“Street food, I believe, is the salvation of the human race.”
– Anthony Bourdain
Yup – that’s right. The great Anthony Bourdain said it himself. Forget those fancy tablecloths and set menus. You’ll find that the best food in Phuket is on the streets, where the flavours pack a punch, the aromas will have your mouth watering and the price won’t break the bank! But we’re not just talking about any ordinary street food, we’re talking about street food so good it’s got Michelin’s seal of approval. You’ll probably even forget to take a picture because you’ll just dive right in. So get your appetites ready as we walk you through Phuket’s best street food according to the Michelin Guide.
A Pong Mae Sunee
For over 30 years, “A-Pong” Mae Sunee has been delighting locals and visitors alike with their crispy, melt-in-your-mouth coconut crepes. Stepping up to the stall, you’ll be overwhelmed by the mouthwatering aroma of coconuts and rice being cooked to absolute perfection over Sunee’s charcoal woks. As soon as you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to crepe heaven – the light, crispy shell gives way to the softest, lightest, and perfectly balanced coconut filling. It’s no wonder this stall has earned such a fervent following and a Michelin Bib Gourmand!
Location: 99 Soi Soon Uthit, Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Hong Khao Tom Pla
Right from the moment you walk through the door of little wooden shophouse in Phuket Town, the intoxicating aromas of Hong Khao Tom Pla will have your mouth watering in anticipation of the flavours to come. With the owner himself acting as the solo chef, you know you’re in for an authentic dining experience like no other. You must try their signature fish porridge (which is what the restaurant was named after), as well as their wok-fried crab. The way the curry powder absorbs into the sweet crab meat is to die for. It’s like an explosion of flavours in your mouth.
Location: 5 Kra Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Chuan Chim
Chuan Chim is one of the oldest restaurants in Phuket and is now run by the second generation. This fantastic family establishment has been serving up legendary dishes for decades and it shows – the food is fresh, flavours are big and bold. But the real stars are the aromatic kra pow stir-fries, so full of texture and spice, they’re sure to ignite something in you. You can also try their minced pork or basil chicken stir-fry. Top it off with a crispy omelette or runny egg for the perfect comfort bite. If you’re coming in a big group, order more options (because it’s affordable anyway!) and treat yourself to their crispy fish smothered in rich gravy or crackling pork belly so tender it melts in your mouth.
Location: 37/3 Montri Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Go Benz
For over 20 years, this legendary street food spot in Phuket has been delighting foodies and locals alike with massive bowls of khao tom haeng (dry rice porridge). Open from 7pm until the wee hours, you can bet that this beloved corner shop in Phuket Town will be bursting at the seams with people. Whether you come with your family or with a group of friends after a crazy night out on the town, and now diagnosed with a serious case of the late-night munchies, Go Benz promises to hit the spot. While the porridge is served with the broth on the side, you can be sure that the softened rice and toppings like crispy shallots and succulent soy-marinated pork will still pack the signature umami punch that everyone craves for.
Location: 163 Krabi Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Mu Krop (Chi Hong)
When you dine at Mu Krop, you must try their roast pork belly with rice – the slices of pork are so generous and the skin is like the most perfect crispy crackling you’ve ever tasted. The meat just falls apart in your mouth – so tender and full of flavour from their secret family recipe. But it doesn’t stop there, oh no! They even give you a basket filled with an array of fresh seasonal veg and a big bowl of delicious clear broth. And get this, it all comes with your order, no extra charge! Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about this dish for weeks to come.
Location: 66/6 Wichit Songkhram Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Kha Mu Boran (Kathu)
This local institution has been delighting patrons for years with their slow-braised pork shanks or locally known as kao ka moo. Kha Mu Boran‘s ka moo is to die for, with fall-off-the-bone tender meat cooked for hours in a richly spiced broth. It simply melts in your mouth! But that’s not all – you also get the flavour-packed bones to pick over for every last morsel of goodness. It’s no wonder both locals and travellers alike make a beeline for this place.
Location: 17/11 Mu 6, Praphuketkeaw Road, Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand
Pathongko Mae Pranee
Patongko Mae Pranee certainly knows how to satisfy your fried food cravings. From the early hours, sweet tooths can’t wait to get their hands on the delicious deep-fried dough at this street food stall. As early as 6 AM, a massive queue forms out the door. But no one seems to mind the wait when they get a whiff of the heavenly aromas. Just imagine – freshly fried patongko sticks, salapao buns and golden chips, all piping hot and begging to be devoured. The flavours will blow you away, even without the tasty dips.
Location: 57 Wirat Hong Yok 3 Road, Wichit, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
Mor Mu Dong
Mor Mu Dong is truly a one-of-a-kind culinary gem nestled along the gorgeous Mu Dong Canal. Named after its owner Mor and the canal itself, you just know you’re in for an exceptional treat the moment you set foot in this magical place. The rustic yet charming riverside huts are the perfect setting to take in the sweeping views that change with the ebb and flow of the tide. But the stunning scenery is just the start – wait until you see the tanks brimming with the freshest of seafood in the open kitchen! Although, what really secured this place a spot on the Michelin Guide is its food. You simply must try their signature Pla Tu Yat Sai – succulent fish stuffed with a mouthwatering spice mix that will have you craving for more! And you have to try the squid lightly tossed in a zingy lime dressing – so refreshingly tasty.
Location: 9/4 Mu 3 Soi Pa Lai, Chao Fa Road, Chalong, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83130, Thailand
