The best known independent schools on the island are the following.
*Samui Institute of Culinary Arts (SITCA) South Chaweng opening two courses a day, a separate food carving course, a well stocked shop and an excellent restaurant, Tel. 077 413 172
* Centara Samui Beach Resort and Santiburi Resort both let guests loose in the kitchen for a variety of half and one day courses.
* Toy Suwan in the Blue Banana (Big Buddha Beach, Tel. 077 245 080) has a lunchtime and evening class and also sells a wide range of ingredients and utensils.