Restaurants – Srithanu Hub

Eat.Co Restaurant Review

Posted on March 11, 2018March 11, 2018 by Srithanu Blog

Eat.Co attempts to be the most ‘Srithanu’ of all restaurants in the area. It is a vegan restaurant and store set up by a group of yoga teachers who take a holistic approach to dining. They are currently riding high in the Tripadvisor ratings, and the restaurant is a favoured hang-out for the spiritual set.

Reading the Eat.Co website you might be forgiven for not immediately realising it is a site promoting a restaurant. On the ‘about us’ page you are bombarded with life stories of aspiring yogis fleeing Western lives to embrace the calm and serenity of Koh Phangan. There is a liberal use of such words as ‘love’, ‘community’ and ‘mindfulness’. What it says about the food is a bit vague:

“There are a few dedicated “cooks” working together in the Eat.co “kitchen” to joyfully create and serve all the goodness this site has to offer.”

Are we to worry that the restaurants doesn’t have real chefs but rather cooks with inverted commas? And that food is prepared not in a kitchen but something different signified by “kitchen”. And that it is not what nature has to offer in terms of calories but their website that offers nourishment. Sometimes clichés lead you into absurdity.

However, once you look beyond the stuff about sharing love and life stories you are left with a small and friendly restaurant and store that serves tasty vegan food. You can see from the images below that the restaurant has an eclectic menu drawing on a variety of cooking traditions and the most in vogue vegan ingredients. There is meatless ‘teriyaki chicken’ using tempeh strips; there is a beetroot burger and a veggie kebab. If you prefer they can do vegan thali, scrambled tofu, vegan pho (Vietnamese soup) and black bean couscous and mango salad. This can be washed down by a number of spiritually edifying juices and smoothies called without any sense of irony such appellations as ‘guru juice’, ‘plant Shanka’ and ‘thirsty monk’.

You can’t get an alcoholic drink. The only sins to be found are sugar free cakes and coffee with actual caffeine. I suspect most people either love or hate Eat.co. Below are a few snippets from Tripadvisor.

Eat.co reinforces the stereotype of Srithanu and reminds me of the Srithanu song in a funny way. But putting aside any prejudice, restaurants offering lovingly made food in a convivial atmosphere with good service are always to be welcomed. Up to you to decide if Eat.co gives value for money as well as karma.

Eat.Co is on the main Srithanu road, between Crave and Green Gallery. It is open every day except Thursday. Breakfast is from 8am to 11am, lunch from 12pm to 4pm, and dinner from 6pm to 10pm.

Koh Raham Restaurant in Haad Son

Posted on November 19, 2017 by Srithanu Blog

One of the hidden gems on the dining scene of the west coast of Koh Phangan is Koh Raham. It is a restaurant perched on a small rocky outcrop to the right hand side of Haad Son Beach. It claims to be the true taste of beach dining. Rather, this restaurant explores the possibilities of how a restaurant can interact with the ocean in new and dynamic ways.

The name is a little confusing. Anyone who has spent some time in Thailand will know that ‘koh’ means island. ‘Raham’ in Thai means frenzied, frenetic, foolhardy, dare devilish. It would be overstating to say this restaurant is frenetic or foolhardy. It is in fact a very chilled spot. It is next to a beach called ‘secret beach’ that has only one resort – Haad Son Resort – so it is never bustling with folk. However, there is the slightly daredevil option of climbing down some steps from the restaurant to the sea. The water is full of fish. They aren’t exactly in a frenzy although when people throw food in the water they swim with more vigour.

There is a sense of romance and adventure to this restaurant. To get to Koh Raham you drive to the parking area near the reception of Haad Son Resort. Then you walk down stairs to the restaurant. You walk through the shady entrance to the restaurant, past the bar to a wide concrete patio perched on a rocky outcrop. Suddenly you experience great views of the ocean and the beach. Explore further and you find steps leading down to the water. As you can see from the video above, plenty of people come for a swim. It is a chance to snorkel and see some fish in the water rather than on your plate!

Compared to the views and the location the food and drink is a bit disappointing at Koh Raham. The menu is usual mix of strandard Thai dishes, seafood and Western favourites such as burger and fries. Some of the seafood is caught locally but some items such as the prawns are not.

They serve the usual range of cold drinks – juice, beer, cocktails etc. The prices are a bit higher since there is no competition on Secret Beach. Take it or leave it.

There are the usual breakfast items on offer – bacon, eggs, muesli. Again nothing special. The service is quite good. As you can see from the Trip Advisor snippet below the restaurant is generally rated as good. Nobody is going nuts about the food. It is the location that gives you a taste of what beach dining could be about; not the cuisine.

Trip Advisor

Location

Soi Krung Thai in Thongsala

Posted on September 25, 2017September 26, 2017 by Srithanu Blog

Soi Krung in Thongsala has emerged over the last few years as the principal hub for shops, restaurants and bars in the main town of Thongsala in Koh Phangan. For years Thongsala did very little to embrace tourism. It was a place to catch a ferry and do some souvenir shopping. Over the last decade more foreigners have set up businesses in Thongsala and more tourists make the town the starting point for their holidays.

The street didn’t seem to even have a name for ages. It was always the side street with the post office on. Now the street not only has a name it always has street markets, pedestrian only times and a thriving scene. Soi Krung Thai is off the main road in Thongsala and it heads down to the port. See the map below for the location of Soi Krung Thai.

Location of Soi Krung Thai

About Soi Krung Thai

During the day the street is a popular place for shopping and eating. By night the street has become the focal point for the nightlife in Thongsala. Lots of people come to the town for the cheap eats and then head over to a bar where they can enjoy a range of beers and cocktails. The prices for drinks in Thongsala are often cheaper than on other beaches on the island, where they often take advantage of ‘captive audiences’ to inflate drink prices.

Here are some of the outlets on Soi Krung Thai.

A’s Famous Cafe

A’s Cafe has been around for so long it has decided that it is not unwarranted to change its name to A’s Famous Cafe. It is an American style dinner that does breakfasts, burgers, subs, cold cut plates, fresh coffee, shakes, 100% juices, beers and sweet treats.

The cafe has recently been refurbished. It is a pleasant spot to sit and soak up the atmosphere. The American owner runs a tight ship and standards are always high. Not really a late night drinking spot but sometimes they host live music.

Beaton Macramé and Stone

The shop has a selection of hand crafted jewellery with gem stones. They also do macramé with gem stones. If you are into local artisan products for souvenirs this is a good place to check out.

Beauty Bar Seafood

Bit of a silly name really. Is it a spa or a seafood restaurant? It’s a seafood restaurant. Sample locally caught fish cooked to traditional Thai recipes. It is a small restaurant with a couple of tables and chairs outside.

For You French Bistro

French style restaurant taking local and fresh ingredients to make delicious French style cuisine. Naturally, wine is available but the prices might make you think about ordering a beer instead.

John’s Bar and Bistro

This is a bigger restaurant with open plan seating inside and out. The yellow decor makes this place stand out on the street. They serve English breakfasts, pies, Thai curries, coffees, juices and Sunday roasts. This is a bistro English style. John’s is a good spot to pass the time while waiting for a ferry.

They also have a selection of beers on offer.

Khunpen Restaurant

A small restaurant that serves a wide range of Thai dishes. They also do vegetarian dishes. So far this place has mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. Don’t have high expectations if you choose this spot for lunch or dinner.

Lilawadee

Lilawadee calls itself a ‘concept store’. It sells a range of handmade jewellery, clothes, fashion accessories, home ware and customised motorbike helmets. It is open 10am to 2pm and 6pm to 10pm. If you are struggling to find a present to take home this shop might have just the thing.

Mona Lisa

No tourist street in Thailand is complete without a pizza place. Mona Lisa does pizza and pasta. They have wine and beers. There is seating inside and out. So far this place has got mainly good reviews.

Phangan Ink

Likewise, no tourist destination in Thailand would be complete without a tattoo parlour. Phangan Ink does machine tats and traditional bamboo tatts. Starting rate is 2,500 Thai Baht.

The Port

Stylish new cafe near the port. They have indoor and outdoor seating. They offer coffees, soft drinks and snacks.

Whiski Bar

Small bar on Soi Krung Thai. They serve not just Thai whisky but also imported beers and cocktails. This is a place for those who like a tipple or two.

More Shops in Thongsala

Posted on September 13, 2017September 13, 2017 by Srithanu Blog

Thongsala is the principal town in Koh Phangan, although at times it can feel like it is Haad Rin when there is a massive influx of people for the Full Moon Party. That aside, most of the commercial space on the island is in Thongsala. It is here that many people choose to set up a shop or business. Some succeed and some fail. As a result, the shop scene in Thongsala is very fluid. Here are a collection of businesses in Thongsala you might not be familiar with.

Karnibar Burger

Karnibar Burger is located in the centre of town. It sells gourmet burgers with fries. They also have a variety of shakes and juices as well as bottled beers. This is a fairly new start up. They have a few glowing reviews of their burgers on their Facebook page. Run by an Italian.

Location

Hammock Home

Just around the corner from Karnibar Burger is Hammock Home. This is a shop dedicated to hammocks. They have a variety of colours and styles to choose from. They also have some hand crafted hammocks. So if you just can’t find the hammock your resting body deserves look no further. Hammocks also make great gifts and souvenirs.

Location

20 Thai Baht Shop

The name says it all. This is a very handy shop when you just need a little of something. You might be leaving in a couple of days and not want to buy a big box of washing detergent. Never fear the 20 Baht shop is here.

The 20 THB Shop also has an assortment of useful tools, storage boxes, general household and hardware equipment, barbecues, clothes drying racks and pretty much everything else at very cheap prices, although not 20 THB.

Location

Passara Spa and Herb

Passara Spa and Herb is on the main road, just as it bends south heading to Baan Tai. This new spa offers a range of massages and spa treatments that include herb saunas. If you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate in Thongsala then Passara might be what you are looking for. As yet they don’t have a website or Facebook page.

Location

Pizza Chiara Italian Restaurant

Two Italian men have set up a pizza restaurant on the main road in Thongsala, near Pantip Market. As you would expect they serve a range of handmade pizzas made from fresh and local ingredients where possible. They also offer pasta dishes. They have been getting mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. It seems Koh Phangan is becoming the home of burgers and pizzas!

Pizza Chiara is open from 11.30am to 11.30pm

Location

Siam Souvenir

Siam Souvenir sells Thai artwork such as statues, carvings, embroidered pillow cases, candles etc. at moderate prices. They have the best range of such products on Koh Phangan. If you are hunting for a gift for a friend back home this is a good place to start. Moreover, the range of items here means you can save yourself plenty of leg work and make time for a drink and snack.

Location

Soho Bar in Thongsala

Posted on September 9, 2017 by Srithanu Blog

Soho Bar in Thongsala has become one of the leading spots on Koh Phangan to enjoy draught beer, home cooked food and perhaps a bit of sports action on TV. It is a medium sized bar that seats just over 60 people.

Soho Bar has been running for a couple of years now. It’s decor and presentation place it above the traditional hole-in-the-wall or bamboo bar that used to be spotted all over the island. Although they have rented a space in Thongsala which is a traditional hole-in-the-wall commercial space, they have attempted to bring a bit of modernist style to the decor to provide a more stylish ambience.

At the outside of the bar are high stools for those looking for a quick drink or for those who like to watch the passing flow of people as they sip their cold drink. Inside there is a long bar, a high stool area for solo drinkers and then against the opposite wall are a series of open booths for those who want a bit more intimacy and more table space. Above the bar is a large flat screen TV. It feels very much like a modern bar.

There is also more seating upstairs.

The menu at Soho Bar features English breakfast, BBQ chicken wings, baguettes, a large selection of burgers, Mexican food, and grill items. This is bar fare with a heavy emphasis on quality meat. The burgers are home made from the freshest ingredients. Those who are familiar with bars in the States will be at home at the Soho Bar.

There is a wide range of drinks on offer from branded spirits to draught beers and ciders. The bar keep is more than capable of rustling up a cocktail to suit your taste.

Although I am disappointed that the leading picture on their website for their sports offering is of Chelsea, this is no reason to discount the Soho as a spot to catch the latest Premier League action. They also screen boxing, rugby and Formula One. Indeed if it is on, they will endeavour to show it.

Regarding the name, the branding is meant to suggest a cool London bar rather than a reference to the salacious past of the notorious area in London. So you are safe in the Soho Bar from the attention of ‘working girls’ more commonly known in Koh Phangan as ‘beer bar girls’.

The bar is located on the main road going through Thongsala, near the Pantip Market. If you stroll down the main drag you can’t miss it.

The bar also caters for groups and birthday parties. They claim to do business conferences although the need for this in Koh Phangan seems small.

So if you fancy a draught beer, a decent burger and a bit of footie in a pleasant atmosphere then check out Soho Bar.

Location

Contact

Message form: http://sohophangan.com/contact/

Secret Beach

Posted on August 22, 2016August 22, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Haad Son used to be a relatively obscure beach with just the one place to stay called Haad Son Resort. Now there is another accommodation options at Haad Son – it is called Secret Beach Bungalows. The re-branding, it seems, has caught on, and ironically when Haad Son beach was simply called ‘Haad Son’ it was a secret to which most visitors to Koh Phangan were not privy. Now it is called ‘Secret Beach’, the beach has had more internet exposure and is definitely not a secret anymore for tourists.

The entrance to Haad Son Resort is located up a steep hill. It is not a convenient location for those who prefer not to rent a moped. The resort has had a major make-over in the last few years and the rooms and facilities are much improved. The reception is at the top of the hill. As you walk down the hill you encounter the swimming pool, accommodation and finally the restaurant and bar on the beach.

There are a few beach bungalows but most of the accommodation is up the hill. Until recently Haad Son Resort claimed the beach as their own. That is no longer the case as there is now Secret Beach Bungalows on Haad Son Beach.

There are 2 ways to get to Secret Beach. You can either walk through Haad Son Resort from the main road. There is also a small track to the south. It is signposted on the road between Haad Yao (to the north) and Haad Chao Phao (to the south).

The beach has fine white sand. Like the other beaches on the west coast the sea seems to disappear during low tide. The best months for swimming are September to March. While the shallow water is good for children and paddling, those looking for a decent swim might be disappointed.

The beach is fringed by palms. Haad Son Resort on the hill is the defining landmark. Despite the new popularity of Haad Son now that it has become ‘Secret Beach’ it is not a particularly crowded beach. There is the occasional wedding on the beach, normally organised by Haad Son Resort.

If you are staying on the west coast of Koh Phangan and looking for a new beach to check out, then Haad Son is a good bet.

Haad Son Resort

Haad Son Resort is a medium sized resort occupying a hill overlooking Haad Son Beach. It has 57 rooms for rent. All the rooms have air-con and hot water bathroom. All rooms also have a mini bar. More expensive rooms also feature flat screen TV, extra living space and colourful interior design. The Executive Penthouse Suite includes a private pool. The Deluxe Beachfront Villa is on the sand.

Prices for the Standard Garden Villa start at 1,140 Thai Bahti n the low season. The Executive Penthouse Suite starts at 4,320 Thai Baht a night

The resort features a swimming pool with impressive sea views. On the beach is a restaurant and bar. They serve a range of Thai and Western dishes. The restaurant prices are a bit higher than usual, as the resort banks on having a ‘captive audience’.

The restaurant features a larger thatched area, a decking walk out to a viewing promontory and a diving spot. The restaurant is called Koh Raham. Why? I know not.

Wifi is available for free in public areas. The accommodation is spread over a hill and out of wifi range.

Secret Beach Bungalows

Secret Beach Bungalows is located at the southern end of Haad Son beach. It is a beachfront resort and guests don’t have to make it up and down a big hill. The track out from the beach here is just 400 metres from the northern Haad Chao Phao Resorts. The feeling is of much less isolation; not stuck up a hill, but tucked away in a hidden corner, not far from the action.

There is a collection of beach bungalows. They are fairly big and lovingly maintained.

The Beachfront Bungalow has fan and cold water shower. Prices start at 800 Thai Baht. The Superior Beachfront Bungalow has air-con and fridge. Prices start at 1,000 Thai Baht a night. The Beach House features fully equipped kitchen, air-con, private outdoor dining area, hot water shower and safety box. Prices for the Beach House start at 1,600 Thai Baht.

Secret Beach Bungalows has a beachfront restaurant that serves Italian food. They also do burgers. The prices are average for the area. It is a funky little restaurant, and the notion that it is on a secret beach clearly creates a sense of occasion when wining and dining.

Conclusion

Secret Beach is Haad Son. It is a beach that has opened up now another resort other than Haad Son Resort has started using the beach. Both Haad Son Resort and Secret Beach Bungalows are good places to stay. The former is for those who like a big resort with swimming pool and large menu. The latter is for backpackers looking for a cool new destination.

Ladda Restaurant in Srithanu

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

Ladda Restaurant in Srithanu is not just a good dining options but also a small guesthouse with some cheap bungalows for rent. It is a thriving business that goes mostly under the internet radar but provides value for money and friendly service.

Ladda Restaurant (previously called ‘Ladda Shop’) serves pizza as well as a range of delicious Thai dishes such as tom yum goong. The prices are reasonable. It is an unpretentious Thai style place. There is heavy wooden furniture in a restaurant with an open view onto the road. Ladda is located at the southern end of Srithanu at the point the road splits. The road to the left (west) going to Thongsala, and the road going straight (south) going to Srithanu Peninsula. See the map below.

To the side are a row of bungalows for rent. The accommodation is mostly fan bungalows with mosquito net and attached cold water shower. Room rates start at 250 Thai Baht a night in the low season. There is also the possibility of organising monthly rates. This is good to know if you are booked into a yoga course that is taken a chunk of your money and you have to tighten your budget.

The bungalows are about 300 metres from a good beach on the peninsula. It is possible to stay at Ladda and get to most places by foot. However, you will see plenty of bikes at front from people dropping in for a drink or some authentic Thai food, especially at meal times.

Recommended are the coconut shakes. The Western breakfasts are not bad either. When you peruse the menu you will be encouraged, as this establishment does its best to offer great value. Perhaps this place will make the jump into the digital forum and get picked up by a big review site. For those who regularly frequent Ladda’s the hope is surely that it remains hidden from the casual browsers of the net, and that the same relaxed atmosphere and prices continue uninterrupted by spurious internet attention.

Note: The same family that run Ladda Restaurant also run the small convenience store next door.

Moonlight Cafe in Wok Tum

Posted on July 23, 2016July 31, 2016 by Srithanu Blog

The Moonlight Cafe is in Wok Tum on the main road and a short distance from the beach. It is a great spot for food, drinks and entertainment. The staff and owners are friendly and make a huge effort to make their customers happy. Those who are interested in fishing and boat tours can ask at the restaurant about going on ‘Biloute’.

Moonlight Cafe bills itself as a tapas bar. However, this being Koh Phangan, there is no need to feel restrained by a single concept. They also have Thai food, pasta dishes and BBQ.

The restaurant has an indoors covered area as well as plenty of outdoor seating. There are thatched parasols to provide shade and add to the decor.

The hosts are two lively French souls – Cedric and Muna. They share a love of food and entertainment. They have held several music evenings to create more of a party atmosphere at the restaurant.

The day-time obsession is fishing and sailing. They have bought and done up a 12 metre Thai fishing boat. The boat can hold up to 12 people comfortably. The boat is named ‘Biloute’. It can be hired for fishing trips, island tours or snorkel trips. Indeed you can do a bit of everything. And when you get to shore they will cook up your catch at Moonlight Cafe.

The west coast restaurant scene is very competitive. There are already several popular restaurants in this area catering for an increasingly sophisticated clientele looking for something more than the old backpacker clichés. Time will tell whether tapas, music and sailing will be a winning business synergy.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/moonlightcafephangan/
Boat site – http://www.phangan-peche.com/