Phuket’s 100-Year Dim Sum Breakfast
Chuan Heang is a locally famous dim sum restaurant located in Phuket Town that has been serving traditional breakfast fare for over 100 years. This historic establishment represents one of Phuket’s most enduring culinary traditions and is considered arguably the oldest breakfast restaurant on the island.
The Restaurant
Chuan Heang operates on a unique self-service system where customers first secure a table, then queue at the front steaming stations to select their desired dim sum. Staff members assist with recommendations and carry trays to help customers make their selections from the variety of freshly steamed and fried options. Payment is calculated by counting the empty plates at the end of the meal.
The restaurant maintains the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Chinese dim sum house, with steel tables and a busy environment that fills quickly with both locals and tourists. Parking is available on the street, though it can become challenging during peak hours.
Signature Dishes
Must-try items at Chuan Heang Branch 1 include:
- Har gow (shrimp dumplings) – particularly praised for their soft, chewy wrapper and fresh shrimp filling
- Siu mai (pork dumplings) – both pork and crab varieties
- Steamed fish with soy sauce
- Pork rib soup (Bak Kut Teh) with Chinese herbs
- Rice noodle rolls with shrimp – featuring whole shrimp in each piece
- Crab fried rolls – a local speciality
- Mee sua – a Phuket-style noodle soup with pork ribs
True Local Dining Experience
The dim sum is traditionally served with a special Phuket-style dipping sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and tangy. This red sauce is unique to the region and differs from typical Hong Kong-style accompaniments. The restaurant also serves complimentary herbal tea and provides chrysanthemum flower tea in pots on each table.
As a fourth-generation family business, Chuan Heang has maintained its reputation through consistent quality control of ingredients and efficient service. The restaurant has successfully balanced traditional recipes, keeping each dim sum variety true to its character.
Chuan Heang Dim Sum’s long popularity comes from treating staff like family and attentive customer service that keeps both locals and visitors returning daily. Despite its century-long history, Chuan Heang continues to draw crowds every morning, proving its importance in Phuket’s breakfast culture.
Chuan Heang Dim Sum Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: 11 Chanacharoen Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Hours: 6 am – 11.30 am
Phone: 076216271
Website: Click here
Chuan Heang Dim Sum Map
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