Phuket is more than just stunning beaches and Sino-Portuguese shophouses. It’s home to a UNESCO-recognised culinary landscape, shaped by the land and sea. No matter how short your stay is, savour some of the island’s most iconic and flavourful dishes, with a guide to the ultimate food tour.

phuket
Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay

Mee Hoon 

For a taste of Phuket’s culinary spirit, try Mee Hoon. A staple at street stalls and restaurants in Phuket, the dish consists of crispy rice noodles fried in soy sauce, often accompanied by vegetables, shrimp, and a salty pork broth. Its best rendition can be found at a small streetside joint on Soi Soon Utis, served only in the afternoon.

Goong Sarong 

Southern Thai cuisine often centres on fresh seafood caught from the Andaman Sea. Goong/Kun Sarong brings out the juicy flavours of local prawn, served wrapped in vermicelli noodles and deep-fried till golden brown. Order this appetiser to prepare for any meal in Phuket, such as with the Southern Thai Set Dinner at Layan Residences by Anantara.

Kaeng bu

Curries are another popular find in Southern cuisine, with Kaeng Bu highlighting the quality of crab in Phuket. This rich curry is a delightful medley of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, paired perfectly with a serving of steamed rice.

Moo Hong

No Phuket food tour is complete without Moo Hong—a slow-braised pork belly stew cooked with soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. This tender and savoury dish is a true comfort food of the region.

Bua Loy Sam See

End your culinary adventure on a sweet note with Bua Loy Sam See. These colourful glutinous rice balls are a comforting showcase of traditional flavours, served in warm coconut milk.