Old-School Dim Sum in a New Location in Phuket Town
We recently discovered Tatum Timsum (ตาตั้มติ่มซำ), a small breakfast spot on Wichit Songkhram Road in Phuket Town, opposite Sound Galley Hotel. The sign says “Since 2544,” which means they’ve been around since 2001. The shop recently moved into a renovated building near the Sam Yaek Wichit intersection, where Ricky Restaurant used to operate for decades. Whether Tatum Timsum was somewhere else before, we couldn’t confirm.
The Food
Tatum Timsum is old-school Phuket dim sum. No bamboo steamers rolling past your table. You walk up to the counter, pick what you want from the big metal steamers, and they bring it to your table. It’s how dim sum has always worked in Phuket, and it’s fun.
The shumai here is the real thing. Proper pork filling, packed tight, none of that flour-heavy filler you get at cheaper places. We tried the har gow, shumai, and a couple of items we wouldn’t have ordered ourselves, but the staff recommended them. They were right and everything was good.
One thing locals talk about is the dipping sauce. It’s not the usual sweet stuff you find everywhere. This one has spice, sourness, and sweetness all working together. It makes a real difference.
They also do fried shumai, which is hard to find in Phuket. Crispy outside, still moist inside, not greasy at all. And their guay teow lord rad see ew wan (sweet soy rice noodle rolls) might be the only place in town serving them.
The Place
Tatum Timsum building is spacious and airy, with the shop open to the street. There’s parking in the back, which matters in this part of town. The team wears hairnets and keeps things clean. The older gentleman behind the counter is likely “Ta Tum” himself, the grandfather whose name is on the sign.
What surprised us most is that some staff speak English and happily make recommendations. That’s rare for a local dim sum shop in Phuket.
Good to Know
Come early. We arrived late morning, and the selection was already thinning out. By 10 am, the popular items start running out. The shop opens around 5:30 am and closes by 11 am. Budget under 100 Baht per person.
Tatum Timsum is on Wichit Songkhram Road, Talad Neua, near the Sam Yaek Wichit intersection. Look for the big yellow sign with the cartoon grandfather face. You can’t miss it.
Tatum Timsum Info
Location: Phuket Town
Address: 52/9-10 Vichitsongkram Rd, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Hours: 5.30 am – 11 am
Phone: 076 355 989
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatumtimsum/
Tatum Timsum Map
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