Q. Where can I find the best local food in Phuket?

A. Phuket Town has the highest concentration of authentic local restaurants. The area around Dibuk Road, Yaowarat Road, and the streets near the fresh market are where most of the long-standing local shops are. Outside of town, the east coast has excellent seafood restaurants on stilts over the water, and Kathu has a few hidden Michelin-listed spots between Patong and Phuket Town.

Q. Is local food in Phuket very spicy?

A. Southern Thai food is generally spicier than what you find in Bangkok or northern Thailand. Dishes like gaeng som (sour curry) and stir-fried sator beans are not toned down for tourists at local restaurants. If you prefer milder food, seafood dishes like grilled prawns, steamed fish, and fried rice are usually safe choices. Most restaurants will adjust the heat if you ask.

Q. Are there Michelin restaurants in Phuket that are cheap?

A. Yes. Many of the Michelin-listed restaurants in Phuket are local shops where a meal costs under 100 baht. Go Benz, Roti Thaew Nam, Krua Ohm, and Go La Hokkien Noodles all have Michelin recognition and serve food at local prices. Phuket has one of the highest concentrations of affordable Michelin-listed restaurants in Thailand.

Q. What local dishes should I try in Phuket?

A. Hokkien noodles (mee Hokkien) are a Phuket signature, stir-fried in dark soy sauce with pork and seafood. Kanom jeen is rice noodles with spicy curry, usually eaten for breakfast. Moo Hong is a slow-braised pork belly dish with Peranakan roots. O-Taw is a soft oyster pancake unique to Phuket. For something adventurous, try Yum Kai Mangda Talay, a horseshoe crab egg salad.

Q. Can I find good local food near Patong Beach?

A. Patong itself is mostly tourist restaurants, but Kathu, just 10 minutes inland, has several excellent local spots. Kha Moo Boran serves one of the best stewed pork legs on the island. Krua Ohm and Krua Jongjit both have Michelin recognition. Kalim Rim Lay, just north of Patong, is one of the few local seafood restaurants with an ocean view near the beach.

Best of Phuket

Explore the best of Phuket with guides to top beaches, hotels, restaurants, and things to do. Find recommended attractions, dining, and accommodation across the island.

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