For the epicurean traveler, a trip to Phuket, Thailand, is not complete without sampling the renowned local cuisine. From savory curries and spicy salads to fresh seafood, there’s something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds. In Phuket, pork is king and often takes center stage in many of the most popular dishes. And for the sauces, soy sauce rules over fish sauce any day.

Thanks to the Penang, the cuisine on this largest island of Thai cuisine is a mix of Indian, Malay, Chinese, and Thai cultures. So, you can expect a good combination of flavors in the food here. Some of the dishes can also hint at England’s colonial influence.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite from a street vendor or a sit-down meal at a restaurant, good food in Phuket comes at any price point.

Here are some of the best foods to eat in Phuket, Thailand:

Mee Hokkien

Thai people and noodles are inseparable. It is a staple in most Thai households and one of the most popular dishes in Phuket. From the regular Mee Goreng to the unique Mee Siam, there’s an excellent variety to choose from. But when in Phuket, make sure to try Mee Hokkien.

It combines thick yellow wheat noodles stir-fried with egg, pork, squid, shrimp, and vegetables in a dark soy sauce. The dish comes with a generous side of chili sauce and is a popular food to try in Phuket.

Dim Sum

Call it what you want, but the Dim Sum in Phuket will leave you wanting more. These small steamed or fried dumplings are one of the best foods to eat in Phuket, Thailand, owing to the various fillings available, like chicken, shrimp, pork, and vegetables. Dip them in soy or chili sauce, and you’re good!

The best part about Dim Sum is that it can be eaten at any hour of the day, making it a great snack option. You can find them at most Chinese restaurants and some Thai restaurants that serve Dim Sum for breakfast.

Kanom Jeen

Soft, delicate, and delicious, Kanom Jeen is a must-try when in Phuket. These rice noodles come with a variety of coconut-based curries. Kaeng Tai Pla (a fish curry) and Kaeng Som (a sour soup) are the most popular ones. You can also add blanched, boiled, or fried vegetables to the dish. Some good options are morning glory, long beans, and eggplant.

Kanom Jeen is suitable as a breakfast dish or a snack. But it can also be had as a main meal, especially if you order a few different types of curry to go with it.

Phad Thai

No trip is complete without trying the quintessentially good food in Phuket, Phad Thai. This stir-fried rice noodle dish is prepared with egg, tofu, vegetables, and your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, or crab). It is then seasoned with fish sauce, tamarind paste, and chili flakes. Phad Thai comes with a side of fresh lime, bean sprouts, and peanuts.

You can find this dish at most Thai restaurants. But the best place to have it is at a street stall, where you can watch the vendor cook it fresh for you. Make sure to try the Phad Thai at Phuket Old Town, which is said to be the best in town.

Kaeng Phet Pet Yung

Have you ever had duck curry? If not, then you’re in for a treat! Kaeng Phet Pet Yung is a Thai-style red curry with duck, tomatoes, pineapple, and chili paste. Paired with steamed rice and rich, creamy coconut milk, this dish is a must-try when looking for good food in Phuket.

You can find Kaeng Phet Pet Yung at most Thai restaurants. But the best place to have it is definitely at Siam Supper Club, where they serve a fantastic duck curry that will leave you wanting more.

Por Pia Tod

Por Pia Tod is a deep-fried spring roll popularly eaten as a starter or a snack. There’s a filling of minced pork, glass noodles, carrots, and mushrooms inside. The spring roll is then wrapped in a thin pastry skin and deep-fried till it is golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy Por Pia Tod with a sweet chili dipping sauce or a plum sauce, and you won’t want to stop. You can find it at most Thai restaurants or street stalls. But the best place to have it is at Phuket Old Town, where they have some of the best Por Pia Tod.

Kuay Tiew

Another of the best foods to eat in Phuket, Thailand, is this dish made of delicate rice noodles, known as Kuay Tiew. Protein is a major component of this dish, with options like chicken, shrimp, pork, and beef being popularly used. The savory broth is usually flavored with soy sauce, fish sauce, and chili paste.

Kuay Tiew is paired with a side of fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. Most gym freaks and health-conscious people opt for the soup version of this dish as it is light and low in calories. Kuay Tiew is popularly eaten for breakfast but can also be had as a snack or a main meal.

Oh Eaw

Shaved ice and fruits; what’s not to love? Oh, Eaw is a popular Thai dessert made with shaved ice, fruits, and sweet syrups. The most popular fruits to use are mango, jackfruit, and durian. But you can also find it with other fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple.

Oh, Eaw is best had on a hot, sunny day. The bright red sauce and the sweetness of the fruits make it a refreshing and delicious dessert. Old Siam is the best place to have Oh Eaw in Phuket. They use fresh fruits and good quality shaved ice, which makes their Oh Eaw even more delicious.

Conclusion:

Phuket is Thailand’s heart. White sand beaches with tumbling waves, turquoise waters, lush greenery, and good food – what’s not to love about this place? Whether you want to eat some good old Thai food or try something new, Phuket has it all. So go ahead and explore the deliciousness that this place has to offer. And don’t forget to try all (or at least most) of the Phuket foods we’ve listed above.