8 eateries that are highlighting Phuket’s cuisine. Discover the island’s diverse culinary scene, from vibrant street food markets to elegant fine dining establishments. Experience traditional Thai flavors, fresh seafood, and innovative fusion dishes that capture the essence of Phuket.
8 eateries that are highlighting Phuket’s cuisine
After the publication of the Michelin Guide in 2019, Phuket’s dining scene—once an oddity in a nation known for its excellent cuisine—saw considerable improvement in both quality and cost. But there are lots of great (and still reasonably priced) restaurants, many of which are located in Phuket Town. Today, there are many well-known Thai eateries on the island that make use of Phuket’s abundance of regional products.
1. Pru
Pru, the first and only Michelin-starred restaurant on the island, is the establishment that truly put Phuket on the map of culinary destinations. Situated within the opulent Trisara resort, Pru not only showcases luxury but also honors Thailand’s varied ecosystems. Specifically, it achieves this by sourcing all of its produce from the country’s land and seas. Furthermore, Jimmy Ophorst, the chef from the Netherlands, collaborates closely with farmers, fishermen, and suppliers to discover uncommon ingredients. Consequently, this collaboration results in a fine dining experience that prominently features aged duck as a main course.
2. Jampa
At the heart of Jampa, a locavore, zero-waste farmhouse restaurant nestled within a large wellness community encircled by tropical jungle, is sustainability. Jampa is similar to Pru but far less fancy; consider wood-fired baby corn with sambal, squid with avocado and green harissa, or river prawn with baby heirloom tomatoes and pomegranate. Just three restaurants in Thailand, including this one, have been recognized for their sustainability practices with a Michelin green star.
3. Laad
“Fun, fresh, and funky” is how co-founders and chefs Tan Kosiyabong and Steve Doucakis characterize Laad. Authentic yet approachable, fashionable yet cozy, it hits all the perfect notes for anyone who enjoys Thai food from the south. Moreover, they source fresh local produce for their curries, barbecues, stir fries, and other dishes. For instance, the pomelo jungle salad, pulled pork belly, and black sticky rice cake with coconut cream whipped on top are all highly recommended. Additionally, anything from the weekly specials board is worth trying. To wash it all down, consider drinking a natural wine or a mezcal margarita.
4. Hom
The cuisine at the InterContinental Phuket Resort is very impressive. Firstly, Jaras, a Thai restaurant recommended by Michelin, opened to much acclaim. Additionally, there’s Hom, which translates to “fragrant” in Thai, an ambitious fine dining establishment ensconced in a stately white pavilion.
5. Royd
Suwijak “Mond” Kunghae, a native of Phuket, is a chef to watch. At his restaurant Royd, which is shorthand for “cool,” he champions modern southern Thai food. Therefore, make reservations at the counter, where Mond and his staff will be serving a dazzling 18 dishes, half of which are little bites. Additionally, past highlights have included Hokkien char noodles and a black and white sour curry with grilled squid and smoked pineapple gel. Moreover, you can pair these dishes with Phongsathorn “Wynn” Chaokitiwut’s cocktail pairing menu, created for the well-known Phuket bar Dibuk House.
6. Samut
Thai cooks adore Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn. Notably, Le Du and Nusara, two of his Bangkok locations, were selected as the top three and first places, respectively, on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list. Furthermore, Samut, which translates to “ocean” and is his Phuket branch, is a delicious blend of southern Thai cuisine’s hot flavors and fresh fish. In addition, an eight-course supper consisting of sixteen dishes is served to the guests. Some of the dishes include stink bean emulsion, white turmeric, and blue crab with kua kling espuma, which tastes much better than it sounds.
7. One Chun
One Chun, a shining example of southern Thai food, is located in Phuket Town inside a Sino-Portuguese shophouse from the 19th century. Anticipate to eat side by side with strangers while enjoying spicy, filling food prepared using family recipes. Favorites include sataw (stink bean) with shrimp, moo hong (braised pig belly in a peppery sauce), and gaeng poo (yellow crab curry with rice vermicelli). Moreover, One Chun’s excellent cuisine at reasonable costs has won it a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
8. Mor Mu Dong
Tucked up between mangroves, the unpretentious The Mor Mu Dong (9/4 Mu 3 Soi Pa Lai, Chao Fa Road, Chalong, Phuket) is a collection of thatched salas. Additionally, these salas feature ceilings wallpapered and plastic chairs, creating a unique and relaxed atmosphere. You’re here for powerful regional foods, so forget about the décor.
The fried mackerel is packed full of fish mousse and is incredibly juicy. Additionally, spice, sweetness, and sourness are all balanced in a sour yellow fish curry. Moreover, melinjo leaves stir-fried in oil counteract all that heat. Therefore, put on casual clothing and raise your voice.
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