Koh Lanta, Thailand, February 7, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The five-star Pimalai Resort & Spa on the southern Thai island of Koh Lanta focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients from the island's farms and fishing communities. Dishes created by Chef Peng are served at the popular beachfront restaurant, Spice and Rice. The five-star resort has introduced a new menu featuring some of southern Thailand's most iconic and authentic dishes. Prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the recipes underscore the resort's commitment to nature, the local community, and creating unique experiences for its discerning guests.

The new menu was created by Chef Supon “Peng” Kaewcharoenpaiboon, Executive Thai Chef at Pimalai, who boasts over 20 years of experience. He learned Thai cuisine in his family's business and is now an expert in royal Thai cuisine. Previously, he was Head Chef at Blue Elephant, the renowned Thai restaurant in Dubai, UAE. He aims to showcase Thai cuisine internationally and has served as a culinary ambassador at events in Indonesia, Singapore, the UAE, and the USA. He even represented the Thai Embassy at the United Nations Food Festival in New York.

Southern Thailand boasts an exotic culinary culture, shaped by the region's native ingredients. Chef Peng has meticulously researched the diverse herbs, spices, and produce from the various provinces to understand the unique flavors of Southern Thailand. This has helped him develop a selection of recipes that reflect the culinary and cultural heart of the region. These can now be enjoyed at Spice and Rice, the popular Thai restaurant with ocean views in Pimalai. Guests can choose from the following dishes:

– Budu Herb Rice Salad – This colorful salad combines Budu sauce from Saiburi – one of the most famous sauces in southern Thailand – with fresh vegetables from villagers' gardens and brown rice from the organic Rim Ping farm in Chiang Mai. – Kaeng Som (Phatthalung Recipe) – This local take on the popular hot and sour soup is made with chili paste from Phatthalung, along with tamarind and turmeric, giving it a vibrant orange color. – Kaeng Tai Pla – This spicy fish soup is made with coconut milk and chili paste, boasting a pleasant heat and creaminess. Chef Peng also incorporates pickled mackerel kidneys to create a truly unique, homemade recipe. – Sataw Phad Goong – This delicious dish of stir-fried pakria with shrimp and minced meat uses Koh Lanta's famous shrimp paste, pakria (bitter beans) from villagers' gardens, and fresh shrimp from the island's fishing community. – Kanom Ko – This sweet dish, which is among the most popular desserts in southern Thailand, is made from coconut milk from the coconut groves of Koh Lanta.

These southern Thai recipes can be enjoyed at Spice and Rice alongside a wide selection of delicious, traditional Thai dishes. Other popular dishes at the restaurant include dried fish with watermelon, braised Wagyu beef in Massaman curry, green chicken curry with roti, Tom Kha Gai with liang leaves, and even a special Pad Thai that Chef Peng used to represent Thailand at international food fairs.

Pimalai is committed to supporting local communities and reducing its environmental impact. By sourcing ingredients directly from Koh Lanta, the company guarantees the freshness and flavor of its products, secures an income for fishermen, farmers, and small-scale producers, and reduces CO₂ emissions associated with transportation. In fact, Pimalai has been able to reduce the number of truck deliveries of raw materials to the resort from daily to a maximum of twice a week. Furthermore, all food waste from Pimalai restaurants is composted and used as fertilizer for the resort gardens.

“Today’s travelers are looking for authentic, local experiences that connect them to their destination. Culinary delights play a central role in this, and Pimalai is committed to strengthening the connection between our guests and the island through unique, original dishes. Pimalai is also deeply committed to the local community and environmental protection. Every aspect of our business must be as sustainable as possible and have the least possible impact on the environment,” said Charinthip Tiyaphorn, owner representative of Pimalai.

Spice and Rice, Pimalais elegant Thai restaurant

The Pimalai Resort & Spa is one of the world's most luxurious resorts. It offers a total of 121 suites and private pool villas, nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by mountains overlooking the Andaman Sea. In 2022, TripAdvisor ranked the Pimalai 12th among the world's best hotels in its "Traveller's Choice Awards 2022 – Best of the Best Awards," while Condé Nast Traveller included it in its list of the "Top 15 Resorts in Thailand." Furthermore, the Boutique Hotel Awards 2022 bestowed upon it two prestigious titles: "Best Hotel with a View in Asia 2022" and "World's Best Hotel with a View 2022." The Pimalai is a member of the Considerate Collection of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), a group of five-star luxury hotels committed to social responsibility and environmental protection.

For more information about Pimalai Resort & Spa, please send an email to [email protected] or call us on +66 (0) 2 320 5500.

The Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta's first five-star resort, has been setting new standards for luxury hospitality on this idyllic Andaman island since it opened nearly two decades ago. Ranked second in Southeast Asia's World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure, the award-winning property sprawls across 40 hectares of tropical jungle and borders one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches: Kantiang Bay. Here, guests can spend their days relaxing on a beach that often feels like a private stretch of sand, or enjoy action-packed afternoons in the azure waters, diving, snorkeling, or simply taking a leisurely sunset boat ride. While there are a few bars and restaurants along the beach, the Pimalai's own dining options are the true stars. The legendary Rak Talay beach bar and restaurant are renowned for their delicious Thai-style seafood and breathtaking sunsets. Nestled in the heart of the resort's jungle, Seven Seas serves all-night menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. Guests can also indulge in a variety of wellness options, from traditional Muay Thai classes and early evening tennis matches to relaxing afternoons at the exclusive Pimalai Spa. With its 121 rooms and no direct neighbors, the resort is a tranquil haven where guests can feel completely at ease in their private surroundings. From the Hillside Ocean Pool Villas with breathtaking views of the landscape to the Beachside Villas just steps from the beach, Pimalai offers something for everyone, with spacious layouts and designs that blend seamlessly into the natural environment.