Phuket, located in southern Thailand, is a food lover's paradise. The island is home to a wide variety of delicious and unique dishes, with influences from Thai, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. From spicy curries and savory stir-fries to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks, there's something for every palate in Phuket.
One of the must-try dishes in Phuket is tom yum goong, a spicy and sour shrimp soup that is popular throughout Thailand. The soup is made with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers, and is often served with a side of rice. Another popular dish is pad thai, a stir-fry made with noodles, vegetables, and protein, typically chicken or shrimp. The dish is flavored with a sweet and tangy sauce and is often garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
For a taste of Phuket's Chinese influence, be sure to try khao moo daeng, a red pork rice dish that is served with a sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is typically served with boiled eggs, cucumber, and cilantro and is often eaten as a snack or light meal.
For a sweet treat, be sure to try mango sticky rice, a popular Thai dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and ripe mangoes. The rice is soaked in a mixture of coconut milk and sugar and is served with sliced mangoes on top. Other popular sweets in Phuket include roti, a thin and flaky pastry often filled with bananas or other sweet fillings and served with a side of sweetened condensed milk.
In addition to these traditional Thai and Chinese dishes, Phuket is also home to a wide variety of international restaurants, offering everything from Italian pasta to Mexican burritos. Some popular spots to try include Bussaba, a trendy restaurant known for its delicious Thai-fusion dishes, and Da Maurizio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant with stunning views of the Andaman Sea.
Want more, check out Phuket Western-style bakeries and patisseries, offering everything from croissants and cakes to coffee and ice cream. Some popular spots to try include Berry & Co., a chic cafe and bakery known for its Instagram-worthy pastries, and Baker & Spice, a high-end bakery and patisserie that uses locally-sourced ingredients in its dishes.
When it comes to dining out in Phuket, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a quick street food snack or a fancy dinner at a fine dining restaurant, there's something for every budget and taste on the island.