Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Reyes Corti as the new Executive Chef of the hotel’s Beach Restaurant and Lai Thai Restaurant, with elevated culinary concepts curating fresh, locally sourced, tropical-inspired menus that showcase the pure and genuine flavours of Samui, sourced from the surrounding ocean, farms,

Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Koh Samui, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mauricio Reyes Corti as the new Executive Chef of the hotel’s Beach Restaurant and Lai Thai Restaurant, with elevated culinary concepts curating fresh, locally sourced, tropical-inspired menus that showcase the pure and genuine flavours of Samui, sourced from the surrounding ocean, farms, and mountains.

FROM CREST TO COAST: A NEW CULINARY JOURNEY

With over 20 years of culinary expertise and a journey that spans countries rich in gastronomic traditions, Uruguayan-Italian veteran Chef Mauricio Reyes Corti brings a wealth of experience to Napasai.

“I focus on clean and pure flavours with the aim of respecting each ingredient’s integrity. The menus highlight the richness of local produce, celebrating the unique environment surrounding us. My vision is to bring a sense of honesty and authenticity to each dish, with a special emphasis on the simplicity and sophistication derived from the local terroir.” shared Executive Chef Mauricio Reyes Corti.

His culinary journey encompasses distinguished roles, having served as Junior Sous Chef at the Michelin-starred Borgo Santo Pietro in Italy, Sous Chef at El Sur in Dubai, Head Chef at View in Thailand, Michelin-starred Amelia Restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, Executive Chef at Six Senses Koh Samui, Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux Hotel in Spain, and now, at Napasai.

BEACH RESTAURANT: SPARKLING BEACHFRONT DINING, HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL PROVENANCE

The epitome of coastal elegance, the culinary haven that is Beach Restaurant is a celebration of flavours intertwined with the bounties of the local terroir from the land and sea such as coconut milk, seaweed, local Samui seafood. At The Beach Restaurant, discerning palates are treated to a symphony of exquisite seafood and delectable dishes, meticulously crafted with a nod to tradition and a flourish of innovation.

Chef Mauricio’s new menu comprises signature indulgent dishes, such as octopus anticuchos, with sweet potato chips and an aromatic coriander-tomato dressing, grilled seabass, beer-naise, roasted kale and tomato salad as well as a decadent coco puff tiramisu, with a fragrant coconut mascarpone cream, cacao, baileys, and coffee.

Central to the restaurant’s culinary ethos are time-honoured techniques such as lacto-fermentation and charcoal smoking which is featured in 80 percent of the dishes, imparting a nuanced depth to every creation. Within the inviting embrace of The Beach Restaurant, guests may embark on a sensory voyage beyond the ordinary, where the essence of the land and sea meets a mesmerising display of culinary artistry.

Committed to the environment and community, Beach Restaurant collaborates with Samui’s local organic farms and fishermen, ensuring a menu of natural, nutritious, and simple cuisine that resonates with a passionate punch. In their culinary philosophy, simplicity is revered as the ultimate sophistication.

Available daily for lunch and dinner, The Beach Restaurant invites guests into their sandy abode to bask in the soothing lull of the waves gently brushing the shore and indulge in an exquisite array of barbecued and grilled culinary creations.

 LAI THAI: A CORNER OF ELEGANCE IN SOUTHERN THAI CUISINE

Indulge in a culinary journey where refinement meets tradition at Lai Thai, an enclave of elevated dining nestled within the heart of Southern Thai gastronomy. Step into a realm where every detail is meticulously crafted to transport you to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Each dish is crafted with precision and passion, utilising ingredients sourced locally from the bountiful lands of Koh Samui as well as herbs and spices from our in-house herb garden, expertly woven into the menu.

Allow the gentle glow of dimly-lit surroundings to enhance your dining experience, enveloping you in an atmosphere of tranquillity and sophistication while you sample the most delectable local favourites including wok-fried signature noodle dishes Kuey Tiew and Pad Thai Kung Hin, Thai Crab Curry Kanom Jeen Gaeng Poo and Mango Sticky Rice. Pair your culinary journey with an extensive wine list and discover flavours meticulously curated from the rich tapestry of Southern Thai cuisine within Lai Thai’s sanctuary of taste.

Vegan diners will also have an array of international favourites and local specialties such as Gaeng Liang – a hearty Thai vegetable soup with tofu amongst other plant-based selections available in a separate menu.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, dine amidst an ambiance steeped in authenticity and immerse yourself in the essence of Thai culture at Lai Thai.