Best-of Guides Phuket Region

The Best Budget-Friendly Southern Thai Cuisine In Phuket

8 Restaurants
Besides its breathtaking beaches and islands, Phuket's local food scene is just as exciting. Merging Chinese, Muslim, and Thai influences with stunning produce from the ocean, local Southern Thai cuisine in Phuket brings out the finest regional charm on a plate. From homemade curry pastes to the catch-of-the-day, you don’t want to miss a bite.
Updated on 19 July 2023
Chom Chan
242/2 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

You will find this restaurant inside a local Chino-Portuguese-style house with a big green garden in front. Serving local Phuket fare that is hard to find nowadays, dishes are cooked with local ingredients using family recipes. This establishment is the little sister of locally renowned Raya Restaurant. The food is tasty and full of spices, preserving local flavours. Try the fried crab’s roe with chilli, pepper, and garlic, or opt for steamed minced pork with salted egg.

Kin-Kub-Ei
81/9 Mu 7, Si Sunthon Road, Si Sunthon, Thalang, 83110 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

With shade from the garden’s big trees creating chilled vibes, this place puts you at ease, like you are dining at a friend’s house. All dishes are cooked by a skillful auntie/owner. They serve local food with such family recipes as braised sweet pork and anchovy, with chilli and sour mango relish.

Krua Kao Kuk
47/4 Phatthana Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

This must-visit Phuket spot opened its doors in 1995, serving up recipes from Somboon Saesor, a lecturer at Phuket’s Peranakan Association and first-generation Peranakan. The dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients and skilful techniques. Lemongrass soup with sweet clams and stir-fried minced pork with holy basil are highly recommended.

Naam Yoi
63/250 Ruam Phattana Road, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

Currently run by its second generation, this small business has been serving family recipes for over 20 years, using fresh ingredients from the local market. The curry pastes are homemade. Try the river snail curry and spicy stir-fried split gill mushrooms.

One Chun
48/1 Thep Krasatti Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

The charming 19th century style restaurant is located in the city centre of Phuket town. One Chun serves high-quality fresh crab meat with yellow curry in coconut milk with rice vermicelli. Its authentic Phuket food features family recipes that have been passed down for three generations. All the dishes are beautifully cooked using herbs and freshest seafood.

Ta Tuay
57/10 Mu 5, Soi Ruam Chai 1, Mai Khao, Thalang, 83110 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

Located near Sarasin Bridge, Ta Tuay delivers Southern Thai charm on a plate. The seafood-based dishes are fresh and perfectly cooked. We recommend the local giant cockles and local sea grapes salad.

The Charm Dining Gallery
93 Dibuk Road, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

This Thai-Peranakan establishment is run by Buriphat, the passionate owner, using his family recipes. Don’t miss the Penang-style fish curry that is traditionally cooked using carefully selected ingredients to keep the original flavour.

Tu Kab Khao
8 Phang Nga Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, 83000 Phuket
฿฿ · Southern Thai

The restaurant is located inside an 100-plus-year-old Chino-Portuguese building. The experienced owner serves his mother’s, Khun Linchi, recipes. All the ingredients are local and high quality. We recommend the spiced crab curry with vermicelli.

This article was written by MICHELIN Guide Thailand. 


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