn’t even the kind of fish listed). What the hey? They were next to Fisherman’s Pier after all ! The boss, a French lady came in at 8:45 on a Friday night to find the whole staff either all preparing food or all serving one table with absolutely no division of responsibilities or obvious positions. It comes from the top and if the person in charge doesn’t respect their customers nor themselves enough to run the business y making a real effort they should not open the doors. Maybe that’s why they’re here as they would be shamed back home in the old country where food is second only to God (and an equal tie for many).

Then there are the typical places like Ronan, but having opted for the Turkish buffet I can’t really judge the cooked to order food quality but as the manager, who was complaining of the price of seafood and the amount he spends at Macro, didn’t know about the fresh morning market just down the street I can only conclude that there restaurants don’t understand that the their product will be only gong to be as good as the product they purchase. Maybe value for the baht but quantity over quality is not my cup of tom yum.

The aforementioned Mae Nan morning market not only has amazing things for the self-caterer to join the local Chefs shopping but also is a perfect place for photo ops. If you go don’t miss the breakfast lady and her delicious 15 bht rice soup and warm Thai Tea.

The Seaside Steakhouse suffered the same affliction as Churrasco, another streak restaurant. Decent product and fine setting but a Thai cooking like it was Thai food. Now I’ve had good meals of many cuisines prepared by Thais but when they use Thai cooking methods and sensibilities for

non-Thai food it doesn’t work and defiantly doesn’t for close to 1000 bht per person. Same was true for Angela’s Diner. A poached sole over salad could have been good but missed the mark by miles with the poaching liquid (most probably they just spooned out the fish without straining it) soaking all the lettuce and puddled in the bottom of the bowl. The Pastrami Sandwich was almost all bread, if one wants to cheap out on the meat even while charging for a fair portion, they could at least have enough sense to thinly cut the bread so at least making the meal enjoyable to eat by having it taste like what it is. Then I encountered the really bad ones such as HD Burgers (Mae Nam branch) where after I checked the take-out order (thinking that it might be a good idea since I had to repeat my three burger order 5x) was told to “Get the F@*# out” for pointing out that it was wrong. I was with my young boy and quickly left as it’s not the kind of behavior I want him subject too but just for a lady, make that a female, to do this in front of a child shows that she has no place being in the public eye.

Back to the positive mental attitude that food deserves there are lots of little Thai places with cute dinning rooms serving 50 bht plates of small meals perfect for one’s everyday needs.

We really enjoyed the Aromidi Di Versi, an Italian restaurant near Nathon on the beach, for their pizza and hospitality. Italian cooking Italian!

Then there was that absolutely overpriced and uninspired Italian food at Cafe and Cucina Italiano Restoranti Pizzeria (oops there I go again). Not only I’m I wary of anywhere with so many names that it’s hard to figure out what they are called but wished they knew that it is imperative to learn the cuisine of the food one is cooking before playing around with it, and generally just better to leave a good thing alone and just try to further improve on your comprehension and skills of it instead.

Then there are the typical Cheweag Beach restaurants, overpriced and fair food but that should expect in this sort of place and one can’t really complain if it’s just ok. But an exception was Baan Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa for not only what came out their kitchen, which was properly prepared fresh fish and both Thai and Western food, but also for their friendly service oriented staff who anticipated our needs (instead of playing on their smart phones!). Our pre-booked private buffet for 50 was timely, tasty and abundant.

A lunch of mexican fare at Gingos Cantina wasn’t bad but …. the waitress spent more time trying to make us feel sorry for her while purposely neglecting us and then had the audacity to attempt to make us in their gratitude and debt by claiming she opened the kitchen especially for us after we were politely welcomed by someone else behind the bar whom told us where to sit. Again 635 bht for myself, whom by the way was only drinking water, for a nacho plate only as big as my hand and burritos with the worst store bought guacamole (word of advice: better to leave it off if it sucks than to serve it) with speckles of black beans in the mainly rice inside filling isn’t too much bang for one’s buck. The menu said served with mex-rice (none) and mex-slaw (not, just one spoonful of dry shredded cabbage). Come on dude, at least give what the menu says while charging more than they would in America, never the less Mexico, for the same thing.

I’d like to conclude with a special mention for Barracuda Restaurant in Mae Nam. From the second one walks into the warm interior and is greeted with equal hospitality you get the feeling that it might just be one of those meals. Well it didn’t disappoint with the perfectly fresh fish, we had tuna,

sea bass and salmon. And finished with a perfectly gooey and warm centered Lava Cake to finish. Creatively presented, interestingly flavored and delivered with care. It was so nice to be pampered by a professional staff as they made you feel at the same time relaxed. Nothing over the top while at the same time everything top notch, couldn’t have been a more pleased customer.

We are looking forward to the next time we visit to Koh Samui, if I’m still welcome after this post (all defamation suits pls. contact my lawyer directly). What a great place to come and relax, eat and enjoy many of the things that make Thailand so amazing!

Better luck next time.

Thank you chef for the excellent review.

Welcome back.

Thank you chef for the excellent review.

Welcome back.

+1

Well, the title says it all. Been in Samui for a month now and desperately craving some good Roti with Massaman curry. Sure enough, there are many places doing great Roti, like Khun Lek in Maenam or the guy at the market in Nathon, but they do only Roti with bananas and maybe something with tuna. But no Massaman curry. Khun Lek used to make it, but ever since his daughter is going to university in Chiang Mai he doesn't have enough time so he only sells sweet Rotis.

Went to Khanom last weekend, and there it was easy to find (and delicious). But it's a bit far to travel for dinner. Surely there must be someone in Samui making it, no?

All help appreciated!!

Tough one to answer, Massaman curry really varies at just about every restaurant that makes, or tries to make it.... most do not understand that the potatoes need to be cooked The sauce can really vary to being good .... to really bad! Probably not enough call for a Roti/ massaman combo ?...

I have not seen served with Roti here, but I wonder if some places in the Hau Thanon area, would not be an area to try to find it.... ? Massaman and Roti being more of a Muslim dish....( I think)

Tough one to answer, Massaman curry really varies at just about every restaurant that makes, or tries to make it.... most do not understand that the potatoes need to be cooked The sauce can really vary to being good .... to really bad! Probably not enough call for a Roti/ massaman combo ?...

I have not seen served with Roti here, but I wonder if some places in the Hau Thanon area, would not be an area to try to find it.... ? Massaman and Roti being more of a Muslim dish....( I think)

Well, i seen this roti with masaman in islander menu in chaweng.

May be can give a try or ask Daniel the manager there.

Well - I am told that the best Massaman curry is at Jonathan's in Maenam. It takes a while and is always freshly prepared.

Not a cheap place but a great restaurant. I'll bet that they will arrange roti if you book on advance.

Another great place for massaman is Shambala in Bangrak. Again - it takes longer to cook - wait an extra 15 minutes.

Shambala is a very reasonable price and again, I'll be that she will do roti if you pre book.

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/life/destinations/best-koh-samui-846987

(Up there with the Four Seasons, The W and Zazen!!!!)

As per the above question but in CHIANG MAI....... anyone know where?????

Well - I am told that the best Massaman curry is at Jonathan's in Maenam. It takes a while and is always freshly prepared.

Not a cheap place but a great restaurant. I'll bet that they will arrange roti if you book on advance.

Another great place for massaman is Shambala in Bangrak. Again - it takes longer to cook - wait an extra 15 minutes.

Shambala is a very reasonable price and again, I'll be that she will do roti if you pre book.

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/life/destinations/best-koh-samui-846987

(Up there with the Four Seasons, The W and Zazen!!!!)

Never seen Jonathan's in Maenam..... where?

Taking the extra time means the spuds would be cooked....

As for Torrens question in CM, ask on the local forum there!

Another great place for massaman is Shambala in Bangrak. Again - it takes longer to cook - wait an extra 15 minutes.

Shambala is a very reasonable price and again, I'll be that she will do roti if you pre book.

Yes, Shambala has a fantastic Massaman curry! But I asked about roti, they shrugged their shoulders. There must a restaurant that has this combination (curry+roti) on their menu, no?

Maybe one of the smaller Muslim restaurants? The ones with the starand moon on the sign. BUT WHERE???

Another great place for massaman is Shambala in Bangrak. Again - it takes longer to cook - wait an extra 15 minutes.

Shambala is a very reasonable price and again, I'll be that she will do roti if you pre book.

Yes, Shambala has a fantastic Massaman curry! But I asked about roti, they shrugged their shoulders. There must a restaurant that has this combination (curry+roti) on their menu, no?

Maybe one of the smaller Muslim restaurants? The ones with the starand moon on the sign. BUT WHERE???

There are a few Muslim restaurants dotted about the island, where you see those flags, or signs saying "Hala"..... but as I suggested Hau Thanon might be your best bet... as it's the largest community...

Freedas Muslim Restaurant Main street in Hua Thanon

Freedas Muslim Restaurant Main street in Hua Thanon

Can't find this anywhere online. Can you give more precise directions, please?

Maybe one of the smaller Muslim restaurants? The ones with the starand moon on the sign. BUT WHERE???

Opposite Bangkok hospital.