Foodie Destinations in Phuket : 17 International, Local, Seafood, Café, and Dessert

Phuket, a large province located in the Andaman Sea of southern Thailand, is not only famous for tourist destinations. But also well known for amazing international foods, tasteful local dishes, as well as nice cafés and desserts.

So whether you're already live in Phuket or just considering planning your holiday trip, please let us walk you through these 17 places that you should consider next when looking to satisfy your taste buds.

International

Three Monkeys Restaurant, next to Hanuman World

Located in the Hanuman World expansive rainforest adventure park. The structure was a tropical style, designed within a concept of integrating architecture with the rainforest scenery. For sure, no one can resist this type of atmosphere.

Apart from the beautiful atmosphere, There are amazing dishes to light up your taste buds, from local cuisines, european, japanese, and drinks. The signatures are Sua Rong Hai Grilled Briskets, Spicy Ball Mushroom Soup, BBQ Ribs, Southern Styled Pork Stew, Papaya Salad, and Grilled Chicken.

Tandoori Flames, near Patong Beach

An Indian restaurant in Phuket that can't be missed. The Tandoori Flames located in the Patong Tower Alley, which connects with the well known Taweewong Road which runs along the Patong Beach. The place is beautifully decorated in a modern indian style. Great for having a dinner with friends and family. The restaurant also provides private dining room, ideal for group dining. If you're coming to this place, please don't miss the "Tandoori Chicken" and there are also many flavorful vegetarian menus.

Sam's Steak and Grill, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

A first-rate steakhouse in the heart of Patong. It is located in the Holiday Inn Phuket Resort, being a favorite amongst locals and travelers, with a reputation for exceptional imported steaks, and exquisite wines from dozen of regions, and they also provide the best service. 

The signatures that really shouldn't miss were White asparagus & truffle Veloute Soup, Australian Rack of Lamp, Australian Best Fillet Steak, Braised Beef Cheek Steak, Duck Breast, and any wines that you would prefer.

The place also got an elegant atmosphere. With the use of modern, brownish items of furniture and light-gold wall paneling. Moreover, they also provide a private dining room for you to enjoy your best dining experience with friends or family.

Vero Italian Trattoria and Wine Bar, Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach

Located in the Pullman Phuket Arcadia Hotel, It is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Phuket, well known for its classy, stylish ambience, and authentic Italian cuisine. The must-order menus are Burrata Cheese, Lobster Spaghetti, and Porschini Mushroom Pizza.

The atmosphere was beautiful and romantic, especially at sunset. Thanks to the dim lighting installations complimenting the surrounding garden. Moreover, the extensive glass partitions also give you amazing cliff-edge views of the glistening Andaman sea. This place is perfect for dining with your friends, family, or your beloved one.

Local Cuisine

Jiaa Dim Sum, on 4026 Rd, near Phuket's International Airport

A must-try Dim Sum in Phuket, located near the Phuket International Airport. Just a five-minute drive and you will be there. This place is not only famous for Dim Sum, but their "Bak Kut Teh" is also a must-try. It is a slow-cooked pork rib in an aromatic Chinese herb broth, and it's a perfect match with freshly steamed Dim Sum. The next must-try is "Pae Sah Chicken", a local cuisine that is only available in Phuket. It is a steamed chicken with savoury soybean paste. 

Other choices of must-try are Southern Styled Pork Stew, Crab Meat Coconut Soup with Noodles and for sure, the O-Aew Shaved Ice, a local dessert of Phuket that will give you a perfect refresh. 

Kho Song Khon Boran, behind Phuket Town Central Market

There's nothing better than smelling the smoke from the old wok, having dish from the local ingredients. Despite having few tables and no air-con, the flavors will bring your taste buds back to life. This extraordinary local restaurant has been opening since 1982. The Founder was a skilled chef who was passionate about food and cooking, with extensive experience in the hotel restaurant, food center, and fine Chinese restaurant. Currently, he still selects all local fresh ingredients and cooks every dish by himself. Making this restaurant one of the most famous restaurants in Phuket amongst locals and tourists.

Anyone who came to Kho Song Khon Boran should not miss the "Manager" Special Fried Rice, a fried rice with special spices and minced pork, topped with pork crackling, and chinese sausage. Other signature dishes were Sweet & Spicy Prawns, Sour Soup with Young Coconuts, Crab Meat Omelette, Garlic-Fried Fish Roe, Stir Fried Pork with Salted Fish.

This eatery is located in the small alley, behind Phuket Town Central Market, so for non-locals, it is recommended to use GPS navigation.

Raya, next to Dibuk Bridge.

No matter you're moving into Phuket or going for a vacation, you should not miss "Raya". The place is a 2-story, 130-year-old Thai colonial-style house, and sure you will enjoy the retro vibes. The interior is beautifully decorated and tidy, giving a warm welcoming atmosphere.

This place also got some mouth-watering menus to try like Stir-fried Bitter Bean with Prawn, Fried fish with Lemon Grass, Stir-fried Malindjo Leaves with Egg, Crabmeat & Betel Leaf Curry, and Southern Styled Pork Stew. All of the ingredients are carefully selected. For that reason, The price is a bit high. But we guarantee that your dining experience at this place wouldn't get you disappointed.

Sangkasi, near Bangkok Hospital Phuket

Although the place looks like it's falling apart, and the ceiling looks like it’s going to wreck down any minute, please don't let that fool you. This local eatery is Michelin and Wongnai recommended. Known for strong flavors, fresh local ingredients, and large portions at a reasonable price. Their signature menus are Spicy Squid Thai Salad, Stir-Fried Pork Belly with Chili and Salt, Southern Yellow Thai Curry with Fish, Turmeric Fried Fish, Deep-fried Prawn Cakes, and Dried Shrimp Chili Paste

Located on Yaowarad Rd., diagonally from the Bangkok Hospital Phuket, So it is very easy to find. We also recommend making a call for a reservation. Otherwise, you might experience hour-long queues.

Mee Ton Poe, at Surin Clock Tower Roundabout

"Stir-Fried Hokkien Fried Noodle" is one of Phuket's best local cuisine to try, and asking local people for the best place to have Hokkien Fried Noodle, they definitely will recommend "Mee Ton Pho" as a first choice. This restaurant was opened 76 years ago by a former Chinese junk chef, and now still running. The atmosphere was casual, with a local Phuket vibe. Every Stir-Fry dish is cooked with a wok, on a traditional brazier stove, and for sure, the smoky wok aroma is very appetizing.

The must try menus are Stir-fried Hokkien Noodles, Tom-Yum Noodles, Dried Seafood Tom Yum, Steamed Fish & Lotus With Curry Paste, Steamed Fish & Betel Leaves With Curry Paste, and Pork Satay.   

Seafoods

Kruvit Raft (1st Branch), Coconut Island

Moving onto the Seafood recommendations. "Kruvit Raft" 1st Branch, or Laem Hin branch. This place was popular among locals and travelers, known for central and southern Thai dishes. The flavors were also explosive and magical. There are also a variety of live seafood selections from Shellfishes, Squids, Crabs, Fishes, and Lobster. The recommended dish are Coconut Soup With Shrimp And Betel Leaves, Crispy Spicy Prawns, Stir Fried Clams With Roasted Chili Paste, Stir-fried Malindjo Leaves with Egg and Dried Shrimp, Sour soup with young coconut shoot and soft-shelled crabs, and Boiled grouper with soybean paste. 

The place is located off the coast, on a large raft near Coconut Island. Cars must be parked at Laem Hin Pier (In Koh Kaew 2 Alley). The parking fee is 30 baht per car, and you can take Restaurant's boat for around 5 minutes to the raft.

Laem Hin Seafood, next to Laem Hin Pier

Another notable Seafood spot in Phuket you must visit. Well known for quality, strong flavors, and freshness of the seafood. Moreover, the atmosphere is super chill, and the views are amazing. A dinner with friends or family will be a great experience. The restaurant is located at Laem Hin Pier, Soi Koh Kaew 2, Thepkasattri Road. There are dozens of parking slots and the restrooms are clean.

The special dish are Southern Style Prawn Fritters, Sour Soup With Fish, Deep-Fried Grouper with Three-Flavoured Chilli Sauce, Spicy Shrimp Paste with Fresh Vegetables, Stir Fried Prawns with Tamarind Sauce, Spicy Salty Stir-Fried Prawns, Tom Yum Kung with Young Coconut shoots, Dog Conch Clam, and Paco Fern Salad. 

Ko Ang Seafood, Phuket road, one block next to the Surin Circle Clock Tower

This place has been open a little more than 20 years and the founder was also a chef by himself. The standard of quality and deliciousness is very consistent, as he still cooks every dish by himself and the ingredients were also high-graded local seafood. Therefore, many customers are consistently retained by such kind of service.

The signature dishes of Koh Ang are Garlic Fried Mantis Prawn, Steamed-Crabs with Seafood Sauce, Steamed Prawns with Vermicelli, Stir Fried Crab Meat with Curry Powder, Fish Head In Taro Soup, Sour Soup with Fish, Dried-Shrimp Paste, Steamed Fish & Lotus With Curry Paste, and Sea Grapes Thai Spicy Salad. 

The Crab House Restaurant & Cafe, next to Aram Bridge

Fresh Crabs, Fresh Prawns, what's not to love right? and If you are a crab or prawn lover, this place is just for you, because they are very specialized. Most of the dishes are Thai, Chinese, and Western-styled, and of course, they are very fresh and flavourful.

Please don't miss one of these, Steamed Female Crabs with Roe in Fresh Milk, Stir Fried Crab in Chili Sauce, Stir Fried Tiger Prawn with X.O. Sauce, Tom Yum Kung, Spicy Salty Stir-Fried Prawns. 

The Crab House Restaurant & Cafe is located in the heart of Phuket city on Phuket road, near Aram Bridge. We recommend using GPS Navigation.

Cafés and Desserts

O-Aew Pae Lee, a street food cart in the Soon Utis Alley

O-Aew is one of Phuket's local specialties that you should not miss. It's being introduced by Hokkien Chinese settlers in the past. Basically a Jelly made from O-Aew plant seed served with red kidney beans, syrup and shaved ice. It is really effective in combatting heat. The O-Aew Pae Lee is a legendary dessert eatery in Phuket, that has been open for more than 80 years and they are very specialized in making a perfect O-Aew. The sweetness, the texture of the Jelly, and anything that an O-Aew should be. 

The specialty of this place are Original O-aew (Starts at 15 THB), O-aew with Red Beans, O-aew with Grass Jelly, and O-aew with Mixed Toppings.  And you can order one with customized toppings too! 

This eatery is a food cart, located in the Soon Utis Alley, Yaowarad Road. For your convenience, we recommend using GPS navigation.

Pornthip Old Town, in Rommani Alley

This well known dessert café located in the central area of Phuket City. Apart from Desserts, they also sell souvenirs. Their signature is Pudding Topped with O-Aew & Bee Koh Moi with Longan, it is an O-Aew topped with a layer of fresh milk pudding, Bee Koh Moi (Phuket's black glutinous rice), and Longan. Anyway, there are more choices for you like O-Aew Pudding, Garnished O-Aew, Classic O-Aew, and A-Pong deep-fried crepe. 

Campus Coffee Roaster, at Krabi and Yaowarad Road Intersection

This top-tier coffee shop is located on Krabi road, in the old town of Phuket and it's always busy with coffee lovers. 

There are professional baristas and 3 choices of coffee which are Classis Blend, House Blend, and Ocean Blend. If you're stopping by for a drink we recommend Cold Brew Coffee, Honey Espresso On The Rocks, Dirty Coffee, Affogato, Jelly Coffee, and Ms.Scarlet (Cold Brew Coffee with Red Berry Extract) 

The interior was nicely designed and decorated, there are wooden furnishings and polished concrete walls which give off a cozy and warm welcome feeling. It is an ideal place for anyone to grab a cold drink, or take a break from a long walk under the heat.

Torry's Ice Cream, in Rommani Alley

Torry's Ice Cream is a famous homemade Ice Cream Parlor in Phuket. Located in Rommani alley, an alley that connects between Talang and Dibuk Rd. This place specializes in creating different flavors of homemade ice cream out of local desserts, and they are very unique. The signature bowls are Bee Koh Moi with Butterfly Pea Ice Cream, Khee-Mun with Black Sesame Ice Cream, O-Aew with O-Aew Sorbet Ice Cream.

Satisfaction of the taste buds?  Why don't you also fulfill your dream of having a house in Phuket?

Phuket is not just a place for outstanding gastronomic experiences, but also a magnificent place to live in. There are exclusive selection of houses, condos, and villas. If you are interested, please feel free to contact PropertyScout, our professional team will be loved to assist you!