Santiburi Koh Samui, S Hotels & Resorts’ natural five-star sanctuary on Samui’s stunning north shore, is inviting its discerning international clientele, domestic guests and local residents to journey “From Michelin Stars to Samui Skies” with a spectacular culinary experience that will showcase the outstanding skills of Chef Chumpol Jangprai from R-Haan, the highly acclaimed Thai restaurant in Bangkok that has been awarded two Michelin stars.
From 9-11 December 2023 during the long weekend getaway in Thailand, to coincide with the resort’s 31st anniversary, Chef Chumpol will welcome guests to Sala Thai at Santiburi, Santiburi Koh Samui’s original and legendary restaurant which has been pioneering Thai cuisine in Koh Samui for over three decades, to treat diners to a 12-course Southern Thai set menu. Under the concept of “The Legend of Thai Cuisine in Samui,” this epicurean odyssey will present six of the signature dishes that have elevated R-Haan to the pinnacle of Thai gastronomy, along with six new creations that Chef Chumpol has crafted especially for this celebratory occasion. Guests can look forward to savouring the finest local and seasonal ingredients from Koh Samui and the surrounding seas and provinces, cooked to perfection and presented in an enchanting ambience, amid the resort’s tropical gardens.
Following a curated selection of light amuse bouches, to prepare the palate for the delights that lie ahead, diners will be transported on an immersive journey to the farms, fields and fisheries of Southern Thailand. Among the delicacies sustainably sourced by Chef Chumpol will be Surat Thani oysters (topped with Royal Project caviar and seafood sauce), succulent lobster from the Gulf of Thailand (prepared in a wonderfully deep tom yum bisque), black grouper (cooked sous-vide with a Champagne & lemongrass sauce), Surat Thani squid (complemented with Chaiya salted egg espuma), and Nakhon Si Thammarat Angus beef (chargrilled and served in a spicy clear curry sauce).
Perhaps the most evocative dish on this mouth-watering menu will be Southern-style braised pork belly & egg in brown sauce – the first recipe Chef Chumpol cooked and which he has perfected over the years.
Naturally, this exquisite culinary adventure will conclude on a fresh and sweet note, with a dessert that highlights the finest coconuts from Koh Samui.
Inspired to cook from a young age, Chef Chumpol believes in crafting highly authentic recipes in line with the traditional wisdom of Thai cuisine, passed down through the generations. This includes using indigenous ingredients, balancing flavours with herbs, spices and seasonings, and taking inspiration from Thai culture. This philosophy has led to R-Haan being awarded two Michelin stars for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023.
