A good example why Guide Michelin standards are not the same all over the world: Restaurant Kapi Sator (10. January 2024)
My expectations for the Kapi Sator were quite high, since it was one of the few ‘Bib Gourmand’ recommendations on the island from the Guide Michelin. Easy to say that these expectations were disappointed. It started with the fact that if you entered the place, it would smell like feet, plus they didn’t have the AC turned on, so it was unbearably hot. Hence, we decided to sit outside, and while waiting for friends, tried to order juices – which they had run out of. Funny enough, about 15 minutes later, suddenly, these juices were available again.
We went for a few different dishes like the “stir-fried curry paste with free-range chicken” (250 THB), which was a bit different from what I had expected, but actually not too bad. Sure, the taste is relatively intense, but it worked well together.
The “stir-fried black pepper with whole scallop” (350 THB) was allegedly quite tasty, but I didn’t feel like scallops that evening, so, just wanted to share the picture.
The “stir-fried mixed vegetables” (180 THB) were a safe bet – nothing exciting in one or the other direction.
The “spicy salad with salted thread fin (Southern anchovy)” (300 THB) was a surprise – an unpleasant one. I mean, I love anchovy, but this thing is so far from an anchovy we know in Europe that it is really something else. The taste is so pungent that it’s almost revolting. Frankly, a complete no no from my side.
The “roasted octopus in coconut milk” (250 THB) was hidden quite well in the coconut milk. I mean, you really had to look for these incredibly small pieces of octopus to indulge in it.
The “fish cakes” (250 THB) were fine, but frankly, also nothing special in terms of flavour.
At least the “green curry with wagyu beef” (400 THB) was rather enjoyable. The meat was tender and the curry was tasty, hence, this was really the best dish that evening.
With the other safe bet in Thailand, the “morning glory with chili” (180 THB), it ended up being okay. But frankly, the number of dishes they have on their menu is the part, which always blows my mind. How can you confidently prepare about 50+ dishes in a quality, which is outstanding? I believe you can’t.
So, yeah, according to the Guide Michelin, this is a Bib Gourmand place, but frankly, I would not really agree with that assessment. Be it in terms of atmosphere, in terms of service professionalism, in terms of quality of the food, either.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Kapi Sator
25/236 Tawirat Phakdi Road
Amphoe Ko Samui
Chang Wat Surat Thani
84320 Koh Samui (TH)
Tel.: +66 98 799 8007
Homepage: http://www.kapisator.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
