Vacations are all about indulgence. You escape to paradise to unwind, relax, and savor life’s precious moments. We can all agree that most of those moments are best enjoyed eating, and there are few better spots to chow down than on Thailand’s dazzling islands. Thanks to the availability of wildly fresh ingredients, Thai food classics get awesome upgrades at the beach. Here are some must-try dishes to have on your holiday.

Spicy Blue Crab Salad – Yum Poo Ma

Steam some fresh blue crab and toss with chilis, lime juice and Thai herbs. The more chilis the better. Or island-ify your som tum with raw blue crab. Som tum is a refreshingly delicious dish originally from the north that makes for a perfect afternoon snack on the beach. On the islands, order Som Tum Poo Ma to try an exciting twist on the dish. The mixture of tangy, spicy, and salty flavors goes great with the seafood.

Southern Style Fried Chicken – Gai Tod Had Yai

Fried chicken is pretty mouthwatering on its own. It smells delicious whether you’re walking to the BTS in Bangkok or headed for coffee in Chiang Mai. On the Thai islands, fried chicken cooked southern style gets even better with the addition of mouthwatering crispy fried onions and your choice of sweet chili sauce or a sweet and spicy sauce made of tamarind. Don’t forget the sticky rice. Now you’re ready to go crazy with these golden pieces of heaven.

Spicy and Sour Seafood Soup – Poh Tak Talay

Soup at the beach might sound like a weird combination, but the hot dish is actually a great way to cool down (seems counterintuitive, we know). Tuck into a bowl of this ridiculously tasty spicy and sour seafood soup for a sample of locally caught delights.

Horseshoe Crab Egg Salad – Kai Mang Da Talay

Picky eaters might be initially put off by this famous Thai dish. The horseshoe crab isn’t particularly cute, it looks more like a fossil than a tasty seafood dish. Be brave and try this fresh and spicy island salad. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Thai Seafood Curry in a Young Coconut – Hor Mok Talay Ma Prao On

Some of the most popular dishes in Thailand are made with coconut, and this island favorite goes one step further. Not only is Hor Mok Talay Ma Prao On a creamy coconut and seafood creation, but the dish is served inside of a young coconut too. Scoop along the sides of the natural bowl to get an even more tropical flavor.

Read more Food articles:

Beachside snacks we can’t live without

Flaming Lips: The spiciest Thai curries ever

The definitive guide to Thai seafood

Phuket Town: The weird wild world of Southern Thai cuisine

How to eat like a local on the Thai islands

Unexpectedly amazing non-Thai restaurants from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan