Jason Isaacs Thought Koh Samui Was a Vegan “Nightmare” During ‘The White Lotus’ Filming—Here’s Why He Was Wrong

If you’ve been watching season three of The White Lotus, you’ve probably already fallen for the breathtaking scenery (and monkeys) of Koh Samui. The Thai island isn’t just a stunning backdrop for Mike White’s hit black comedy-drama—it’s also a thriving tourist destination that welcomes more than a million foreign visitors every year. 

Jump to the restaurants

If a Koh Samui vacation is on your bucket list, you’ll find no shortage of hotels, resorts, and hostels. The island is also packed with incredible restaurants, but if you’re in search of vegan options, you might be wondering: how easy is it to find plant-based food?

Is Koh Samui good for vegans?

Jason Isaacs (who plays shady businessman Timothy Ratliff on The White Lotus season three) recently told The Standard that while he loved the beauty of Koh Samui’s beaches and waterfalls, he struggled with food while he was staying on the island.

“I’m a vegan,” he told the publication. “Everyone said to me, ‘Thailand’s gonna be amazing for you!’ It turned out to be the opposite.” He added: “Being a vegan out there is a nightmare. Even the hotels don’t really cater for it. I ended up eating a variation on the same dish nearly every day: some version of tofu curry.”

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But not everyone agrees with the actor. According to the travel blog Northabroad, “there are so many delicious vegan options on [Koh Samui],” including Indian food, Thai food, burgers, and smoothies. Another travel blog, Sarah’s Space, also confirms that Koh Samui is a great destination for vegans. “HappyCow is my holy grail when it comes to finding vegan restaurants, they have an app and a website that will show you restaurants near you that are vegan, vegetarian, or have options, you can filter by cuisine and price too,” writes the founder. Indeed, according to HappyCow, there are more than 140 vegan-friendly restaurants on Koh Samui. 

In his interview with The Standard, Isaacs also clarified that he didn’t have much choice over where he stayed during his time in Thailand, due to filming requirements. But if he had, here are five vegan restaurants we bet he would have loved, and we know you will, too. 

Where to find vegan food in Koh Samui: 5 restaurants to try

In search of vegan food in Koh Samui? Don’t miss these restaurants. 

Kapuhala

1 Halapua by Kapuhala

If you’re on the hunt for vegan-friendly accommodations, Kapuhala in the stunning Chaweng Noi hills is a must visit. The wellness resort is not only home to beautiful views of the hills and the ocean, an infinity swimming pool, and a fitness studio, but it also has a plant-based restaurant on site. There, you can expect to feast on Italian-style fare like Sicilian caponata with eggplant, pink beetroot arancini, and bruschetta with fresh tomatoes. According to HappyCow reviewers, it’s the “vegan place to be on Koh Samui.”
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Noodles Now

2 Noodles Now

For traditional Thai, head to Noodles Now, a hidden gem near Bophut Beach. HappyCow reviewers rave about this spot, with one calling it some of the “nicest vegan food” they’ve ever had. Start with a mix of Thai tapas like lotus root and nori squares before diving into a main like pad kra pao fried noodles or peanut satay soup. And that’s just the beginning—this place promises to leave you with a full, happy belly.
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PratiwinKraiwong | HappyCow

3 Penne

This vegan gem has been called “heaven on earth” by some reviewers on HappyCow, so you know it’s a must-visit. The menu offers a wide range of options, from curries with mock meats to traditional Thai dishes, plus plenty of smoothies and sweet treats. One reviewer raved, “This is the best vegan food we’ve had throughout our many trips to Thailand.” It’s an experience you have to taste to believe.
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Pure Vegan Heaven

4 Pure Vegan Heaven

If you’re wondering if this vegan spot near Lamai Beach delivers on its name, the reviews are beyond positive. “Just a perfect spot for vegans,” says one HappyCow fan. Another adds: “Fell in love with this place. Beautiful, delicious food and a stunning view from the terrace.” The menu includes rice paper salad rolls; Mexican-inspired food, like nachos and burritos; American-style pancakes; and so much more.
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SammyBrack | HappyCow

5 Vegan Khunnay

Another highly rated plant-based spot on Koh Samui is Vegan Khunnay. Here, you’ll find an affordable, all-you-can-eat buffet offering a range of filling options, including Thai curries, pad Thai, Indian dishes, and Malaysian food. Fried vegetables and tofu are two guarantees. “Really good selection of vegan food, very chill vibes,” reads one review.
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