With some restaurants, it’s easy. They have a single defining feature that makes them stand out from the rest. It may be the scenic views they command. Or it could be that they’re on the most idyllic beach you’ve ever seen. Maybe, they offer the world’s most innovative cuisine. Or provide the finest dinner cabaret you could wish for. But other restaurants – like The Chef – are difficult to describe in a few words, because it’s a combination of many elements that makes them special – and so highly recommendable.

Although it’s owned by Samui Paradise Chaweng Beach Resort & Spa, on the opposite side of the road, The Chef is an entirely separate entity. And this means that you don’t have to go searching through a resort to find it. As you’re approaching from the most southern end of Chaweng Beach Road, you easily spot it on your left as you’re heading north.

It has a 40-metre street frontage with the main visible features being a large ‘open’ kitchen on the left (complete with dexterous chefs hats reassuringly bobbing up and down), and a beautiful free-standing wooden gabled gateway entrance in the middle. Go through there and you’ll find yourself in a delightful (and I normally hate using this overworked word) little world of old ‘Siam’.

The open-sided restaurant is styled on the interior of a traditional Thai house, and this ‘homely’ atmosphere pervades throughout. Framed ‘family’ photos adorn the walls; overhead and colonial-style standing fans swirl cool air around; granite table-tops sit upon old ‘Singer’ sewing treadles; terra-cotta tiles grace the floor; and there are many interesting water features including several huge ‘overflowing’ urns in the neat roadside garden area. And it’s all illuminated by diffuse lighting from concealed spots and long tubular lanterns. Plus, most importantly, the staff are as friendly and helpful as you could wish for.

There’s a choice of seating areas, too. Tables for four in the middle of the restaurant, with tables for two around the sides and at the back overlooking an authentic old Thai house and gardens. There’s also a single sala for two, roadside, where you can enjoy a meal in the traditional Thai manner by lying down on pyramidal cushions (do telephone in advance if you’d like book this one).

Right! Now that you know what the restaurant looks like, let me tell you about the food. Well, there’s both Thai and International cuisine available, plus a ‘fresh seafood by the gram’ selection. A recommended way to start a Thai meal here is to have the Hot Hors D’Oeuvres The Chef – comprising pork satays, fried chicken with turmeric, deep-fried crab meat, vegetable spring rolls and E’sarn sausages. And if you’re having International fare, the Lobster Cream Soup is an excellent way to begin the night’s dining

“… and you won’t believe how reasonable
the prices are at The Chef.”

Moving on to the main course, there’s a full selection of Thai noodles, curries and stir-fried dishes on offer, and the Roasted Duck in Red Curry is a very tasty traditional Thai dish (do let the staff know how spicy you’d like it) that’s especially recommended, whilst the Deep-fried Gold Fish with herbs, served with mixed vegetables and a choice of potato will keep the International food-lovers more than happy. Oh, and if you fancy Italian food, in particular, there’s a good range of pizzas and pasta dishes also available.

And there’re several great desserts for ending the meal with, including the Deep-fried Pineapple with Ice-Cream, and the Fried Banana with Chocolate Mousse. There’s also a good wine selection, including bottles from both the New and Old World, and from Thailand, too.

Finally, there’s a Filipino duo performing a wide range of all-time favourites every night (except Thursdays). As they wander around serenading diners with their singing and guitar, they encourage you to make song requests, so think of a few ‘our tunes’ before you go.

Oh, and one more thing. You won’t believe how reasonable the prices are at The Chef. Especially if I tell you than the average main course will cost you something around the 200-300 baht mark! But don’t take my word for it. Give them a call or stop by and have at look at the roadside menu.

Now you can see why it took two pages and not a single sentence to tell you about The Chef.

The restaurant is open for dinner from 3:00 pm until midnight.
For reservations and further information, telephone 0 7723 0294.