Dec 2015 – Update. The restaurant has now moved to larger premises on the opposite side of the main road. Adjacent to Crust bakery. Still run by the same family and still serving very good, inexpensive Thai food. Their ‘Tom Kar Gai’ is one of the best I’ve tried and they always use extremely fresh shrimps in dishes.
Chumnan, in the centre of Klong Prao village is probably one of the most popular small restaurants on the island. It’s one of those places where everyone goes to eat – not just tourists. It’s nothing much to look at, a mish mash of stone tables & benches outside and wooden tables with those ubiquitous blue plastic chairs under cover plus a collection of posters that range from African safari scenes to the royal family on the wall.
Over the years this locally owned restaurant has expanded from just a handful of tables and catering mainly to the local ‘take home’ crowd to taking over the neighbouring property and pushing the kitchen back into what used to be the families living room. Go past any time and you’ll see a good mix of people, expat, locals and both Thai and Western tourists. The food is good, portions generous and prices very reasonable.
Some of the food is among the best of it’s type you’ll get on the island – the well known soups – Tom Yam Gung & Tom Kar Gai are excellent and if you like something a bit spicy the try ‘Pad Char’ – your choice of stir fried pork, chicken or prawns in a very spicy concoction of Thai herbs, there is chili in it but most of the heat comes from green peppercorns. In the photo below is a good old fried rice – found everywhere and often a dish that is extremely bland or looks very un-appetising. At Chumnan it looks and tastes the part. Also notice that unlike many of the cheaper restaurants they don’t use the smallest prawns possible.
I have been getting lunch here a couple of times a week for years. Only downside is that it can take some time to get served if you arrive when the restaurant is busy and it’s the type of place where you expect part of your order to be forgotten or confused slightly. As you might notice from the pics below, I didn’t eat the food at the restaurant. Almost always eat food from there at home as it’s 3 minutes scooter ride away.
The menu is in English and there’s a separate Russian language menu too. On the menu you’ll also find a small selection of Western food. The chicken & pork steaks are excellent value. You’ll get a good sized chunk of meat, plus French fries and salad for around 119 Baht. Half the price it would cost for a similar meal in a more touristy restaurant.
+++
2014 – The son of the owner now has his own place ‘ Chumnantrakool 2 ‘ nearby. Take the road at the north end of Klong Prao village that heads to KP Huts, tiger Huts & Panviman Resort. You’ll see his place on the right about 100 metres walk from the main road. Also very good food in a laid back atmosphere. In fact, possibly even better than his Mum’s cooking.
Price: $ – $$
Photos:
Location: On the ‘sea’ side of the main road, just south of the temple in the centre of Klong Prao village. Opposite the access road to the local ‘Health Promoting Hospital’.
These restaurant reviews are just my thoughts on a place at the time I visited. I’ll mention if I know the owner well or get any freebies. But for the most of the time I am happy to play tourist and don’t mention this site at all. Obviously it isn’t possible to sample every dish on the menu and the type of food you have for lunch will differ to evening. In addition, owners and more importantly chefs, can change and your experience may differ from mine. If it does, post a comment below.
Hi Ian,
Chumnantrakool, the much loved Thai restaurant moved again. Its just a view steps away from the main road. There is a street in the middle of the market. Follow this street about 100 meters. You’ll find an advertisement at the main road. Good luck!
I very liked this restaurant, peoples, food, prices. Very comfortable, joyful place. I miss their citchen.
Thanks Richie. Good to hear you enjoyed the site and it’s been useful to you.
Hey,
Wanted to let you know your site is totally appreciated and unique. Visiting for a week in a few weeks time and will be using your guide. Taste and authenticity is ‘king’ and so pleased you’ve taken the time…