Restaurant of the Month

Koh Samui is gaining a worldwide reputation for being a Tropical Paradise and not just because of its beautiful beaches. The diversity of cooking styles and the quality of the fare makes the island a veritable “gourmet's paradise” Our eating habits have changed over the years and these days we all try to eat smarter and healthier. One of the very best places to enjoy a stunning menu using organic vegetables, organic flours, wheat free and gluten free products and light oils where possible is in the restaurant at Zazen. A beautiful beach side boutique resort in Bophut.

Like the rest of the resort, the restaurant at Zazen is truly spectacular. The décor is as well thought out as the menu. With superb views over the ocean to Koh Phangan, staff that are second to none and a food quality with presentation you would find hard to beat anywhere in the world, I guarantee that Zazen restaurant will leave you the souvenir of finest gastronomy.

We started our evening in the tropical bar overlooking the ocean. Low level lighting and flowing drapes create a magical atmosphere and the perfect environment to study the impressive menu over an ice cold beer and some pre dinner conversation. After much deliberation I chose to delight my senses with the Goat cheese salad; Italian mesclun with goat cheese fritters & lavender dressing. The presentation of this and every dish at Zazen is an art form; the plates of different shapes and different sizes would not have looked out of place in a trendy London art gallery. The salad was fresh, delicious and a perfect combination of tastes colours and flavours. My partner chose the Smoked salmon with horseradish dressing, onions & parsley which was equally delicious.

For our main course we chose the Olive & rosemary lamb chops, shallot sauce, with aubergine tian with mozzarella. The sumptuous lamb just melts in the mouth and is perfectly complimented with the beautifully created shallot sauce. This dish really is a taste of heaven. My partner chose Argentinean beef tenderloin with Roquefort cheese that comes with a choice of either Belgian fries or baked potatoes; he chose the Belgian fries that are crisp and tasty and create a perfect partnership with the tender top quality Argentinean beef tenderloin. We complimented our meal with a bottle of 2005 Monsson Valley, Colombard, a Thai white wine which certainly has the quality of other wines of the world in this category.

For those of you that prefer a vegetarian option the menu offers a wide selection of dishes that are well balanced fusing the myriad of modern and local ingredients available in Samui. The menu also boasts spa cuisine; Chef Wally has worked closely with the spa manager and yoga teacher, to bring the Asian love for food and attention to 'well-being' together in each of these delicious dishes. As well as contemporary East to West Cuisine, a fine selection of Thai dishes are available as well as some set menus that will afford you the opportunity of indulging in the best that Zazen has to offer.

The seafood set menu takes you on a Discovery of the secrets of the South China Sea. All these dishes are served in an order enabling you to discover each flavour one after another, using the Tom Yam Khung soup to neutralise the flavours. The Oriental Cuisine menu presents dishes from 6 Asian countries. The Zazen Lobster Menu is for gourmet guests who would like to discover Lobster through Zazen's Contemporary East to West cuisine and Chef Wally prepares it in a way that you will never forget! As well as all this delightful fair Zazen presents a superb Barbecue, Fish & Seafood Display, Ti's family goes out fishing at sea every day to provide you with wonderfully fresh fish grilled on the barbecue, steamed or fried in the wok.

The children's menu is also superb with all our little people's favourites and finally I have to mention the sweet menu. Créme brélée with ''Earl Gray'' bergamot flavour, Lemongrass and ginger infused fruit salad with passion fruit sorbet, Madagascar vanilla & yoghurt panacotta with mango coulis & cats tongues and Double choc brownie, cardamom custard, violet ice cream to mention just a few! I will let you draw your own conclusions as to just how stunning this menu is!

Zazen is such an outstanding resort and culinary experience that my summary of my evening here can be described in one word. Perfect!

For bookings or more information please call Zazen at: 0 7742 5085.