Best Places to Eat in Phuket

Best Dishes to Try in Phuket (Thailand)

Here are some must-try Thai cuisine options in Phuket with descriptions, ingredients, dietary choices, and price ranges:

• Banana Pancake

  Despite being called "pancakes," these beloved street snacks are rotis, with a different dough preparation. Topped with options like banana, Nutella, or condensed milk, they are a versatile treat found all over Phuket. Sweet, crispy, and endlessly customisable, they are a must-try indulgence.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 30

• Khao Pad Kai (Fried Rice with Chicken)

  Khao Pad Kai is simple yet flavorful, a classic Thai fried rice dish made with chicken, garlic, and a dash of soy sauce. Served with three cucumber slices on the side, it is even better with Plik Nam Pla, which adds a salty and spicy kick.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 443 per plate

• Moo Ping (Pork Satay)

  Moo Ping, a marinated pork skewer perfectly grilled and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Easy to find on the streets, Moo Ping's smoky aroma is unforgettable. It is a quick snack and best enjoyed fresh off the grill for maximum flavour.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 12 - 24

• Tom Yum Goong

  Tom Yum Goong is a vibrant, spicy prawn soup known for its bold mix of flavours. It offers a zesty and aromatic punch by combining lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chillies. Cooked with fresh prawns and mushrooms, this Thai favourite delivers a fulfilling, flavour-packed experience.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 351 (average price)

• Khao Soi

  Khao Soi is a rich, spiced yellow curry soup with tender chicken legs and soft, flat rice noodles. This northern Thai dish is a comforting and flavour-packed favourite topped with crispy fried noodles and accompanied by lemon, onions, and pickled vegetables.

  • Type: Non-vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 213 - 502

• Mango Sticky Rice

  Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved Thai dessert that combines perfectly ripe mangoes with sticky rice drenched in sweet coconut milk and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Though simple, its taste can vary depending on the season and the restaurant, making it a must-try treat in Thailand.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: Starts from INR 377

• Tom Kha Gai

  Tom Kha Gai is a fragrant Thai soup featuring chicken in a coconut milk broth infused with galangal and lemongrass. Gluten-free and not too spicy, it is perfect for gatherings and can be easily adapted to a vegan option.

  • Type: Both non-vegetarian and vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 219 - 249

• Som Tum

  Som Tum is a beloved Thai dish found almost everywhere, featuring a refreshing papaya salad that can vary significantly in spice and ingredients. The safest choice is Som Tum Thai, made with papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and chillies.

  • Type: Vegetarian
  • Approx. Price*: INR 126 - 251

*Disclaimer: All costs are approximate and are subject to change at the time of travel.

Thailand Food Guide: Best Restaurants and Street Food Stalls in Phuket

Phuket has some great restaurants that are based on different themes, such as beach life or veg plantation. Plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants offer the best dining experience, with some of the best Thai cuisine. Here are some must-visit places to eat in Phuket that will end your search for “best restaurants near me” and “healthy food near me.”

• Blue Elephant

  Celebrated for its authentic Thai cuisine, Blue Elephant is set in a Sino-Portuguese mansion. The restaurant serves royal dishes, with Seng Wa and Massaman Curry as notable options in an elegant dining atmosphere.

  • Location: 41 South Sathorn Road, BTS Surasak, Bangkok 10120
  • Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM; 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

• Mor Mu Dong

  Mor Mu Dong offers a genuine dining experience in Phuket's rural setting. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices, this seafood restaurant serves dishes in unique wooden Salas. Locals appreciate its straightforward approach to authentic food.

  • Location: 32/9 Soi Mu Dong, Chao Fah East, Chalong
  • Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM

• Laem Hin Seafood

  Laem Hin Seafood is a top local choice for seafood. This popular restaurant, often busy during dinner and weekends, features a wooden structure over water, and specialises in authentic Southern Thai dishes made with fresh catch from local anglers.

  • Location: 90/11 Moo 7, Soi Ban Laem Hin, Thepkrasattri Road Mueang Phuket, Phuket
  • Opening hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

• Pru Restaurant

  Pru Restaurant, located at Trisara Phuket, is the first to earn a Michelin star in the area. With a relaxing ambience and a focus on local produce, it serves innovative Thai cuisine through extensive five and eight-course menus.

  • Location: 60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket
  • Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM; 6 PM - 10:30 PM

• Tu Kab Khao Restaurant

  Tu Kab Khao Restaurant serves authentic Southern Thai food at reasonable prices. With traditional interiors and an intimate setup, the restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, including local favourites like Gaeng Som Pla and Big Prawns with tamarind chutney.

  • Location: 8 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
  • Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

Vegetarian Restaurants in Phuket

Thai cuisine is known for its meat diet, whether fish, crabs or beef. Still, for those who prefer vegetarian food and are always looking for “pure veg restaurants near me” or “Indian food near me” whenever they travel overseas, Phuket has no shortage of vegetarian food options and restaurants. Here are some vegetarian restaurants in Phuket that you can try.

• Atsumi Raw Cafe

  Set in a tranquil garden, Atsumi Raw Cafe provides a quiet dining experience. The menu features a variety of raw vegan and vegetarian dishes. Try the rich walnut brownie with ice cream and the delightful pecan cupcake.

  • Location: Wiset Rd, Phuket 83130, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 9 AM - 7 PM

• Dok Bua Vegetarian Restaurant

  Dok Bua Vegetarian Restaurant offers a clean, cosy setting with a diverse Thai vegetarian menu. Highlights include Pla Pad Pong curry, Pad Thai, Kha Moo Rom Kwuan, and refreshing homemade herbal tea to balance the spice.

  • Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

• Santosa Vegetarian Restaurant

  Santosa Vegetarian Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with a beachfront view of the Andaman Sea. The menu features an array of vegan and raw dishes, including pasta, salads, and refreshing summer rolls. Indulge in the decadent raw fudge, if available.

  • Location: Amphoe Muang, Phuket, Thailand, 83130
  • Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

• Super Natural Restaurant at Friendship Beach

  Super Natural Restaurant prioritises fresh ingredients, avoiding artificial colours, flavourings, and MSG. While not exclusively vegetarian, the menu features a variety of vegetarian and raw vegan options alongside refreshing juices and smoothies for health-conscious diners.

  • Location: Rawai, Phuket, Thailand, 83130
  • Opening Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM

• Loukthor Vegetarian Restaurant

  Loukthor Vegetarian Restaurant is well-known for its delicious plant-based dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of soups, salads, stir-fries, and curries, with popular items like vegan Pad Thai and green curry.

  • Location: Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
  • Opening Hours: 6 AM - 9 PM

Best Vegan Cafes/Restaurants in Phuket

Thailand may have a reputation for offering heavily meat-based cuisine, but because of the country's ever-growing tourism, many vegan food options have grown in recent years. Phuket offers a variety of vegan restaurants for those who prefer a plant-based diet. Here are some of the best vegan cafes and restaurants to end your search for “healthy food near me” and “places to eat near me” in Phuket.

• The Vegan Table

  The Vegan Table in Phuket features a diverse menu of fresh, locally sourced vegan dishes. Highlights include vegan burgers, sushi rolls, and pad thai, complemented by refreshing juices.

  • Location: Talat Yai, Phuket 83000 Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 10 PM

• Vegan Phuket

  Vegan Phuket offers delicious and affordable Thai vegan cuisine prepared with care by a friendly owner. The comfortable, chic atmosphere enhances the dining experience. Renowned for its excellent quality, the restaurant is a must-visit.

  • Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 8 PM

• Vegan Junkie

  Vegan Junkie serves delicious vegan junk food, including burgers with cheese and bacon, mac 'n cheese, and creamy Caesar salad with chicken strips. Established in June 2019, this fast-food spot is perfect for those craving comforting, plant-based dishes.

  • Location: Chalong, Phuket, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM - 8:30 PM

• Go Vegan Cafe

  Go Vegan Cafe offers a diverse vegan menu blending Western styles with Asian twists. It features energy balls, chocolate bites, coffees, and smoothies. Nestled in Rawai among popular tourist shops, this spot is perfect for those seeking a delicious, plant-based treat.

  • Location: Tambon Rawai, Phuket, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM

• Pure Vegan Heaven

  Established in 2016, Pure Vegan Heaven offers a wide selection of meals, desserts, coffee, and drinks. Menu highlights include rice paper salad rolls, banana pancakes, nachos, and burgers, with options for build-your-own salads in a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Location: Chalong, Phuket, Thailand
  • Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 8 PM

FAQs

• Q1. What are some must-try street foods in Phuket?

  Ans. Dishes like Banana pancakes and Som Tum are among the best street food options you can try in Phuket.

• Q2. Is it easy to find pure veg restaurants in Phuket?

  Ans. Yes, Phuket is home to some of the top pure veg restaurants in Thailand, where you can enjoy healthy and delicious vegan variants of Thai cuisine. Once in Phuket, search for “pure veg restaurants near me” to view an extensive list of spots serving your favourite delicacies.

• Q3. Can I find an Indian restaurant near me in Phuket?

  Ans. Yes, there are many Indian food restaurants in Phuket, like the Bollywood Phuket Restaurant and Bar or the famous Baluchi restaurant in the Patong region.

• Q4. Is traditional Thai food very spicy?

  Ans. Yes, traditional Thai cuisine is quite spicy because it uses some of the world’s chilliest spices, such as chilli, ginger, and basil.

• Q5. What are the places to eat in Phuket on a budget?

  Ans. Phuket’s cuisine is moderately priced, but you can enjoy Thai food at budget-friendly restaurants, such as Kopitam by Wilai, Abdul’s Roti Shop, and Lock Tien.

• Q6. Is street food safe to eat in Phuket?

  Ans. Street food is generally safe in Phuket’s food markets as it is cooked before you. However, you should ensure that the ingredients and utensils are clean before the vendor cooks your food.

• Q7. Can I find Chinese food in Phuket?

  Ans. Phuket has various Chinese food options, like Hong Bao Ramada for upscale Cantonese dishes and dim sum and Boonrat Dim Sum for casual, traditional dim sum​. A simple online search on “Chinese food near me” will show you various eateries that serve your favourite Cantonese dishes.