Sure, you can find several Chinese restaurants on Samui. And some of them are really, quite good. But the restaurants in Samui Dining Guide have to be excellent. And Guilin not only comes up to this level – but goes way above it.

Let’s start with the name – Guilin (pronounced ‘girl –in’). As some of you may know already, it’s the name of an ancient city in China famed for its incredible natural beauty. It was also particularly favoured by Emperors in days gone by for another two reasons. Firstly, they felt that Guilin exuded a unique sense of relaxation. And, secondly, the Cantonese cuisine produced in Guilin was second to none in the entire Empire.

So it’s totally fitting that a restaurant that’s absolutely beautiful, gives you a feeling of peace and tranquility, and serves the very best Cantonese food is named after this unique place.

And, although Guilin is part of the magnificent Samui Palm Beach Resort in Mae Nam, it’s an entirely separate entity. Enter the guarded grounds, leave your vehicle in the large car-park, and it’s the first building you see on your right-hand side. Guilin is on the ground floor, and has its own lobby, too. And it’s here beside a huge mural showing Guilin’s surreal sugar-loaf mountains and lakes that you’ll be greeted by smiling staff in their authentic satin uniforms and led inside.

There’s seating for 70 in the main area and room for parties of up to 10 in the exclusive VIP room (complete with gold-plated silverware). But, because Guilin is so spacious, it’s nowhere near crowded, even when full. The elegant tables are circular, with each having the traditional ‘lazy Susan’ revolving centre-piece; the colour-scheme is also traditional Chinese, being red and white; the massive state-of-the-art kitchen is open (glassed off); and the whole place is stylishly decorated with some particularly beautiful ceramic figurines – all having been brought over direct from Guilin. Plus it’s always nice eating with the best crockery and cutlery, and drinking using the finest crystal glassware. But much more so when it’s in such a wonderful environment.

And to match this perfect Chinese setting comes some extra-special Cantonese cuisine. Samui Palm Beach has a wealth of cooking talent working in its three restaurants that’s overseen by Executive Chef – Khun Jaroonya Naphol. But the star of the show is Guilin’s very own Master Chef – Khun Kamnuan Thongmee. He’s recently arrived from Novotel at Bangkok on Siam Square, where he’s been wowing the diners with his Cantonese creations. Guilin is very proud to have him as the inaugural chef – with every justification.

“… and to match this perfect Chinese setting comes some
extra-special Cantonese cuisine.”

Here are some particularly exceptional recommended dishes to give you an idea of what you can expect. Firstly, there’s a tasty Shark-fin Soup with crab meat. Then, to satisfy the duck-lovers, there’s the Beijing Roasted Duck served with Chinese crêpes. The Sautéed Egg Noodle with King Lobster is also delicious, as is the Steamed Snow Fish with soy sauce. And the Sautéed Scallop in a Taro Basket deserves a special mention, too. (There’s also an interesting range of set-meals for 4, 6 or 10 persons should you wish to share your dining experience.)

As I’ve already said, Guilin is a part of Samui Palm Beach Resort. But what I haven’t mentioned yet is that Samui Palm Beach Resort is, in turn, a part of the Bangkok Airways Group. And Bangkok Airways has two flights a day from Bangkok to Guilin. So, if you get hooked on the food at this restaurant, and want to see where the inspiration comes from, just hop on a plane. For most of us, though, the Guilin here on Samui is a lot more than adequate already!