Mee Ko Lan – A Legendary Noodles Shop in Phuket
Mee Ko Lan, originally called Mee Lok Tien, is a legendary noodle shop in Phuket Town that’s been open for more than 100 years. The story of these noodles began with Ko Lan’s teacher, a Cantonese immigrant who settled in Phuket. At the time, noodles weren’t very popular and were sold at just 1 Baht per bowl.
During the tin mining boom, when workers had more money, Mee Lok Tien grew in popularity, and the price increased to 1.50 Baht. After World War II, in 1945, the Cantonese teacher returned to China, and Ko Lan continued the business. Today, his children still run the shop.
For generations, many Phuket families have eaten here. The writer’s family has been eating these noodles since the great-grandparents’ time, and now the 6th generation continues.
What Makes the Noodles Special
The noodles are handmade fresh every morning. Ko Ju (Ko Lan’s son) starts work before dawn, kneading the dough and preparing the day’s ingredients. The noodles are first blanched to cook through and wash off excess flour. Then they’re seared in a hot pan to set the texture and add a smoky aroma before cooking.
The char siu (roast pork) follows an old family recipe, and the taste is similar to the meals Grandma used to make. Garlic oil is freshly fried each day, giving the dish a unique aroma and flavour.
For noodle soup, homemade pork cracklings (called Ba Ee Poh in Phuket dialect) are added, giving the broth a deep fragrance. Some days, they also serve wontons, filled with extra black pepper in an old-style recipe. Only two siblings run the entire shop, so everything is made fresh daily with nothing kept overnight.
Soup Noodle
Dry Noodles
Stir-Fried Noodles
- Soup or dry noodles (sometimes with wontons)
- Stir-fried noodles with char siu and fish balls (slightly wet style)
- Rad Na (gravy noodles) and Pad See Ew (soy sauce noodles)
Extra Notes
Since only two people cook and serve, expect a wait during lunch. Be patient—good food here takes time. They also sell small snacks in the shop to enjoy while waiting.
Story by our friend Khun Praew
Mee Ko Lan Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: Satun Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Hours: 10.30 am – 3 pm, closed on Sunday
Phone: 089 649 5951
Mee Ko Lan Map
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