Where is it : Sairee beach on the main road across from Zanzibar near the gas station.

The Food : The last time I came here, my entire group ordered pasta, and I was surprised that it was actually better than at the Italian restaurants on koh tao. I had the Penne Chicken Asparagus which was sliced of chicken breast, mushrooms, and asparagus in a cream and white wine sauce. Delicious! My friends ordered the Penne Rosta which had chopped salmon and shrimp and they loved it.

Another friend ordered the Swedish meatballs and even though she liked it, the two Swedish girls at our table tasted it and wasn't thrilled compared to what they have back home. I had a bite and enjoyed the potatoes and gravy, but agree that beef in Koh Tao is just never that great.

A nice bonus is that all the pasta came with garlic bread, which is a nice addition since most restaurants in Koh Tao don't understand the concept of extras. In America and in most parts of the world, it's expected to get something small for free with your meal, whether it be bread, chips and salsa, soup, or even a mini appetizer. So big thumbs up for Hippo bar to include free garlic bread, it was greatly appreciated.

Edit : I also tried the Bacon Double Cheeseburger since a couple of dive masters I know swear by it. I thought it was pretty good. The beef burgers in Koh Tao always taste it Asian in seasoning, and the cheese is not the standard cheddar or American that I'm used to but the fries were delicious and overall it was good. However, next time I'm going to get a chicken burger or some ribs!

Will I come here again : I wish I had brought my camera with me that night but I have a feeling I'll be coming here again. I would love to try their BBQ someday.

Hippo bar is awesome for Delivery and if you ask any local resident dive master or PADI/SSI instructor, chances are they order from Hippo Regularly. They deliver in a reusable container which is eco-friendly, and all you have to do is leave it on your doorstep when you're done eating and they come pick it up the next day!

Overall : It's a shame that this place doesn't get as many customers as it deserves. I think it has to do with being slightly out of the way compared to other restaurants on the same street. But the Hippo has the potential of being the next Choppers if they marketed it right. Maybe they should introduce a nightly special and a hard to beat happy hour that starts earlier in the night?

Location : Baan Sairee - Koh Tao