One of Thailand’s most popular islands, Phuket is not just about beachside bliss, it’s a haven for adventurous foodies too. Thai cuisine is renowned for its evocative flavours, and Phuket adds its own unique twist, influenced by centuries of trade and immigration. Get ready to treat your taste buds on a culinary journey with these delectable offerings!
Khanom Jeen
Here’s a dish that will help you start the day with a delicious boost. Khanom Jeen, a breakfast staple, features thin rice noodles served with Nam Ya Pu – a fiery coconut milk curry boasting fresh crab that blends perfectly. This southern-style curry comes with fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, and condiments that can be mixed in to create your perfect flavour profile. Find this dish served at casual eateries and bustling markets across the island – a yummy and affordable way to start your day.
Moo Hong
For a taste of Phuket’s rich culinary heritage, savour some Moo Hong. This slow-cooked pork belly dish is a legacy of the Hokkien immigrants who arrived in the 1800s from Fujian, China. While seemingly simple, Moo Hong features an intricate balance of flavours. Black pepper, garlic, cinnamon, and coriander root are perfectly contrasted with dark soy sauce, coconut sugar, and fatty pork belly that add richness and sweetness. You can find it on the menus of upscale restaurants in Phuket like Dara, an ideal dining venue for your culinary journey of discovery.
Tod Mun Pla
Tod Mun Pla, or Thai fish cakes, are a must-try for seafood lovers. These deep-fried patties are bursting with flavour and have a springy texture. While it’s traditionally made with Pla Grai (clown featherback fish), other fish varieties can also be used. Red curry paste, fish sauce, and fragrant makrut lime leaves add a delightful kick, balanced by a refreshing cucumber and sweet chilli sauce relish. Want to take your experience a step further? Stay at a property, like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, which apart from having dining options, also offers hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to make these delicious snacks yourself!
Pad Thai
No exploration of Thai cuisine is complete without encountering Pad Thai. This iconic stir-fried noodle dish features a heavenly combination of textures and flavours. Rice noodles, tofu, egg, tamarind pulp, shallot, and garlic form the base, while fish sauce, sugar, chilli powder, and crushed peanuts add the finishing touches. Usually made with shrimp or chicken (you do get non-meat variations too), Pad Thai is widely available across the island in restaurants and on street stalls, offering a cheap and satisfying meal.
Tom Kha Gai
While Tom Yum Goong is often in the spotlight on the list of must-try dishes in Thailand (and Phuket for that matter!), don’t forget to sample Tom Kha Gai, another delectable soup waiting to be discovered. Tom Kha Gai, meaning “boiled galangal chicken,” features a creamy coconut milk base that creates a sweeter profile than its fiery counterpart. This fragrant soup is infused with the earthy tones of galangal and bursts with the freshness of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Enjoy it with a plate of steamed rice for a truly comforting and flavourful experience
