Tu Kab Khao Phuket

An excellent Southern Thai Restaurant in Phuket Town ✓

Tu Kab Khao is a popular Thai restaurant in Phuket Town that serves great southern Thai food. Give yourself a chance to try their selection of dishes that are typical of Phuket. Tu Kab Khao received a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating from the new Michelin Guide for Phuket, a sign of excellent food.

Tu Kab Khao is the name given to a small closet every Thai house had a long time ago to keep the food safe from ants and flies for the next meal. The feet of that closet were placed in a bowl of water to keep the ants away. 

Tu Kab Khao restaurant is set inside an old heritage house facing the beautiful Shrine of The Serene Light on Phang Nga Road, the heart of Old Phuket Town, making your lunch or dinner even more attractive. It’s an excellent opportunity and feels unique, but it’s not as expensive as it may look.

It’s relatively easy to spot the restaurant since a gigantic lobster hangs on one of the house’s corners like a massive insect eating the restaurant’s wall. They probably added it so people would say precisely, “It’s that restaurant with that weird lobster hanging on the side!” It certainly works.

The decor is elegant without overly sophisticated: velvet sofas, arched doors and draped curtains. The staff is amiable and efficient and can answer difficult questions about local cuisine and ingredients. The venue looks rather expensive, but the prices are just right, and it is quite affordable.

Tu Kab Khao is a large restaurant, but it creates a cosy and relaxing atmosphere as it’s divided into five smaller sections. Somebody made a great deal of effort to keep a traditional decoration that will perfectly wrap up your exploration of the Phuket old town’s heritage streets.

What to order at Tu Kab Khao?

The food is authentic Thai, and the extensive menu is well-illustrated, so you won’t have to struggle to select something nice. We visited twice a row, so we had the chance to try many of their dishes. If you are ready for real, local Phuket food, be aware that some food can be very spicy and pungent. This is a restaurant where local Thais go, too!

• Sen Mee Gaeng Poo (360 baht) is an excellent crab in a curry with thin rice noodles, a classic here.
• Gaeng Som Pla (180 baht) is a local fish in turmeric sauce that is sour and spicy, and it is not for beginners.
• Pla Sai are small deep-fried fish in turmeric, always a local favourite, but these are not for beginners since they’re small and hard to e
• Big Prawns (240 baht) in a tamarind sauce are beautiful (a bit sweet, though).
• Moo Hong Phuket (265 baht), a pork belly stew, is also lovely to enjoy.
• Nam Prik Koong Siap (165 baht) is another dish Thai people love. It’s very healthy, but not everyone likes uncooked veggies like green beans, eggplants and slices of ginger with a prawn paste.

There is an excellent choice of local desserts, but we were so full that we just went for their delicious coconut ice cream.

---

Pad Pak Miang Koong Siap (Stir Fried Bai Miang Leaves with Dried Shrimp)

Pad Pak Miang Koong Siap is a southern Thai speciality known for its vibrant flavours and local ingredients. It’s popular in Phuket and other southern provinces.

---

Pla Tod Kamin (Fried Fish with Turmeric)

Pla Tod Kamin typically features small fish, such as mackerel or tilapia, which are marinated with a blend of turmeric, garlic, salt, and sometimes black pepper.

---

Moo Hong (Braised Pork)

Moo Hong has a rich, savoury-sweet flavour from the soy sauce and sugar, with aromatic spices adding depth. The meat is tender, and the sauce is often served over rice or alongside vegetables.

---

Nam Prik Koog Siap (Dried Shrimp Chili Dip)

Nam Prik Koog Siap is a chilli-based dip or sauce with dried shrimp, which are often smoked or sun-dried, imparting a rich umami flavour. It’s often served with fresh vegetables, rice, or fried foods. It’s an essential part of Thai cuisine, known for its spicy, tangy, and savoury flavours.

---

Gaeng Som Pla (Sour Fish Curry)

Gaeng Som Pla is typically served with steamed jasmine rice and can be accompanied by fresh vegetables like cucumber or cabbage. It’s a refreshing and hearty dish, perfect for a hot day, and is often enjoyed as part of a larger Thai meal.

Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Photos

---

More Restaurants in Phuket Town

Your Phuket Town Travel Guide