Samui is serving up Thai staples with an modern twist.

Located on Vanderbilt Avenue out of a former auto mechanic garage, Samui even makes its own soy sauce.

"We make our sauce from tamarind juice, salt, plum sugar and some chili powder. We don't use bottles; we don't use soy sauce; we don't use fish sauce," the owner says. 

She infuses dishes with the seaside flavors of her homeland.

"I want to bring the island here, I want to bring the chill vibe and that feeling into the busy city."

She says Samui also has a focus on healthy eating by using less sugar and sodium.

"We put everything together in a health-conscious environment that when you eat you feel good and stronger."

Customers chowing down on lighter versions of traditional soups and curries that still pack a punch.