Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

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About Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts

The culinary scene on Samui is a vibrant one, but there's one place that stands out from the rest. This restaurant is a haven for those who wish to explore traditional Thai cuisine. It's a place where every detail, from service to presentation to cleanliness to kindness to prices, is meticulously taken care of. The food is excellent, well balanced and not drenched in oil or fish sauce like other places. The water is served for free, and the restaurant even offers cooking classes for those who wish to master Thai recipes. It's a place that has left many food enthusiasts completely blown away.

The cooking classes offered here are a highlight for many. Chef Roong, known for her patience, knowledge, and cheeky sense of humor, takes the time to explain every ingredient, why it's important, how it balances other flavors, and what can be substituted for it back home. Her passion and sense of humor make the experience enjoyable and memorable. The classes are well-organized, with clear recipe books provided. Each recipe is generally designed as a double portion, so participants can take away leftovers and cook for two people back home without having to double the recipe themselves.

The cooking classes are a family-friendly activity, with many families enjoying the experience together. The owner is very informative and welcoming, teaching participants everything they need to know about the food they cook. It's an experience that many would recommend, considering it worth the money.

However, it's important to note that there have been instances of miscommunication regarding pricing for certain courses. For example, a Fruit and Vegetable carving course was advertised for a certain price, but upon booking, the price charged was significantly higher. This has left some potential participants feeling frustrated and disappointed.

The cooking classes are known for the generous amount of food prepared. The friendly atmosphere, quality of food, and quantity of food have left many participants feeling satisfied and full. Many have found themselves wishing they had brought friends along to share in the feast.

The cooking school offers a unique experience, with classes held in an air-conditioned environment. Participants are asked to remove their shoes at the door, adding to the authentic Thai experience. The classes are well-structured, with the teacher first demonstrating the chopping of vegetables and then the students following. All ingredients are pre-washed and measured, so participants only need to chop. The teacher is knowledgeable about the vegetables and flavors used in Thai cooking, and does her best to explain everything, even using photos to aid understanding. The cooking room is separated from the main room by a see-through partition, and participants cook at the same time, following step by step. The meals are then enjoyed together in the upstairs dining room at the end.

The cooking school, known as SITCA, is highly recommended by many. The lady chef, Thim, is a wonderful instructor with a great sense of humor and passion for food and culture. The classes are hands-on, making participants feel comfortable with what they need to do when they get home. The classes are also educational, teaching participants about the history of Thai food and how the various herbs and spices balance each other out. The classes are held in groups, and the level of attention given to each student is very good. The value for money is also amazing, with participants cooking four dishes and then being able to invite up to four guests to join them to eat the food they've cooked. It's an experience that many describe as 5-star cooking, 5-star instruction, and 5-star entertainment.