From spicy curries to savoury seafood, there is a range of delicious dishes to explore while visiting Phuket. Here are some classic Phuket dishes that are a must-try during your holiday.
Where to find classic Phuket dishes
There are plenty of restaurants and local markets where you can find them. Here are some recommendations:
- Local Markets: Phuket has several local markets where you can find a variety of Thai dishes, including classics like Pad Thai and Som Tam. Some popular markets to check out include Phuket Weekend Market, Chillva Market, and Banzaan Fresh Market.
- Hotels: Many hotels in Phuket offer traditional Thai dishes on their menus, and some even have cooking classes where you can learn how to make these dishes yourself. Places like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort feature restaurants that serve both classic Phuket dishes and international cuisines. Luxury Hotels in Phuket are often the best choice for those who want to enjoy adventure and also revel in authentic Thai tastes.
- Street Food Stalls: Phuket is known for its street food, and you can find a range of classic dishes being sold by street vendors.
- Thai Restaurants: There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Phuket that serve classic dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Massaman Curry, and Pad Thai.
Tom Yum Goong
If you find yourself in Phuket, don’t miss the opportunity to try Tom Yum Goong, a Thai soup that’s widely loved. Its delightful combination of heat and sourness comes from the blend of shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli, and fish sauce. This soup is served steaming hot and has a burst of flavours that are sure to awaken your taste buds.
Massaman Curry
Massaman Curry is a classic dish that is a fusion of Thai and Indian flavours. It is a mild curry made with tender chunks of meat – usually beef – simmered in a fragrant curry sauce with potatoes, peanuts, and spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. The dish is served with steamed rice and is a favourite among both locals and tourists.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a staple Thai dish that is a must-try when visiting Phuket. The dish is made with stir-fried noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and egg and is served with a side of crushed peanuts, lime, and chilli flakes. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours makes Pad Thai a favourite among tourists and locals alike.
Tom Kha Gai
This is a popular Thai soup made with chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilli. The soup is served hot and is a great way to warm up on a cool Phuket evening. The soup’s creamy texture and fragrant aroma make it a must-try when exploring Phuket’s food scene.
Grilled Seafood
Phuket is known for its fresh seafood, and grilled seafood is a must-try when visiting the island. From grilled prawns to grilled squid, there is a range of seafood to choose from. The seafood is usually marinated in a mixture of garlic, chilli, and lime juice and then grilled to perfection. The smoky flavour and tender texture make grilled seafood a favourite among seafood lovers.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a classic Thai dessert that is a must-try when in Phuket. The dessert is made with sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, and fresh ripe mango. The combination of sweet and creamy flavours makes Mango Sticky Rice a favourite among both tourists and locals.
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
This is a refreshing and spicy salad made with shredded, unripe papaya, chilli, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. The salad is often served with grilled chicken or seafood, and it’s a great way to cool down on a hot day in Phuket.
Image Link – https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0a/Som_tam_thai.JPG
Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken)
Green Curry Chicken is a classic Thai dish made with tender chicken pieces, green curry paste, coconut milk, and vegetables like eggplant, bamboo shoots, and bell peppers. The dish is served with steamed rice and is a favourite among those who love spicy food.
Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Khao Man Gai is a simple yet delicious Thai dish that is a must-try when in Phuket. The dish is made with poached chicken served on top of steamed rice, with a side of ginger, garlic, and chilli sauce.
Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Stir-Fried Pork with Basil)
Another popular Thai dish made with stir-fried pork, basil, chilli, garlic, and fish sauce, Pad Krapow Moo Saap is often served with steamed rice and is a favourite among those who love spicy and flavourful food.
Gai Tod (Fried Chicken)
Gai Tod is a simple and tasty dish made with fried chicken that is marinated in garlic, coriander, and fish sauce. The dish is often savoured with sweet chilli sauce and is a popular street food in Phuket.
Yam Talay (Seafood Salad)
Made with mixed seafood, chilli, lime juice, and herbs such as lemongrass and mint, Yam Talay is a refreshing salad often served with lettuce leaves. This is a great option if you want to enjoy fresh seafood in a healthy way.
