Andaman Coast, Thailand
Phuket Town's cuisine influenced by Chinese (Hokkien), Malay, and Thai cultures. The Baba Nyonya (Peranakan) community notably shaped local food.
This fusion leads to unique flavors and dishes. Ingredients reflect the island's coastal and agricultural heritage.
Chopsticks for noodles; fork and spoon for most Thai food. Use the fork to push food onto the spoon.
Customary to share; order several dishes for the center of the table. Use serving spoons for communal dishes.
Avoid loud nose-blowing at the table. Do not point feet at people or food. Finishing your rice is polite.
Thick yellow Hokkien noodles, stir-fried with seafood, pork, and egg in a rich, savory gravy. A hearty, flavorful dish.
Find at: Mee Ton Poe (a famous local institution).
Deep-fried internal organs (pork liver, intestines) and crispy pork belly, served with an unique sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
Find at: Local markets and specific Lo Ba stalls near the fresh market.
Thin fermented rice noodles with various rich, flavorful curries (fish, green, or crab curry). Customize with fresh vegetables.
Find at: Lock Tien and many other local eateries and markets.
Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen), Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang), and Fresh Fruit Shakes (Nam Pan) are popular. Local beers include Singha, Chang, and Leo.
Tao Sor (Phuket Pineapple Cakes) make a popular souvenir. A-Pong are crispy coconut pancakes. Various traditional Thai desserts feature coconut milk and sticky rice.
Growing number of upscale restaurants. These establishments feature refined Thai or international dishes in elegant settings.
Many mid-range restaurants serve authentic Thai dishes, including Southern Thai specialties, and international options.
Phuket Town excels in its street food scene, offering delicious, authentic, and affordable meals.
While local Thai food dominates, restaurants serving Italian, Indian, Japanese, and Western cafe fare are available.
These options cater to various tastes beyond traditional Thai.
The town's culinary landscape continues to diversify, with new international eateries opening.
Look for new spots in Old Town and surrounding areas.
Daily wet market for fresh produce and local snacks.
Large night market (Sat & Sun) with a huge food section.
Thalang Road transforms into a food paradise every Sunday evening.
Modern food hall with diverse options at the mall.
More challenging. Many Thai sauces contain gluten. Carry a Thai allergy card. Rice and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free.
Clear communication is very important.
Nut allergies (peanuts) are a concern. Seafood allergies are also major. Always state your allergies clearly and precisely.
Research common Thai ingredients before dining.
Use Google Translate app (download Thai offline pack) or a physical Thai allergy card.
Apps like HappyCow can locate vegetarian or vegan restaurants.
Learn to prepare popular Thai dishes. Many classes feature a market visit and hands-on cooking.
Walking tours focusing on Phuket Town's unique Peranakan and local street food scene.
Some tours include visits to local fruit farms or rubber plantations. Direct food producer tours are less common in town.
Look for establishments specializing in Baba Nyonya cuisine, an unique blend of Chinese and Malay flavors specific to the region.
These culinary spots mirror the town's distinct heritage.
Traditional coffee shops serving breakfast, dim sum, and local snacks. Experience local morning routines in a relaxed setting.
A glimpse into daily life.
Familiarize yourself with local dishes and eateries before your trip.
Try new flavors and street food for a truly local culinary journey.
Local residents can point you to the best hidden food gems.
When enjoying street food, choose stalls with high turnover and visible cleanliness. Food cooked fresh and hot is generally safer.
