Dive into the best food in Phuket from fresh seafood to sweet treats for a taste of the island you won’t forget.
Truth be told, while Phuket’s beaches are stunning, it was the food that truly stole the show for us. We spent an entire day tasting the island’s best eats, chatting with locals, and soaking up the real Phuket vibes, it was hands down our most authentic experience on the island. In this post, we’re sharing our personal top nine must-try dishes, from breakfast bites to budget-friendly meals that had us coming back for seconds.
the Highlights:
Best Food in Phuket
1. Roti
Thai-style roti is a must-try street food you’ll find all over Thailand, from bustling markets to hidden alleys. This crispy flatbread is often filled with sweet fillings griddled to perfection, and topped with sweet condensed milk, making it the perfect snack or dessert. Our go-to filling is banana and peanut butter (if we can find it). It’s a delicious, flaky treat you won’t want to miss!
Restaurant to Try: Roti Taew Nam
We were so grateful to find the best roti stop at Roti Taew Nam. Head here for breakfast, and let me tell you, it will be worth every bite! Open daily from 7 AM to 12 noon, we arrived just in time at 11:30 and dove right into their famous banana roti pancake, a perfect mix of banana, egg, and sweet condensed milk.
We couldn’t stop there and ordered the egg roti (trust us, mix it all together for a savory flavor bomb) before ending with a rich, flavorful curry. And guess what? We got all this goodness for less than 1,000 baht!
Once you’ve mapped out your food journey, it’s time to relax at the Best Beaches in Phuket.
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2. Noodle Soup
Noodle soup is a classic dish you’ll find all over Asia, and Thailand is no exception. With various noodles, broths, and toppings the variations are endless. Personally, I love a good egg noodles with a rich chicken broth and topped with fried shallots, cilantro, and lime.
Restaurant to Try: O Cha Rot Phuket
O Cha Rot is famous for their beef ball noodle soup. It tasted like a salty roast, packed with flavor, and came with crunchy bean sprouts. And the best part? We got two bowls for only 120 baht!
This hole in the wall may look simple, but it’s home to some of the best noodle soup in Phuket Town, even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide. Forget fancy decor, this spot is all about flavor. With a simple menu and a broth that’s light and tasty, you get to make it your own with condiments like chillies, vinegar, and fish sauce.
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3. Hokkien Mee noodles
You may find this dish on the menu as Pad Mee Hokkien since “pad” means noodles in Thai. Although this dish is originally Hokkien (a region in China), it’s become a popular option throughout Thailand.
This dish features perfectly fried yellow noodles topped with pork, shrimp, fish balls, and a fried egg. The flavors just blew us away, making me wish I could sit and eat there all day. If you love a hearty noodle dish, this is the one you don’t want to miss!
Restaurant to Try: Mee Ton Poe
If you find yourself in Phuket City, Mee Ton Poe is a place you can’t skip! This iconic spot has been serving its legendary Hokkien Mee since 1946, proving they’ve mastered their craft. Their menu features Hokkien Mee, also known as Mee Ton Poe, with a tasty mix of pork, seafood, and veggies. Their Pad Mee Hokkien is a delicious fusion of Thai and Chinese flavors that makes it a must-try!
4. Rice porridge
Khao Tom Haeng, or dry rice porridge, is a flavorful twist on the classic Thai comfort food. This dish is seasoned rice served without soup, topped with a mouthwatering mix of crispy pork belly, tender pork ribs, homemade pork balls, and steamed offals. It’s finished off with crunchy fried garlic, pork lard, and fresh spring onions for extra flavor. The green onions and shallots added a fresh kick that really tied everything together (this is always my favorite topping).
You can also try the traditional rice porridge served in a soupy broth with many of the same toppings. I preferred this version. It was a cozy hearty dish that was a bit different than all the other dishes on the list.
Restaurant to Try: Go Benz
Our rice porridge stop took us to the hottest spot in town, and wow, it was packed! We barely found a place to sit, even though they’d only been open for 40 minutes. The buzz was real, and we couldn’t wait to dive in. When our turn came, we ordered their famous dry rice porridge and the traditional rice porridge. They were bursting with flavor. Both dishes were a bit pricier (for street food in Thailand) at 200 baht, but they were huge and absolutely worth it.
Fun fact: Go Benz has been a Michelin Guide favorite since 2019, and I could see why!
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5. Satay
Satay in Thailand is a dish you can’t miss, especially in Phuket, where turmeric gives the meat its bright yellow color. You can find chicken or pork satay at most Thai restaurants and lots of street food vendors. It’s marinated in coconut and spices, then grilled over charcoal for that perfect smoky flavor. But the real hero here is the creamy, slightly spiced peanut sauce! Just a heads-up, if you’ve got a peanut allergy, this one’s not for you!
Restaurant to Try: Mee Ton Poe or basically any market
Nate’s got a point about satay, three pieces never seem like enough, right? Sure, you can order more, but wouldn’t four or even more be perfect? Well, in Mee Ton Poe, the satay game is strong. One serving gives you 10 pieces of tender, smoky pork, grilled to perfection. And don’t even get us started on the peanut sauce, it’s absolute perfection! The cherry on top? For a plate of satay and noodles, we only spent 150 Baht. Talk about a delicious deal!
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6. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a must-have for anyone traveling Phuket or Thailand, and it’s usually a staple on most restaurant menus. This classic Thai dish features stir-fried rice noodles in a sweet, tangy sauce, loaded with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, garlic chives, scrambled egg, tofu, and your choice of chicken or shrimp. The real magic comes from the tamarind in the sauce, which gives Pad Thai its signature sour kick.
Restaurant to Try: Karon Temple Market
While you really can find a good Pad Thai all over the island, our favorite is a lone stall at the Karon Temple Market. You’ll find her down the first main row of food (there’s plenty of other great options here!). Her stall is set on a motorbike and she has a few plastic seats set up in back for customers.
NOTE: This market is only open on Thursdays and Fridays evenings, so plan your visit accordingly!
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7. Mango sticky rice
Mango sticky rice is the ultimate Thai dessert, and it’s easy to see why it’s so beloved! Imagine sweet, sticky rice drenched in coconut syrup, paired with fresh, juicy mango slices, it’s a flavor combo that might just surprise you. Don’t forget to add some additional toppings like fresh coconut flakes, gelatinous balls, or crushed peanuts!
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8. Drunken noodles
If you’re a fan of Thai food, you’ve probably come across drunken noodles, or pad kee mao. The story behind the name varies, but the most popular idea is that these spicy, flavorful noodles are a go-to after a fun night out.
These are a perfect street food meal, made with stir-fried rice noodles, holy basil, and plenty of chilies. The combination of chewy noodles, a bold savory sauce, and the fresh aroma of basil makes it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any time of day!
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9. Khao Pad
Khao Pad, or Thai Fried Rice, is a must-try dish that’s a staple on both street food stalls and restaurant menus in Thailand. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, with stir-fried rice as the base, mixed with your choice of meat (usually shrimp or chicken), eggs, garlic, onions, and fresh veggies like tomatoes and cilantro.
Though it may seem like just a mound of rice at first glance, Khao Pad is a delicious blend of ingredients that packs a punch in every bite. It’s often served with a side of chili for those who love a bit of heat, making it easy to customize to your taste.
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As you wrap up your food adventure through Phuket, these 9 must-try dishes are just the beginning of what this vibrant island has to offer. From rich curries to sizzling street food, Phuket is truly a food lover’s paradise!
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