Opening its doors in November 2024, Cay applies a fresh, contemporary approach to traditional Thai cuisine. Its kitchen is led by young Executive Sous Chef Wiparat (Kai) Pratumma, whose culinary journey began at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort over a decade ago. Since then, she has traversed the globe as a proud ambassador of Thai cuisine, and most recently bringing a new freshness to regional Thai cuisine through the most discerning sourcing of ingredients — seasonal, organic, as local as possible, and ethically grown.
Seafood is bought from local fisherman at Hua Thanon market just down the coastline, coconut milk pressed in house to ensure purity and richness, and many of the restaurant's curry pastes made from scratch in a pestle and mortar the traditional Thai way. Sustainability is also paramount, with novel ways to reduce waste at the restaurant introduced without compromising on taste, including upcycling fish heads into flavourful seafood stock, and turning prawn shells into gourmet, nutritious chips.
Dishes from Southern Thailand are especially highlighted on the menu, including the ever-popular gaeng pu bai chaplu, chunky crabmeat in a rich, creamy curry made fragrant with just-picked betel leaves from the garden; for those who love the char of the grill, goong yang panaeng with succulent tiger prawns drizzled with a velvety peanut curry; and scallops pad cha, wok fried and sizzled in homemade chilli paste and fresh basil leaves.
Equally alluring from the land are one of the south's most famous dishes, moo hong, pork belly slow braised in sweet soy, cinnamon and star anise; and ped ob nampeung, free-range duck from Klong Phai roasted in honey and tamarind, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Guests can look forward to interactive tasting journeys at Cay, with the restaurant's chefs proud to share the history behind each dish, highlighting particularly unique ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. A new amuse-bouche offered before the meal adds an element of intrigue, ensuring each visit inspires and guests return again and again.
Cay is open daily from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. For more information or reservations, visit anantara.com/lawana-koh-samui/restaurants/cay-restaurant, call +66 77 960 333 or email [email protected].
