It’s not bad. Neither is it average. And I wouldn’t even call it good. Very good doesn’t describe it either. In fact, that would be an insult. No, with Poppies you really have to dig out the superlatives, because this place is absolutely excellent!

And it’s been like this since opening in 1995. Many restaurants have come along over the years trying to knock Poppies off its top spot. Some get close. But Poppies is still there. And this is why…

To begin with, its part of one of Samui’s finest boutique resorts. And if you approach the restaurant from the Chaweng Beach Road you’ll pass through it, and see exactly what I mean. As you follow the meandering pathway over rustic bridges and past carp-filled ponds you’ll spot the 24 detached cottages spaciously set out in gloriously landscaped gardens. So by the time you reach the restaurant, with the beach on one side and a free-form swimming pool on the other, you’ll be hooked already.

Choose between sitting in the elegant, 40-seater open-sided restaurant itself with its ornate Thai-style roof, or outside on the beach terrace under the stars where there’s room for 30 more. There’s also seating around the pool and in the Ayutthaya-style teak pavilion, too. Many places, many choices.

And that also goes for the food. There’s both Thai and international, with the emphasis on the freshest-of-fresh seafood. And when it comes to beachside Thai dining in Chaweng, Poppies really is hard to beat. This has a lot to do with the skills of their Thai Executive Chef – Khun Wantanee Panplum. She’s been at Poppies since day one, and I’m sure they’ve chained her up in the kitchen for fear of losing her – I would! This is real Thai cooking. Try her Tom Yum Goong Talay – hot & sour prawn (or mixed seafood) broth with straw mushrooms, or the Pla Nueng – steamed white snapper in herb, onion and ginger soy sauce and your mouth will thank you. But you might like to experience the Kantoke.

What’s that? Well, it’s a Thai set-dinner for 2, offering a selection of dishes served on a rattan tray. There’s a seafood version, and a vegetable one too, but here’s the ‘Traditional Kantoke’ set dinner – just to get your mouth watering! Spicy prawn soup with lime leaf; stir-fried morning glory; fried chicken with ginger; charcoal roast duck curry; deep-fried prawn cake with plum sauce; steamed jasmine rice; and a Thai dessert. All that at just 1,375 Baht for 2 people!

And for Thai culture afionados, the highlight of the week is Saturday’s Thai Night when there’s spectacular traditional Thai dancing and live music. Local artisans are also on hand to demonstrate their skills in soap carving, artwork and cookery.

“… and when it comes to beachside Thai dining in Chaweng,
Poppies really is hard to beat.”

But let’s not forget the international cuisine, as it’s not just a token part of the menu; catering for the odd one in a party who’s afraid to try Thai food. The international fare at Poppies has always brought diners from far and wide, too. And here are some of the dishes on offer that explain why.

Both the Soft-shell Crab Tempura with a green mango salad, and the Baked Goat’s Cheese in a filo parcel and served with a dry fig compote are superb starters. And the main courses are equally delicious, with the Pan-roasted Chicken Breast with Brie wrapped in pancetta on whole grain mustard sauce with mashed potatoes; and the Char-grilled Snow-Fish with a light coconut sauce, potato & pumpkin cake and morning glory sautéed in sesame oil being personally recommended. They really are fantastic!

And Poppies is a great place to go for lunch too (served from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm daily), as it has a completely separate luncheon menu with the emphasis on ‘lighter’ cuisine, such as exotic fresh salads, pastas and Thai favourites.

A few lucky customers do manage to get their favourite dinner table without booking, but to avoid disappointment, reservations are definitely recommended.

For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7742 2419.