While Phuket has many international cuisine options because of its huge tourist crowd, there are many places where you can enter the rich and flavourful world of Thai food. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or not, we guarantee you’ll find something you like right here on our top 10 places to get your Thai food fix!
Laem Hin Seafood
It would be a waste to spend your vacation on an island without trying its seafood! Located in the east of Phuket, this restaurant remains one of the most famous seafood restaurants on the island. As the local fishermen sell their daily catch directly to the restaurant, the seafood here is known for its freshness and tenderness. You can’t go wrong ordering any of its seafood dishes, but the Pla Pad Cha (spicy fish in Thai herbs) and Yam Tua Pu (winged bean salad with coconut milk, tamarind and shrimp) come highly recommended by its loyal customers.
Opens daily from 10am - 10pm
90/11 Soi Baan Laem Hin, Thepkasattri Road, Ko Kaeo, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Bang Pae Seafood
Opened by former prawn farmer Khun Kob back in 1994, this humble restaurant in Bang Pae is so well-loved that it has even received a ‘Bib Gourmand’ rating from the Phuket Michelin Guide! Tucked away in the east coast of Phuket, this restaurant is a bit harder to find, but the food there makes your journey worth it. Many sing praises about the Yam Ta Khrai (spicy lemongrass salad) and blue crabs, which are said to be best prepared by this restaurant. Bang Pae Seafood is definitely a great place for you to refuel before or after your exploration of the nearby Bang Pae Waterfall
Opens daily from 10am - 8.30pm
66 Mueang Mai - Pa Khlok Road, Thalang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Tu Kab Khao Restaurant
Yet another restaurant featured in the Michelin Phuket Guide as a recipient of the Michelin Plate, Tu Kab Khao is situated in an elegant Sino-Portuguese building. Many portraits of the revered Thai Royal family are hung on its walls, giving you an ambience that’s all about grandeur, comfort and classiness. Though it’s more upscale, it nonetheless serves up some great Phuketian fare. The Moo Hong Phuket (pork belly stew) and Sen Mee Gaeng Poo (crab meat curry with rice noodles) are simply must-tries while you’re there!
Opens daily, 11.30am - 9.45 pm
8 Phangnga Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Raya Restaurant
Raya Restaurant is one of the most famous Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Phuket, and is another restaurant located in a traditional building that enhances the nostalgic decor of the place. Dining here is like dining in a museum - well-preserved artefacts adorn the walls and are also displayed in cabinets for you to admire. Here, the restaurant’s notable dishes include its spicy Phuket prawns, deep fried sea bass and Kaeng Pu Bai Cha Plu (fresh crab meat in coconut milk).
Opens daily, 10am - 10pm
48/1 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Ko Benz
See that long queue at the intersection in Phuket Town? That’s Ko Benz, an establishment that’s been popular with the locals since its opening about 15 years ago. It serves mainly noodle soups and rice porridge all at a low price, with a bowl of soup only costing you 50 baht. Though all 7 items on its menu are utterly delicious, most people brave the queues to try out their Kao Lao Lued Moo (pork intestines and pork blood soup) and Kao Tom Hang (dried porridge). Even though it’s usually packed with people, the staff are still polite, and your food will be served very quickly and efficiently.
Open daily, 7pm - 2.30am (Mon - Sat) and 7pm - 12am (Sun)
Intersection of Krabi Road and Patiphat Road, Phuket Town
One Chun Restaurant
Here’s a cosy and stylish restaurant for you to savour Thai food. One Chun Restaurant, founded by young owner Khun Prang, is artfully decorated with a retro theme. It’s more than just a pretty place, though. The family recipes here have been passed down over 3 generations, and have earned praises from locals who are usually harder to impress. Give their much-loved Mu Hong and Mu Kua Kluea (deep-fried pork shoulder with salt) or their Tom Khlong Pla Gao (spicy grouper fish soup) a try! The good thing about this restaurant is that servers will usually ask you for how spicy you want your food, so you can make sure to let them know if spice is not your thing!
Opens daily, 10am - 10pm
48/1 Thepkrasattri Rd., Talat Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, Thailand +66 76 355 909
Nam Yoi Restaurant
This humble family-owned restaurant is actually one of Phuket’s best kept secrets when it comes to tasty Southern fare. It’s been around for at least 20 years already, and remains more of a low-key local haunt more than anything, with its steel tables and plastic placemats. Any dish you order there would probably be more than enough to whet your appetite, otherwise we recommend their Som Tam Poo Ma (som tam with blue crab), Nam Shoop Yum (boiled veggies with spicy shrimp paste) and O-eo (Southern Thai shaved ice dessert).
Opens daily, 11am - 9pm
63/250 Rumpattana Rd, Ratsada, อำเภอ เมืองภูเก็ต Phuket 83000, Thailand
Ko Yoon Hokkien Noodles
Given the history of Chinese in Phuket, it’s no surprise that one of the best places to get a good taste of local food is at a hole-in-the-wall establishment that specialises in Hokkien noodles. There’s nothing more homely than a steaming hot bowl of thick yellow noodles, fish balls, wontons and pork in a rich brown broth. The bonus? The cost of a bowl starts from 45-baht, so you won’t have to bust your wallet to savour this meal! While you’re eating, pay attention to the walls of the interior, as kitschy and kooky trinkets line the shelves in a way reminiscent of a cluttered but welcoming home.
Opens daily, 10.30am - 4.30 pm
Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Brake Taek Restaurant
Craving a simple but delicious bowl of Tom Yum Goong? You’ll find it right here at Brake Taek Restaurant. Come early for lunch to avoid the queues, as Brake Taek is one of the more popular places to eat in the area. Pick the noodles and the meat you want to go with your Tom Yum soup, and get some of their meatball skewers to munch on while you’re waiting. If you’re worried that the soup might be a bit too spicy, just order a Thai iced coffee along with your meal to quench your thirst and that spice!
Opens Wednesday to Monday from 8am - 5pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Rimhad Seafood
Located near Rawai Beach, end your day of sun, sand and sea right here at this family-owned restaurant. The seafood here is extremely fresh, and most of its dishes are very affordable. Tiger prawns, horseshoe crabs, lobsters, grilled mackerels - the variety of seafood here is endless and many walk away contentedly with full stomachs. The restaurant is also spacious and perfect if you’re dining with a large group of friends or family!
Opens daily, 11am - 12am
9 22/9 4233 Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Bonus tip: if you’re trying to avoid places that are too touristy, just ask a local for their favourite restaurant. Better yet, look around for the food stall or restaurant that is crowded with locals for the most authentic Thai dining experience!
