BOMBAY INDIAN RESTAURANT Koh Lipe

Skip the pad thai tonight and follow the warm spice trail down Sunrise Road. Next to Ricci House Resort, Bombay Indian hums from lunch through late evening with the scent of cumin, cardamom and smoke from a proper tandoor. It’s the spot on Koh Lipe when you’re craving something rich, aromatic and cooked low and slow. Regulars come for curry-and-naan comfort: butter chicken that’s velvety without being cloying, vegetable biryani with fluffy rice and whole spices, and garlic naan puffed in the tandoor until blistered at the edges. Tandoori tikka plates hit the table still sizzling, and there are plenty of vegetarian-friendly curries if you’re taking a break from seafood. Portions are generous enough to split after a day in the water. It’s an easy find between Sunrise Beach and Walking Street, so swing by for a late lunch or roll in after sunset — they’re open daily from 11:30am to 11pm. Service is quick, prices are fair for the island, and the vibe is simple and welcoming. If you’re dining with a group, go family-style and mop up every last drop with extra naan. That’s how the regulars do it.