If you haven’t arrived at this page directly from the previous one, then you’d better go back. And the reason for that is that this starts off where the review of Zazen Restaurant left off! Because, not only does Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa deserve to have one entry in Samui Dining Guide with its highly recommendable beachside restaurant, it now merits being the only resort with two entries since it opened its fabulous Le Salon de Ti, incorporating the totally unique Chef’s Table restaurant.

And what an extra-ordinary place Le Salon de Ti is. Arrive at Zazen Restaurant and instead of going straight ahead on the ground floor, just take the wooden staircase with its ornate wrought-iron banisters up to the next level, where you’ll find yourself in yet another magical addition to the wonderful world of Zazen, complete with lovely views across the Gulf of Thailand to the neighbouring island of Koh Pha-Ngan and beyond. If it’s in the afternoon, between 2:00 and 5:00 pm, this luxurious establishment, complete with Louis XVI chairs, huge white Murano chandeliers, gilt-framed mirrors, a contemporary ‘fireplace’ and super-comfy sofas is Le Salon de Ti – the most exclusive location on Samui for partaking in the pleasures of afternoon tea.

By all means, just try some of the massive collection of Sri Lankan Dilmah teas on their own. But to really immerse yourself in the age-old rituals of enjoying ‘high tea’ properly, it’s definitely recommended that you go for one of Le Salon de Ti’s two sumptuous ‘sets’ which incorporate either an excellent selection of cakes and pastries alone or one which includes savoury items, too (sandwiches and the like). And when the tea arrives, it’s presented just as it should be – in beautiful white bone china teapots and cups and saucers. Everything here is just fabulous!

So absolutely lovely is Le Salon de Ti, that it’s already become a popular spot for hosting events, such as weddings, when the whole of this magnificent venue can be privately booked for individual groups.

And now I arrive at the main point of this review, and that’s when Le Salon de Ti transforms every evening at 7:00 pm (except Mondays) into probably the most exclusive restaurant on the island – Chef’s Table.

The chef in question is the previously mentioned (in the Zazen Restaurant review) Cyrille Keyser, a highly acclaimed French chef who brings his unique brand of magic to every dish. And what with the elegant surroundings of Chef’s Table, with its high ceilings, flowing drapes and marble-top tables, very spacious seating for just 12 lucky diners and two of the most innovative and delicious set menus you’ll ever come across all prepared in the open ‘show’ kitchen, you just know that you’re in for a special dining experience when you arrive.

You can choose between the 5-course ‘Degustation Menu’ (which changes on a monthly basis) and the 7-course ‘Tea Inspired Menu’, with or without a fully-inclusive wine pairing for each course (selected from Zazen’s well-stocked traditional wine cellar under the main restaurant). And both sets are equally tempting!

“… and Le Salon de Ti transforms every evening into probably the most exclusive restaurant on the island – Chef’s Table.”

And there’s only one way of fully letting you know what’s in store, and that’s by listing the dishes in each set, starting with the current Degustation Menu, which comprises the following treats: Seared Lobster Tail with jasmine green tea and cauliflower foam; Foie-gras Terrine with shallots and raisin chutney; Cherry Beer Granité; Parma Ham-coated Snowfish with Mediterranean style polenta and lamb jus; Wagyu Beef Medallion with cèpes tartlets, baby vegetables and Périgourdine sauce; finishing with Chocolate Decadence for dessert.

Then we have the Tea Inspired Menu, which includes these mouthwatering dishes: Hokkaido Grilled Sea Scallops with cauliflower and jasmine green tea foam; Canadian Lobster Fresh Spring Roll with Moroccan mint tea; Pure Peppermint Mango Espuma; Cinnamon Spice Tea Marinated Foie-gras Terrine; Lemon Tea Granité; Snow Fish Medallion poached in chamomile infusion with a mini vegetable farandole; Roasted Duck Breast with Earl Grey duck jus emulsion and Lapsang Souchong tea smoked ratatouille; and, finally, for dessert, Our Tea Symphony, consisting of Rose & French Vanilla Crème Brûlée, Italian Almond Tirami-t, and Earl Grey Mascarpone Mousse.

Although Zazen Restaurant is already one of Samui’s special dining establishments, the owners of the resort have somehow managed to make Le Salon de Ti (and Chef’s Table) extra-special. And definitely a place to visit on those extra special occasions or if eating the best food and drinking the finest wines is your passion in life.

The restaurant is open for tea from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and for dinner (not Mondays) from 7:00 pm (last orders at 9:00 pm).
For reservations (highly recommended) and further information, telephone 0 7742 5085.