7 Must-try Restaurants in Phuket

Street eats, seafood feasts, royal Thai cuisine, Isaan fare – we’ve got it all covered. Die-hard foodies, curious travellers keen on discovering local tastes and Thai food lovers in Phuket, make sure you ain’t putting a single foot out of the island before you’ve eaten your way through this list:

Old Siam Authentic Thai Restaurant, Kamala

Fancy dining under the stars, with your toes tucked snugly into the sand? You’ll find your dream dining setting at Old Siam Restaurant. Located in serene Nakalay Bay, the restaurant provides a picturesque and tranquil setting for an intimate dinner. Soothing classic play on softly in the background (an acoustic trio performs at the restaurant six nights a week), refreshing gusts of sea breeze blow in, and well-placed lighting lend a romantic touch to the venue.  Get your tastebuds ready for exploring a diversity of flavours; you’ll find a wide selection of Thai specialties from the north, northeast, south and central regions of Thailand on the menu.

Must-try dishes: Traditional Thai dish of prawns served with sweet red curry sauce (Choo Chee Goong Nang), Four authentic appetisers, Tom Khao Kai, Tom Yum Goong, Sautéed chicken with cashew nuts

Address: 6/2 Moo 6 Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand

Phone: 076 290 334

Hours:  13:00 – 22:30

Sea Hag Restaurant, Patong

Of course, one simply cannot leave the island without indulging in a delightfully fishy experience. When the mood for savouring seafood strikes, make your way to Sea Hag Restaurant. The gorgeous interiors and lovely setting sets the stage for a great dining experience – but the star of the show is, undoubtedly, the delicious fare dished out from the kitchen.

Must-try dishes: Mixed seafood platter, Steamed lemon fish with rice

Address: 78/5permpong Soi III, Soi Wattana clinic, Thaweevong Road, Beach Road, Patong Beach, Phuket

Phone: +66 (0) 76 341 111

Hours: 12:00 – 16:00, 18:00 – midnight

Lock Tien, Phuket Town

Have you truly discovered a destination, if you have not sampled its local cuisines and flavours? Don’t miss out on the opportunity of tasting the street eats of Thailand during your holiday. Diners are spoilt for choice at Lock Tien; the food court houses a variety of stalls dishing up intriguing and authentic Thai fare.

Must-try dishes: Pork bone soup with fried noodles (mee hoon pah chang), deep-fried tripe and fried tofu in sweet-and-sour sauce (lo bah), skewered frilled meat (satays), spring rolls (por phee)

Address: Dibook-Yaowarat Intersection Dibook Road Talad Nuea Subdistrict Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand

Phone: 087-3873-703

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (closed on Tuesdays)

Mama Jin, Karon

Got an insatiable appetite for Thai fare? If you happen to be near Karon Beach, make a stop by at Mama Jin’s. Don’t be fooled by the nondescript setting of the eatery; it belies the fact the restaurant serves up some of the tastiest Thai fare in the area. Diners who have feasted here have enthused about the authentic flavours, inexpensive fare and satisfying portions of the dishes. Mmm.

Must-try dishes: Shrimp toast, Thai-style omelette, Glass noodle soup, Phad Thai, Tom Yum Goong

Address: 381/14 Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand

Phone: +66 81 893 9043

Hours: 10:00 – 21:00

Siang Khaen, Phuket Town

The Isaan Province, located in northeastern Thailand, is famous for its delectable cuisine. Savour its unique flavours by tucking into a meal at bustling Siang Khaen. Be prepared to dine in a busy environment filled with a lively buzz; the friendly service, reasonable prices and sumptuous fare keeps the restaurant packed with a good crowd on most nights.

Must-try dishes: Sticky rice, Marinated grilled pork (naam tok moo), spicy papaya salad (som tam), spicy soup with minced pork (tom saeb moo sap), grilled mackerel (plaa saba yang)

Address: Talat Nuea Mueang Phuket

Phone: +66 76 234 171

Saffron at Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay

For a beautiful night with that special someone, only a spectacular setting and scrumptious food will do. You will not go wrong with a meal at Saffron; much detail is paid to providing attentive service to diners, and the finely-decorated interiors exude an elegant and luxurious vibe. Dining in a large group is a breeze here – the extensive menu (complete with a vegetarian menu) and wine list provides plenty of options to cater to a diversity of tastes and dietary preferences.

Must-try dishes: Duck curry, Thai barbecued curried chicken with papaya salad, Larb tuna, Crispy rice noodle-wrapped prawn with fried pepper leaf and sweet mango chili sauce

Address: 33, 33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, 83110, Thailand

Phone: +66 76 372 400

Hours: 18:00 – 23:00

Tatonka, Cherngtalay

Everything about this restaurant is exotic – starting from the food (dishes served are influenced by Asian , Mediterranean and Latin flavours) to its interiors (colourful murals of warriors adorn the walls, and beautiful wood furniture fill up the dining space). Veggie-loving travellers will not miss out on enjoying a dining experience here, for the menu also lists a selection of vegetarian tapas items.

Must-try dishes: Sashimi tuna spring rolls with dijon miso sauce, peking duck pizza, saigon beef with green mango and bacon, cool coffee (a chilled mocha beverage made up of coffee, vanilla ice cream, Kahlua and a dash of whipped cream)

Address: 382/19 Moo 1, Srisoonton Road, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110

Phone: 076-324-349

Hours: 18:00 – late (Closed on Sundays)

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