A local delicacy is a food item thought to be highly desirable due to its rarity, unusual flavour and other special characteristics. Much of the food in Phuket an interesting mix of the island’s multi ethnic influences, fall into these categories. They range from flavourful rice and noodle preparations to spicy curries, soups, salads and dishes prepared by stir frying, deep frying, grilling, stewing and blanching. Many of it served with delicious dipping sauces. The restaurants at Anantara Phuket Villas, a Phuket beach resort, introduce visitors to the mysteries of Thai cuisine.
The distinct flavour imparted to delicacies in Phuket is achieved by the mix of a range of traditional ingredients that include fresh and dried herbs, spices, pastes, sauces, roots, flowers and leaves that are added to vegetable, meat and seafood preparations. Insects, edible fungi and algae, fruit and nuts are also part of the main ingredients. Some delicious all time favourites that display regional influences and the island’s own stamp include Thai chicken biriyani, the staple chicken rice with a spicy dipping sauce, the island’s own version of roast duck, Thai style omelettes, grilled port skewers, Thai red and green curry with their inimitable flavour and Thai style fried vegetables with tofu or meat. Spicy green papaya salad, mango salad, the hot and spicy tom yam goong soup with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms, Pad Thai, a soupy noodle dish with bean sprouts, tofu, onions, ground peanuts, sugar, chili powder and fish sauce, spicy beef salad, Thai hot pot served in an earthenware pot, pork boiled for several hours in a sweet soy sauce giving it a rich colour, hundreds of barbecued and other dishes and snacks that impart a unique flavour are among Phuket’s delicacies. The Thais in Phuket also have a way with desserts. Coconut and durian ice cream with strange garnishing, the odd combination of ripe mango and Sticky rice, fresh banana pancake stacks, coconut puddings, novel tea drinks, fruit shakes and traditional alcoholic beverages are all part of Phuket’s gourmet experience.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.