Here's what you can eat in Phuket

1. Tom Yum Goong.

Tom Yum Goong, a spicy prawn soup, is one of Thailand's most popular foods. It has a fragrant combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed chilli peppers. The end result is a blast of flavours that are spicy, acidic, and fragrant. The soup is typically cooked with fresh prawns and mushrooms, resulting in a full and fulfilling dinner.

2. Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a famous Thai meal that you should not miss. This stir-fried noodle meal includes rice noodles, eggs, tofu and a choice of prawns, chicken or pork. It is flavoured with tamarind paste, fish sauce, dried prawns, garlic, red chilli pepper and palm sugar. Garnish with crumbled peanuts and lime wedges.

3. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

Som Tum, a spicy green papaya salad, is quite popular in Phuket. Lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar and chilli are used to flavour the shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts and dried shrimp. This meal is a fantastic blend of textures and flavours: crunchy, tangy, and spicy.

4. Moo Hong

This classic Phuketian dish reflects the influence of Chinese cuisine on the island. It's a braised pork belly meal made with garlic, black pepper, coriander root, and soy sauce. The slow-cooking method produces soft, delicious meat that melts in your mouth.

5. Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee is a stir-fried noodle dish served with a thick, savoury sauce. It's cooked using yellow egg noodles, seafood (often prawns and squid), and occasionally pork or chicken. The meal is seasoned with soy sauce and oyster sauce and is frequently served with a side of lime and chilli sauce for a kick.

1. Phuket Town Night Market.

The Phuket Town Night Market, also known as Naka Market, is a must-see for foodies. This lively market, which is open on weekends, serves a broad range of street cuisine, including grilled fish and skewers, as well as fresh fruit and sweets. Try the satay skewers, mango sticky rice, and roti (Thai pancakes).

2. Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza, near Patong Beach, is another great place for street food. The market has several kiosks serving anything from Thai curries and stir-fries to sushi and crepes. The pricing are low, and the environment is vibrant, making it an ideal spot to try new cuisine.

3. Chillva Marketplace

Chillva Market, located in Phuket Town, is a popular night market noted for its lively ambiance and diverse cuisine selections. The market is constructed from colourful shipping containers and has a young air. The menu includes traditional Thai street food, other cuisines, and fusion meals. Don't miss the spicy fried chicken, sushi rolls, and unique desserts.

4. Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai).

This market in Old Phuket Town is well-known for its street cuisine and locally made items. Every Sunday evening, the Walking Street Market offers a variety of excellent delicacies, such as grilled meats, fish, noodles, and sweets. The market also provides an insight into local culture with live performances and traditional music.

5. Banzaan Fresh Market.

Banzaan Fresh Market, located in Patong, is an excellent spot to sample local cuisine. During the day, it operates as a wet market, offering fresh fruit, fish, and meat. In the evening, the market changes into a street food hotspot, with vendors serving fried rice, noodle soups, and grilled fish. The seafood kiosks allow you to choose fresh fish and have it prepared to your specifications at the moment.

1. Blue Elephant Restaurant.

Blue Elephant Restaurant, located in a magnificently renovated colonial home in Phuket Town, is part of a well-known business that specialises in Royal Thai food. The menu includes a variety of traditional and contemporary meals prepared using high-quality ingredients. The signature dishes include Massaman curry, crab curry, and the exquisite foie gras with tamarind sauce.

2. Raya Restaurant

Raya Restaurant is a popular Phuket institution recognised for its traditional Thai cuisine and pleasant environment. Raya, located in Phuket Town's century-old Sino-Portuguese structure, serves meals such as crab curry with rice vermicelli, Moo Hong, and stir-fried prawns with chilli and garlic. The restaurant's cosy atmosphere and tasty meals make it popular among both residents and visitors.

3. Kan Eang at Pier.

Kan Eang @ Pier, located on Chalong Bay, offers breathtaking views of the sea as well as an excellent seafood variety. The restaurant specialises on fresh, grilled seafood, including huge prawns, crabs, and fish. The peaceful atmosphere and high-quality cuisine make it ideal for a relaxing supper by the sea.

4. Suay Restaurant

Suay Restaurant, in Phuket Town, serves modern Thai food with a twist. Chef Tammasak, a European-trained chef, mixes traditional Thai flavours with new techniques. The end result is a meal featuring grilled duck breast with tamarind sauce, slow-cooked beef cheek with red curry, and inventive appetisers. The restaurant's chic design and excellent menu make it a must-see.

5. La Gaetana

For those searching for an alternative to Thai cuisine, La Gaetana in Phuket Town provides an intimate Italian dining experience. This family-run restaurant is well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and delectable Italian cuisine. From handmade pasta and risotto to fresh seafood and scrumptious desserts, La Gaetana creates a cosy and romantic setting for a memorable supper.

Phuket's culinary culture is a wonderful exploration of flavours and customs. Whether you're eating street cuisine in crowded markets or dining at famed restaurants, the island provides a broad selection of culinary experiences that reflect its rich cultural background. From fiery curries and stir-fries to fresh seafood and foreign cuisine, there's something for everyone's taste. So, the next time you're in Phuket, be sure to sample the island's gastronomic pleasures and discover the distinct flavours that make this location so remarkable.