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Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is renowned not only for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also for its richness in cuisine. The culinary culture of the island has a combination of original Thai flavor, fresh seafood, and international cuisines, an indicator of its multiculturalism. For every traveler who yearns for genuine food experience, exploration of local restaurants in Thailand is inevitable.
Crowded streets in Phuket (Source: NDTV)
Dining at Phuket local restaurants is more than good food. It is an experience that goes beyond the food. The restaurants provide a glimpse of the island's rich cultural heritage through recipes passed down from generations. The restaurants are mostly family owned and run by owners who take pride in serving fresh, locally produced ingredients.
Contrary to global chain restaurants, neighborhood eateries provide personalized service, friendly hospitality, and a true flavor of Thai cuisine. Be it a serving of crab curry at One Chun or a dish of freshly grilled seafood at a beachside eatery, Phuket's flavors speak volumes of its cosmopolitan heritage and culinary development.
A traditional meal at local restaurant in Phuket (Source: EatingThaiFood)
One Chun Cafe & Restaurant is a famous eatery in Phuket Old Town, found in a beautiful restored Sino Portuguese shophouse. The restaurant's interior takes diners back in time, with vintage items of memorabilia and vintage furniture adorning the walls. One Chun serves genuine Phuket cuisine, highlighting pungent, southern Thai flavors. The restaurant's signature item is the flavorful and aromatic crab curry, served atop rice noodles or jasmine rice.
Other dishes that must not be missed are Moo Hong, slow braised pork belly with very rich soy sauce, and chili dip for fresh vegetables using spicy shrimp paste. One Chun has received recognition from the Michelin Guide, securing a Bib Gourmand for its value and quality.
Inside of the restaurant (Source: DanielFoodDiary)
Raya Restaurant is yet another gem in Old Town, a place that is famous for its true Southern Thai dishes eaten in a lovely, colonial style mansion. With wooden floors, antique decor, and an enclosed, relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, Raya is a dining experience reminiscent of the past. The most famous dish of the restaurant is the legendary crab curry with coconut milk, a decadent and tasty dish that is a must try among seafood lovers.
Other entrees include deep fried prawns served with tamarind sauce and fried pork Phuket style. A favorite among many island celebrities and dignitaries, Raya is one of the island's top dining spots. A bit pricier than some of the other island eateries, however, the quality and authenticity of the food make it a worthwhile investment.
Raya Restaurant (Source: TimeOut)
Go Benz is one of the city's favorite late night restaurants and has been open for years. Renowned for its delicious rice porridge (khao tom), Go Benz is where everyone goes for a soothing meal after a night of partying. The rice porridge is beautifully cooked, simmered in a light but meaty broth, and topped with crispy pork belly, minced pork, and internal organs.
The restaurant is always bustling, and despite its simple, no frills setup, it has earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. If you’re looking for a classic local experience, Go Benz should be high on your list.
A meal at Go Benz restaurant (Source: Phuket101)
Located near the fishing jetty in Phuket City, Ko Ang Seafood is a family restaurant that has been dishing up fresh, locally caught seafood for decades. Popular for its no frills, laid back atmosphere and dining experience, Ko Ang is all about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. The must orders here are grilled river prawns, black pepper crab stir fry, and steamed whole fish with garlic and lime.
The restaurant also has Phuket style fish cakes and morning glory stir fry, perfect sides to accompany the seafood main courses. With its cheap prices and consistently good seafood, Ko Ang remains a favourite among locals and discerning travelers.
Ko Ang Seafood, Phuket (Source: Phuket101)
For a meal like no other, make your way to Mor Mu Dong. Tucked away in a remote mangrove forest, this rustic seafood restaurant consists of small wooden huts on stilts above the water. Guests sit on mats at low tables for a truly Thai meal in the serene natural environment.
Mor Mu Dong specializes in Phuket style seafood, with standouts being banana leaf grilled fish, crispy fried soft shell crab, and spicy shrimp paste chili dip. The seafood is very fresh, and the restaurant's picturesque setting makes this a must visit for nature and food lovers alike.
Mor Mu Dong Restaurant (Source: Phuket101)
Mee Ton Poe has been serving up some of Phuket's best Hokkien style noodles for over 70 years. This small restaurant near Phuket Town's clock tower is always packed with locals and tourists alike. Its signature Hokkien Mee is a stir fry of thick yellow noodles in a rich, savory broth with pork and seafood, and topped with a fried egg.
The other menu favorites are the crispy pork belly served with rice and the spicy tom yum soup. Its consistency over the years and high quality have made it a Phuket local food institution.
Famous dish of the restaurant (Source: FoodPanda)
Lock Tien is a vintage food court which has been selling street food in Phuket's manner for decades. This al fresco restaurant is located in Phuket Old Town and offers many different authentic dishes, making it the ideal restaurant to sample several local tastes within one venue.
Some of its specials are Poh Pia Sod (spring rolls straight from the kitchen), Mee Hokkien (stir fried noodle), and peanut sauce accompanied with Satay skewers. Affordable and cheerful casual surroundings, Lock Tien is heaven for foodies.
Lock Tien Restaurant (Source: Phuket101)
Hong Khao Tom Pla is a small, family run restaurant that dishes out rice soup with fresh fish. Their specialty dish, khao tom pla, is a light but fragrant soup made with freshly caught seafood, ginger, and fragrant herbs. It's particularly famous as an evening fare, as the warm, comforting flavors make it just the right meal to round out the day.
The restaurant also serves stir fried seafood, oyster omelets, and simple but delicious vegetable side dishes. Its focus on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes makes Hong Khao Tom Pla a treasure that is worth searching for.
Special dish of Hong Khao Tom Pla (Source: BeyondKata)
Read more: 5 must-try street food in Phuket
Laem Hin Seafood is a popular local eatery, well known for its beautiful waterfront location and fresh seafood. Located on the east coast of Phuket, the restaurant features panoramic views of the ocean, creating a great atmosphere for a relaxed meal. The menu serves up an extensive selection of fresh seafood, including Phuket style spicy sour soup, blue crab curry, and grilled squid.
Customers can select their seafood from live tanks, which ensures optimum freshness. The open air, rustic arrangement of the restaurant further enhances its appeal, and seafood enthusiasts must give it a try.
Laem Hin Seafood Restaurant (Source: tourismthailand)
For a dining experience to remember, try Kru Suwit, a seafood restaurant on floats that is accessible only by boat. Located near Laem Hin, the restaurant allows patrons to handpick their seafood from the nets and have it prepared to order. House specialties include steamed fish with lime and garlic, giant prawns, and crab stir fried with curry powder. The peaceful atmosphere and ultra fresh seafood make it a highly unique establishment in which to dine in Phuket.
Kru Suwit Floating Restaurant (Source: Tripadvisor)
Phuket's local dining scene is as diverse as the island itself, with a mix of traditional Thai flavors, Peranakan influences, and innovative cuisine creations. The next time you visit this tropical paradise, be sure to try out these restaurants with Asia King Travel and indulge in the bountiful food culture of the island.
Read more: Phuket Tour 7 Days: Unforgettable Memories
