Tesco Food court
This is a supermarket food court, and it helps to want exactly that. It sits inside the Lotus's complex in Bo Put, and the appeal is simple: a plate of Thai food for very little money while you're already there doing your shopping. Nobody should be crossing the island for it.
Order well and you'll eat fine. Basil rice gets consistent praise, Hainan-style chicken rice holds up, and sushi at 10 baht a piece is the thing regulars keep coming back for. The pad thai is the one dish I'd steer you away from, since it has drawn the sharpest complaints. Seating is the usual plastic-and-formica arrangement and it can get crowded at peak lunch, though the wider complex is noticeably quieter than it once was, so you're rarely fighting for a table. There's a kids' play area right next to the dining section, which makes it an easy call if you're travelling with small children and need forty minutes of peace.
Taste more of Koh Samui
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Tesco Food court — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tesco Food court, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Great price and section next to kids play park so good for families.
Food was good and prices are very affordable. Nothing fancy as it’s a food court.
I’ve had lunch here several times. The Pad Thai was the worst I’ve ever had, but the Basil Rice was good, and the Hainan-style rice wasn’t bad either.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 50 reviews on Google.
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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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
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.
Nearby Places
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THE ONE International Food Park
A kid-friendly international food park and night market in Bo Put with diverse cuisines and lively atmosphere.
The Trap House Samui Jamaican Bar & Grill
A Jamaican rooftop bar and grill on Koh Samui serving jerk chicken, cocktails, and panoramic island views.
4 Spices Samui Viewpoint Restaurant
Kosher dining on a Samui hilltop, evenings only, with the island spread out below you.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
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). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas