Incredible Places to Eat in Phuket: 5 Spots That Will Blow Your Mind
There are thousands of food options in Phuket, the choice can be overwhelming but we’re here to guide you through some incredible places to eat in Phuket that will quite literally, blow. your. mind.
Do you want to know where to find incredible places to eat in Phuket? Do you want to find some hidden gems that will blow your mind? Are you a super-foodie who wants to take every advantage of the best spots to try authentic Thai food?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then you know what to do.
(Hint: Keep scrolling).
Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Isn’t Bangkok supposed to be the food capital of Thailand?” Well, yes. BUT, even-though the likes of Bangkok and Chiang Mai usually steal the limelight, Phuket is the epitome of the underdog. By fusing Thai, Chinese, Malay and even Indian flavours to create fruity, spicy & nutty dishes using locally sourced seafood, fruit & vegetables, Phuket isn’t here to play at when it comes to authentic Thai dishes.
So, where are these incredible places to eat in Phuket?
- The Pad Thai Shop
- Blue Elephant
- Chum Chon Floating Restaurant
- Tamachart Restaurant
- Phuket Walking Street
The Pad Thai Shop
Pad Thai needs no introduction, right? It’s a dish that instantly springs to mind when you think of Thailand.
The Pad Thai Shop has earned it’s spot as one of incredible places to eat in Phuket because I may have found the place to try the best Pad Thai, in the whole of Phuket?!
Everyone has eaten Pad Thai before, haven’t they?
Quick Pad Thai recap
Everyone has eaten Pad Thai before, haven’t they? If not, here’s a recap:
A Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish made of rice noodles and a combination of eggs, tofu, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots. Red chilli pepper and palm sugar are also added, it’s classically served with lime wedges, peanuts and often bean sprouts.
The Pad Thai Shop is famous for its Pad Thai… hence the name, obvs! So, you just know you’re in for a real treat. Don’t let the fame fool you though, this quaint little shop could be easily missed if it wasn’t for the huge yellow sign that quite obviously states ‘The Pad Thai Shop’.
Don’t let the modest exterior put you off either, their open brick, wooden walls and concrete roof just adds to the Thai charm.
Name a better way to get stuck into the culture of Thailand. We’ll wait.
Location: Karon Beach
Address: Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket 83100
Open: 8 am – 7 pm (Sunday closed)
Blue Elephant
If you’ve done any research into the incredible places to eat in Phuket, then you’ve probably come across Blue Elephant. You’ll feel like VIPs here, enjoying Royal Thai Cuisine in the surroundings of a century-old Sino-Portuguese Governor Mansion. If you’re celebrating a special occasion then make sure to book in at this incredible Michelin Star-winning restaurant.
Think you could cook like a pro? Take a cooking class and learn some of the skills and techniques it takes to produce a world-renowned classic, Thai dish.
The Michelin Star might insinuate dining here will break the bank, but it might surprise you to learn the most expensive item on the menu is 1,280฿ which is around £29. Considering you’ll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at a Michelin star restaurant, that’s not too bad!
Location: Tambon Talat Nuea
Address: 96 Krabi, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: 11 am – 9 pm (Hours differ on Sundays)
Chum Chon Floating Restaurant
Try something completely unique and plan in a visit to the Bang Rong Floating Restaurant.
It’s official name is actually Chum Chon, but you might also hear people refer to it as Bang Rong, after it’s location.
Working it’s way into my shortlist for ‘Incredible places to eat in Phuket’, this experience will be like no other. The boat is a small, family run restaurant, accessible by wooden bridge that meanders through the mangroves. It’s the kind of place you might stumble across by accident.
If you need good accessibility, we’d possibly recommend skipping this one, due to the final part of the wooden bridge being quite steep. Especially at low tide!
This family-run floating restaurant remains a firm favourite for natives and tourists alike. Welcomed by friendly faces, and a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. How else to take in the landscapes of Phuket?
If you’re looking for food recommendations (of course you are), keep it simple with this one. Order the fried rice – it’s some of the best around. They also serve seafood and other delicious but simple, Thai food. Grab yourself a Yam Gung Siap while you’re there, too! It’s a spicy local salad made with crispy shrimp. It can only be found in the Phuket or Phang Nga area, so a must-have on your visit.
Location: Bang Rong Pier
Address: Soi Mukthalang, Thep Krasatti, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Open: Times may vary
Tamachart Restaurant
Tamachart in English translates to ‘natural’ which this restaurant undeniably encapsulates making this yet another, incredible place to eat in Phuket.
Prepare for your mind to be well and truly blown when you walk inside. From the road this restaurant looks small, but you’ll soon realise just how big this restaurant is. It’s like entering a whole different world through a passageway. Don’t just sit at your table to observe your surroundings either. Make sure you explore this ever-growing, magical place. You’ll feel like you’re in a giant treehouse in the middle of a megapolis.
Often described as a crazy world like no other. Fish tanks made from old TVs and computer screens, sculpted masks and valve radios decorate the chunky wooden over-head rafters. There are lamps made from seashells, hanging plants, waterfalls, greenery, and tree trunks. This will be like nothing you’ve seen before.
Location: Phuket Town
Address: 62/5 Phutorn Road
Open: 10.30 – 23.30
Phuket Walking Street
Get involved in the hustle and bustle and head over to Phuket Walking Street every Sunday evening. Try food from lots of different street vendors will get your taste buds tingling, for sure!
The market takes over Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town. The main entrance is on the eastern side of Thalang Road. Make this visit memorable and use the photo op at the incredible Chinese-style gate. Translating to ‘Big Market‘ in English, the word ‘Lardyai’ decorates the gate in three languages.
Even though this has made it into the final five incredible places to eat in Phuket, you’ll find a lot more here than just food. Whilst it’s mainly food such as barbequed squid, chicken and pork, you will also find plenty of souvenir stalls. There’s no need to worry that it won’t be suitable for the whole family either, you can expect to see stalls selling hand-made toys, live entertainment and local music to jive to as you make your way through the market.
Keep this on your foodie-radar, try some unique, cheap and delicious Thai food while enjoying an evening out.
Location: Thalang Rd
Address: Thalang Rd, Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Sundays 16:00 – 22:00
Okay Now I’m Hungry, But What Else Can I Do in Phuket?
Phuket really is a slice of paradise, make sure you take the Instagram Tour of the Best Things to do in Phuket.
We’ve only scratched the surface with the best places to eat in Phuket, so before you set off on your Thai adventure, make sure you’ve read Our Top 11 Thailand Travel Tips You Need To Read Before You Go and stay prepared.
