Best Indian Dishes to Try on Koh Tao: A Friendly Guide for First-Timers at High On Chai
A beginner-friendly guide to mild-to-medium Indian dishes to try on Koh Tao, explaining what to order (butter chicken, paneer dishes, thali, naan, lassi) and practical tips for enjoying them at High On Chai.
Welcome — What this guide covers
If you’re new to Indian food and visiting Koh Tao, High On Chai : Authentic Indian restaurant is a popular spot visitors recommend for a welcoming first experience. This guide explains a handful of mild-to-medium dishes that are great entry points — what they taste like, why people love them, and a few ordering tips so you get a meal you’ll enjoy even if you don’t usually eat spicy food.
Understanding spice and flavour levels
Indian food varies from very mild and creamy to intensely spicy. On Koh Tao, many restaurants (including High On Chai, according to guest feedback) are used to adjusting heat. If you’re unsure, ask for “mild” or “medium” when you order — that way you get the aromatic spices without too much heat. Also ask staff about dishes’ usual heat level and portion size so you can plan to share if you like.
Butter Chicken — a gentle, saucy classic
Butter chicken (murgh makhani) is an excellent first curry: tender pieces of chicken in a creamy, tomato-based sauce that’s mildly spiced and slightly sweet. Several guests highlight the Butter Chicken at High On Chai as especially satisfying, making it a safe, comforting choice if you want something rich and familiar rather than fiery.
Paneer Butter Masala and paneer favourites
For vegetarians (or anyone curious about Indian cheese), paneer butter masala offers a similar comfort to butter chicken: soft cubes of paneer in a creamy, mildly spiced sauce. Paneer dishes are filling and approachable — they showcase Indian spices without relying on heat, and diners frequently recommend paneer as a tasty, comforting option.
Thali — taste a bit of everything
A thali is a great choice for first-timers because it brings several small dishes together on one plate: a curry or two, dal (lentils), rice, chutneys and a bread. Guests at High On Chai often praise the thali for its variety, making it an ideal way to sample multiple flavours and textures in one meal and discover what you like best.
Naan and Indian breads — perfect for scooping
Indian breads like naan and garlic naan are made for dipping and scooping curries. Naan tends to be soft and slightly charred when cooked in a tandoor; garlic naan adds a little extra flavour. Guests have enjoyed the restaurant’s naan, though some visitors have noticed variations in bread style; if you prefer a particular type (soft and fluffy or thin and crisp), ask the server when ordering.
Lassi, chai and cooling drinks
Cooling drinks pair perfectly with curries. Mango or sweet lassi is a yogurt-based drink that balances spices and feels like a dessert-drink, while salted or plain lassi is refreshing and less sweet. Traditional masala chai (spiced tea) is a warm, spiced finish if you want something comforting after your meal. If you’re trying Indian food for the first time, a sweet mango lassi is an especially friendly companion to a mild curry.
Vegetarian and vegan options
High On Chai is noted by diners for having strong vegetarian and vegan choices — useful if you prefer plant-based meals. Look for dishes with paneer (for vegetarians), vegetable curries, dal (lentils) and rice-based options. When in doubt, ask staff to recommend a mild vegetable curry or a thali that’s vegetarian-friendly.
Ordering tips: spice, portions and sharing
Practical tips from guests: ask about spice level and request mild if you’re sensitive; check portion sizes if you want to share (thali is great for this); and consider a set menu or combination if you want value and variety. Some diners have found portions very generous and others have suggested checking on size first — a quick question to the server will help you avoid waste or unexpected surprises.
Final thoughts — what to expect at High On Chai
Overall, many visitors say High On Chai delivers authentic, comforting Indian flavours and warm, attentive service — making it an excellent place to try Indian food for the first time on Koh Tao. One recent guest specifically highlighted the menu’s variety and enjoyed the butter chicken recommendation, which reflects the friendly, beginner-friendly options you can order. Come with an open mind, ask for mild if you prefer, and consider sharing a thali so you can sample several dishes in one sitting.
Customer review
Article by
High On Chai : Authentic Indian restaurant
Authentic Indian Food