Nab Daw
Tucked away in the quieter Mae Nam area of Koh Samui, this family-run restaurant has built a loyal following among travellers and long-stay visitors who seek out genuine Thai cooking over tourist-oriented fare. The no-frills setting is part of its charm — unpretentious and welcoming, it draws the kind of crowd who eats where locals eat and returns repeatedly because the food earns it. Dishes here reflect straightforward, authentic Thai home cooking made with fresh ingredients. Visitors have highlighted sticky mango rice among the standout options, and the broader menu consistently draws praise for its flavour and generous portions at budget prices. The owners and staff are notably warm and attentive, which regulars frequently mention as a defining part of the experience. The restaurant also handles a volume of takeaway orders alongside dine-in guests, so some patience during busy periods is worthwhile. Good to know: Nab Daw does not list opening hours online, so it is worth confirming current timings with your accommodation before making the trip. The restaurant sits a short drive from the northern beaches, making it a practical stop for those staying in or passing through Mae Nam. First-time visitors should not be put off by the modest exterior — the experience inside consistently outpaces the first impression.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Nab Daw, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Amazing spot! The staff is super friendly and the food is just incredible. It might not look like the typical “mainstream” place you’d walk into at first glance, but trust me – it’s so worth it. I had the best mango sticky rice in all of Thailand here (and I’ve tried quite a few 😅) plus a really delicious Pad Thai. Prices are great too. If you want a truly authentic Thai experience and real flavors, come here instead of overpaying at fancier-looking but worse places.
If you like amazing Thai food and the most welcoming and kind people; you must go here! My husband and I have spent 2 months in Thailand now and this has been the best food we have ate! When we arrived they were grilling chicken, which we could smell down the street and drew us in. We had garlic chicken with sticky rice, crispy pork and coconut shakes. I highly recommend it, my mouth is watering just thinking about this place! We will definitely be going back!
Here’s your quick 5-star Google review in English: ★★★★★ A true hidden gem! This family-run Thai restaurant offers an authentic local atmosphere and incredibly friendly owners. We had Sticky Mango Rice, Coconut soup, Pad Thai, and Fried Rice with Chicken – everything was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. On top of that, the prices were amazingly cheap and great value for money. A wonderfully authentic experience. Highly recommended!
Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). Ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs — a cheaper option.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas