One of the things to do in Phuket is simply “eat.” Most people associate Phuket’s culinary scene with well-known restaurants and rooftop bars in Phuket. However, it goes well beyond these places. The true essence of the island’s flavours lies in Phuket street food, where aromatic stalls and sizzling woks beckon you to embark on a gastronomic adventure.
The island’s rich cultural heritage, blended with influences from Chinese and Malay cuisines, has given rise to a diverse and mouthwatering array of street food that will tantalise your taste buds.
Let’s take a culinary tour through the best Phuket street food as we uncover 10 must-try dishes that will leave you wanting more.
Best Phuket Street Food to Put on Your List
1. Mee Hokkien
Mee Hokkien is a hearty noodle menu and one of the most well-known local foods in Phuket. The dish consists of chewy egg noodles stir-fried in a rich pork broth infused with garlic and spices. It is then garnished with char siu (barbecue pork), tender squid, and smoky Chinese sausage.
You can also order an optional soft poached egg, which gives a creamier texture that complements the dish’s salty and savoury taste. Mee Hokkien can be found at Lock Tien Food Court, in the heart of Phuket Old Town, or at many local eateries around Phuket.
2. Moo Hong
Prepare to be seduced by the tender, melt-in-your-mouth Moo Hong, a slow-cooked pork belly dish. This Phuket traditional food menu is among Southern Thailand’s most celebrated dishes.
The pork is braised in a fragrant blend of spices, including five-spice powder, garlic, soy sauce, and palm sugar, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. It is often served with steamed rice and can be found at local restaurants and markets throughout Phuket.
Keep in mind that each local restaurant may have its own recipe on the menu—some are sweeter and stickier, while others are more savoury and a bit spicy. According to various sources, the top recommended restaurant to try out Moo Hong is Raya Restaurant, located in Phuket Old Town.
3. Kanom Jeen Nam Ya
Kanom Jeen in different regions of Thailand features its own take on the recipe, particularly the curry sauce. When it comes to Phuket’s local cuisine, Kanom Jeen Nam Ya is the number one choice. The creamy green curry is poured over a fast-boiled rice noodle and is topped with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hard-boiled egg.
Kanom Jeen is a staple local food in Phuket, found at various street food stalls and markets across the island.
4. Roti
Roti is a pan-fried flatbread derived from the Thai-Muslim ethnic group and is sold on every corner and night market across the island.
This thin, crispy pancake comes in various forms; traditionally, roti is filled with sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and butter, while savoury versions feature fillings like eggs, bananas, or even minced meat. If you are searching for one, Phuket walking street is a prime spot to find this delicious treat.
5. Oh Aew
To beat the blazing heat of Phuket’s summer, taste the famous “Oh Aew”, a staple dessert of the island. This refreshing dessert is made from shaved ice, dressed with red syrup, and topped with sweets like coconut jelly, beans, palm seeds, and more to your liking.
Oh Aew is without a doubt the best food in Phuket to cool down during a hot day or if you’re travelling with children and they need something sweet for their palate. That said, be sure to visit “โอ้เอ๋ว เจ้าเก่า” (Oh Aew Jao Kao) in Soi Soon Utis on Yaowarad Road, near the Local and Street Food Market.
6. Dim Sum
Dim Sum or “steamed dumplings” are traditionally Cantonese dishes; however, the islanders have adopted these delicious dishes as their breakfast of choice and are becoming tourists’ favourites as well.
Each bite-sized dim sum is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, sweet egg custard, fish tofu, and an assortment of vegetables. They are traditionally steamed and served in a bamboo steamer bowl (with a lid), which makes for a hot meal to start your day.
For a delicious Dim Sum experience, visit Boonrat Dim Sum, which has its first branch on Bangkok Road and the second on Dilok Uthit 2 Road, and the “Boonrat Gold Dim Sum” branch on Chao Fah Tawan Ok Road, all of which open as early as 6 a.m.
7. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is an iconic Thai dish that needs no introduction. If you are visiting the island for the first time and are wondering what to eat in Phuket, then Pad Thai is our top recommendation.
To describe this menu, it is a stir-fried rice noodle with toppings like tofu, eggs, shrimp, squids, and various other choices of meat. Pad Thai offers a blend of savoury, sweet and a little bit of sour in each bite. There are numerous Phuket street food vendors scattered around the island that offer their take on Pad Thai.
8. Khao Man Gai
Khao Man Gai may not be a Phuket local food, per se, but it is a popular comfort food that every family member can enjoy nonetheless. It features tender poached chicken served over oily jasmine rice steamed with ginger, garlic, and chicken stock.
Khao Man Gai is often accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce and a bowl of savoury chicken broth soup with white pepper and winter melon, which makes for a very satisfying meal.
9. Satay
Satay may be a lesser-known dish for newcomers to Phuket and the rest of Thailand. Originating from the Indonesian Muslim ethnic group, the Thai version of satay mainly uses pork as its main ingredient. The skewers of meat are marinated overnight in turmeric and coconut milk, giving satay its iconic golden colour.
It is often served with creamy peanut sauce with a hint of chilli and paired with slices of cucumber, shallots, and red chillies. Satay is a popular Phuket street food item found across town and night markets.
10. Gaeng Som
Gaeng Som is a sour curry with an unmistakable yellow and a bit of orange colour. It is as popular across Thailand as it is in Phuket. However, the rest of the region would call it “Gaeng Lueang” because of Southern Thais’ use of turmeric as the base.
Additional ingredients include garlic, shallots, green papaya and shrimp paste, with lime juice adding the sour taste and red Thai chillies for its spiciness. The texture of this curry is relatively thin and watery when compared to other soups like the famous Tom Yum Goong.
With a plethora of Phuket street food options to choose from, there is sure to be a flavour that you’d love. So, embrace the energy of the local markets and bustling streets, and indulge in the deliciousness of Phuket’s traditional dishes.
Planning Your Phuket Culinary Adventure
For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at a Phuket beach resort that offers easy access to local eateries and markets.
Luxurious 5-star hotels in Phuket, such as the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, provide a convenient starting point to explore the island’s culinary scene, including the vibrant and diverse Phuket street food, while providing you with the opportunity to enjoy world-class amenities and a tranquil retreat after a day of gastronomic exploration.
About Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort
Book your stay at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, ideally located to explore the peaceful Kamala Beach, shopping spots, and countless attractions. Discover luxury, comfort, and the best of Phuket with us.
Our 5-star Kamala beach resort offers convenient beach access as well as diving and snorkelling activities in the surrounding bay that present effortless Andaman Sea discoveries.
The resort is home to the largest oceanfront infinity pool in Phuket and features state-of-the-art family facilities and activities on the pool terrace, with spacious cabanas to unwind and soak up the sea and sunset views.
Our newly renovated Phuket Hotel offers 201 modern luxury rooms, complemented by stunning views of the Andaman Sea, which are ideal for families that wish for a spacious interior to relax and gaze over the sea.
Book your stay at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort today and discover a world of cultural wonder.
Tel: +66 7623 1234
Fax: +66 76 231 233
Email: phuket.regency@hyatt.com
