The man behind Phensiri has spent over 35 years translating Samui’s fishing village roots onto the plate. Here, he talks daily rituals, childhood dishes, and the soul of Southern Thai cooking.
Some chefs learn their trade in culinary school, others get a head start at home. Chef Santi Wongsawat is the latter, whose first encounter with making food was in his mother’s kitchen. A native of Koh Samui, he grew up helping run her local food and traditional Thai sweets business, absorbing the island’s authentic Southern Thai flavours long before he ever called himself a chef. His father, a leader in the local fishing community, was another formative influence, instilling in him an instinct for the freshest seafood and a deep respect for what the sea provides.
Rather than chasing Western-style fine dining, Chef Santi has stayed close to his roots, championing Samui’s culinary heritage and bringing traditional “Lost Recipes” back to the table. His approach centres on local ingredients and time-honoured recipes, keeping the flavours of the island at the heart of every dish.
That philosophy comes together at Phensiri Thai Restaurant, a place that feels like a natural extension of who he is as a chef. Its Southern Thai dishes and locally sourced seafood have earned the restaurant a recommended listing in the Michelin Guide Thailand in both 2025 and 2026, a nod to the depth and authenticity of his cooking
As Phensiri approaches its 15th anniversary in 2027, Chef Santi sat down with us for a chat, giving a glimpse into how it all came to be.
Dine at the island’s best tables: Where to Eat in Koh Samui: The Luxe Nomad Guide to the Island’s Best Restaurants and Bars.
What’s the first thing you eat in the morning and the last thing you drink at night?
I usually start my morning very simply, with a good cup of coffee. It’s my quiet moment before the day begins — a time to think, create, and prepare myself before stepping into the kitchen.
At night, after a long day surrounded by flavours, guests, and stories, I like to finish with water or a warm herbal tea to let my body relax.
Want to build a little more calm into your own routine? Mid-Year Wellness Reset: How to Reboot, Recharge and Reconnect.
Name a dish you can’t live without and why.
For me, it has to be Nam Prik Kapi with local vegetables, Pla Too Thod, and Thai red curry.
It may look like a very simple dish, but it carries so many memories, my childhood, my family, and the true taste of Samui. It reminds me that great food doesn’t always have to be complicated. The most important ingredient is soul.
For more chefs who cook from the heart, Cooking with Soul: One on One with Ban Suriya’s Chef Teddy.
You’re a Samui native. Why do you love living here?
I love Samui because of the ocean, the people, and the simple rhythm of island life. One of my favourite moments is being by the sea early in the morning, watching local fishermen return with their catch.
My father was a local fisherman leader, so the ocean has always been a big part of my life. That connection with the sea, nature, and ingredients is what shaped me as a chef.
Feeling the pull of the coast? Explore Koh Samui’s Shoreline Secrets: The Beaches To Bookmark Before Your Visit.
Name one spot in Samui you almost don’t want to recommend. Why is it so special?
For me, the real hidden gems of Samui are the small local family restaurants. Some places don’t have luxury decorations or a famous name, but they have something much more valuable: recipes, memories, and flavors passed down through generations. That is honestly the true beauty of Samui cuisine.
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Your restaurant is famous for championing Samui dishes and lost heritage recipes. What’s the one dish you’re craving right now?
Right now, I would say Samui-style fish soup with taro (Pla Tom Phueak).
It is a humble dish, but very meaningful. To make it properly, you need to understand the fish, the broth, and the balance of flavors.
The best version is often found in the kitchens of old Samui families, the taste of our mothers and grandmothers. That is the kind of heritage I try to preserve and share through Phensiri and Ocean Spice.
For more Southern Thai flavours? Koh Samui Eat List: 9 Southern Thai Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss.
You opened Phensiri in 2012, and it will celebrate 15 years in 2027. What are you most proud of?
What makes me most proud is not only the number of years, but the journey. Phensiri has become more than a restaurant. It is a place where we preserve Thai flavours, Samui stories, and local ingredients.
I am proud to see my team grow, to see guests return year after year, and to see our local food travel from a small island kitchen to people from around the world.
For more chefs who cook from the heart, Cooking with Soul: One on One with Ban Suriya’s Chef Teddy.
Where would you go in Samui for…
A long, lazy lunch: Somewhere by the sea, with fresh seafood, a beautiful view, and no need to look at the time.
A date that matters: Ocean Spice. Because I believe the sunset, the sound of the ocean, and food with a story can create unforgettable memories.
A fun dinner with friends: A Thai family-style dinner, with many dishes in the middle of the table. Thai food is always better when shared.
An amazing nightcap: A quiet place with good music, a beautiful atmosphere, and a drink that lets the evening slow down.
Looking for where to take the evening from here? Koh Samui Nightlife: The White Lotus Party Guide.
What’s one place in Samui that isn’t about food, but you would send someone there anyway?
I would tell people to experience Samui early in the morning. Go to the beach, watch the fishermen, feel the ocean breeze, and see the island before it wakes up. That’s where you discover the real soul of Samui.
Traveling with family? Family Holiday in Koh Samui: Top Tips & Must-Visit Spots for an Unforgettable Getaway.
If you could travel anywhere for food right now, where would you go and why?
I would go back to Japan. I deeply admire Japanese food culture, the respect for ingredients, the precision, and the beauty of simplicity. Great cooking is not only about technique. It is about patience, culture, and respect for every detail.
For more on Japan’s food culture, check out There’s No Place Like HOKKAIDian Homestead: Inside Hokkaido’s Most Intimate Gourmet Experience.
Craving more food inspiration? Browse our food reads.
The Luxe Nomad’s Guide to Fisherman’s Village, Bophut
The Luxe Nomad Dining Guide: The Best Places to Eat on Holiday in Asia
Sustainable Culinary Experiences in Koh Samui: A Gift for Nourishing your Soul