The best food in Phuket: What to eat and where

An island sprawling with street food markets and unique delicacies mixing Chinese and Thai flavors, Phuket is a food lover’s playground. Fresh spring rolls and comforting egg noodle dishes celebrate familiar flavors, while steamed seafood curry in banana leaves and oyster omelettes invite you to expand your palate. Top it all off by trying golden mung bean-filled cakes or shaved ice like you’ve never had it before.

Whether it’s your first time in Phuket or you’re coming back for more, you’ll find something new to order in this guide to the best food in Phuket.

1. Por pia

A local favorite in the Phuket street food scene is por pia, or Thai-style spring rolls. As versatile as they are delicious, you can find these thin rice paper wrappers filled with a variety of different ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and seafood, and topped with either sweet chili or peanut sauce. You can also choose if you want to try them fresh or fried and crispy.

How to eat the best por pia in Phuket?

The best place to experience freshly made por pia is at local markets. Join a Phuket street food tour to discover the tastiest stands in the city.

2. Oh tao

The Hokkien Chinese community brought these delicious oyster omelettes to Phuket many years ago, and they have since become a staple in the city’s street food scene. Small oysters, taro, bean sprouts, and egg are fried to an irresistible crispiness before being topped with fried pork rinds and a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. The hunger pangs are sure to hit when you smell the aromas of oh tao in the making.

How to eat the best oh tao in Phuket?

Head to popular night markets such as Naka Weekend Market and Chillva Market to find several vendors selling freshly made oh tao.

3. Kiean

Looking for the perfect bite-sized snack while on a tour of Phuket? Try kiean, Phuket’s favorite sausage. It’s made from a mixture of minced pork, spices, and herbs and fried until golden inside a thin wrapper that makes every bite perfectly crispy. It’s another dish that stems from the island’s Hokkien Chinese influence, perfectly reflecting the fusion of Chinese and Thai culinary traditions.

How to eat the best kiean in Phuket?

Try kiean at a local food joint that specializes in Hokkien and locally adapted dishes, like Lock Tien. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy street food favorites in an indoor setting.

4. Hor mok talay

Hor mok talay is, without a doubt, one of the most unique foods to try in Phuket. This steamed seafood curry made with fish, shrimp, crab, and squid is blended with red curry paste, coconut milk, and eggs to make a soft, mousse-like texture. The mixture is served in banana leaf cups, which give a subtle aroma that perfectly complements the richness of the curry.

How to eat the best hor mok talay in Phuket?

Try hor mok talay in Chalong, one of Phuket’s best neighborhoods for seafood restaurants. Kan Eang@Pier is a renowned restaurant in the area serving up delicious hor mok talay.

5. Hokkien mee

Move over pad Thai, hokkien mee is the noodle dish that reigns in Phuket. Another popular food brought over to Thailand by Chinese immigrants, these stir-fried egg noodles with seafood and thinly sliced barbeque pork are crowd-pleasers. The rich, peppery gravy creates the perfect umami flavor that will have you coming back for more.

How to eat the best hokkien mee in Phuket?

Venture into the Old Town in Phuket City to find one of the city’s best and oldest noodle joints, Mee Ton Poe. It has been owned by the same family for three generations and has been serving hokkien mee since 1946.

6. Bee hoon kra dook moo

One of the best rainy-day activities in Phuket is to warm up with a nice steaming bowl of noodles swimming in broth. Bee hoon kra dook moo will do just the trick. Just one bite, and you’ll see why this comforting dish, made up of thin rice vermicelli noodles, tender pork ribs, and fresh herbs in a flavorful and aromatic broth, is a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

How to eat the best bee hoon kra dook moo in Phuket?

Pour some chili vinegar in the soup to add a tangy and spicy kick to the dish, which will also help balance out the rich flavors of the broth.

7. Moo hong

Meat lovers, don’t miss a taste of moo hong, Phuket’s popular braised pork belly dish. Chinese spices marry Thai seasonings in a sweet and savory marinade, and the slow-cooked pork belly has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s the kind of dish that shows the magic that can happen when two culinary cultures collide.

How to eat the best moo hong in Phuket?

Phuket City is known for its vibrant food scene and for being home to many traditional Thai restaurants. A popular choice is Raya, a restaurant in a Sino-Portuguese building where you can get a taste of Phuket’s history as well as this famous food.

8. Kanom jeen

Start your day the Thai way with kanom jeen, a traditional breakfast, before heading out for a spot of sightseeing in Phuket. This is a dish you get to have your way — fermented rice noodles are served as the base, and it comes with a choice of curries and side dishes such as fresh vegetables, pickles, and eggs. You can try multiple different flavor combinations, making the process of eating this dish a cultural adventure in itself.

How to eat the best kanom jeen in Phuket?

Head to Kanom Jeen Saphan Hin restaurant in Phuket City, a longstanding and local favorite that specializes in kanom jeem.

9. Tao sor

Those with a sweet tooth can’t miss tasting tao sor, a traditional dessert in Phuket. These must-eat cakes originated from Chinese culture and have adapted over time to Thai tastes. They are most often filled with a mixture of sweet mung bean paste, salted egg yolk, and taro and baked until golden brown, creating a perfectly delicate and crumbly texture.

How to eat the best tao sor in Phuket?

In the Mueang Phuket district, you’ll find Keng Tin Bakery — one of the oldest and most famous bakeries in Phuket — known for its traditional tao sor with various fillings.

10. O-aew

This icy dessert is the best food to eat to cool off on a hot summer day in Phuket. The base is a jelly made from the seeds of the o-aew plant and banana, and it’s served with crushed or shaved ice and topped with syrup and a variety of toppings such as red kidney beans and grass jelly.

How to eat the best o-aew in Phuket?

There are many places that specialize in o-aew around Phuket. O-aew Baan Ko Roj and O-Aew Dibuk Road are regarded across the island as serving some of the best.

FAQs

How much is street food in Phuket?

Street food in Phuket is very affordable, typically ranging from 30 to 100 THB ($1-3) per dish. It’s not only delicious but a great budget-friendly option for travelers looking to experience traditional Thai cuisine.

Do you tip at restaurants in Phuket?

Tipping at restaurants in Phuket is not mandatory but appreciated. A tip of 10-15% is generally considered generous. Some upscale restaurants may include a service charge, so check your bill before tipping.

What is a popular drink in Phuket?

A popular drink in Phuket is cha yen, or Thai iced tea. It’s a creamy and sweet beverage made with strong brewed tea, sweetened condensed milk, and sugar, served over ice. It’s the perfect way to cool down in the tropical heat.

How much are alcoholic drinks in Phuket?

Alcoholic drinks vary in price. Local beers such as Singha and Chang cost between 60-100 THB ($2-3) at bars, while cocktails range from 150-300 THB ($4-9). Prices can be higher at upscale venues and beach clubs.

What are the best food markets in Phuket?

While there are many food markets across the island, the best and most popular markets in Phuket include Naka Market, Chillva Market, and Malin Plaza Patong. If you’re looking for hidden gem food markets, check out Kathu Fresh Market and Banzaan Fresh Market in Patong.