Phuket is more than turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs — it’s also a paradise for your tastebuds. As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a melting pot of flavors shaped by its multicultural history, fishing heritage and vibrant southern Thai identity. From street food stalls tucked into Old Town alleyways to breezy seafood restaurants overlooking the Andaman Sea, this is a place where food is both a daily ritual and a joyful celebration.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Phuket, expect bold spices, fresh seafood and a unique mix of Thai, Chinese, Malay and Peranakan influences. This is island cuisine at its most flavorful — with a heat that lingers and ingredients pulled straight from the sea.
1. Moo Hong (Braised Pork Belly)
A Phuket specialty with Hokkien Chinese roots, moo hong is pork belly slowly braised in garlic, pepper, soy sauce and palm sugar until tender and flavorful. It’s savory with a hint of sweetness and typically served with rice. It’s a beloved local comfort dish and one of the best dishes in Phuket.
2. Tom Som Pla (Sour Fish Soup)
Lighter and more herbal than tom yum, this southern-style fish soup is made with tamarind, lemongrass, galangal and turmeric. It’s sour, aromatic and often enjoyed with freshly steamed jasmine rice.
3. Goong Pad Makham (Shrimp in Tamarind Sauce)
This sweet-and-sour dish features plump shrimp stir-fried in a sticky tamarind glaze with fried shallots and chili. It’s the perfect balance of tangy and rich and a great example of Phuket food that highlights its seafood traditions.
4. Khanom Jeen Nam Ya (Rice Noodles With Fish Curry)
Soft rice noodles are topped with a spicy, coconut-based fish curry and served with an array of fresh herbs, pickled vegetables and boiled eggs. Often eaten for breakfast in southern Thailand, this dish is hearty, flavorful and deeply local.
5. Hor Mok Talay (Seafood Curry Custard)
A fragrant blend of coconut milk, red curry paste and chopped seafood is steamed in banana leaf cups until it forms a mousse-like custard. Topped with coconut cream and thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves, this delicacy is both elegant and packed with flavor.
6. Dim Sum Phuket-Style
Thanks to a large Hokkien Chinese population, Phuket has its own spin on dim sum. Small steamed dumplings, buns and other bites are served early in the morning, often alongside strong Thai tea or coffee. It’s a favorite among locals before starting their day.
7. Loba (Fried Pork Offal With Sweet Sauce)
For the more adventurous eater, loba is a dish of deep-fried pork organs served with a sweet dark dipping sauce. It’s a popular snack at traditional markets and considered one of the more famous foods in Phuket among long-time residents.
8. Pad Pak Miang Goong Siap (Bai Miang Leaves With Crispy Shrimp)
This stir-fry combines southern Thai bai miang leaves with crispy dried shrimp, garlic and egg. The result is earthy, slightly smoky and perfectly balanced. It’s a true hidden gem if you’re looking for authentic Phuket food.
9. Mee Hokkien Noodles
A plate of thick yellow noodles stir-fried with seafood, pork, greens and soy sauce, this dish is influenced by Hokkien Chinese cuisine (and has become a street food staple). Add chili vinegar and pickled green chilies for an extra kick.
10. Roti With Curry
Southern Thailand is known for its flaky, griddled roti served with rich, spicy curry. Whether you choose chicken, beef or fish curry, this dish is a filling and flavorful breakfast or anytime snack.
11. Satay
This favorite features grilled skewers of marinated chicken or pork served with a creamy peanut sauce and a tangy cucumber relish. You’ll find satay on nearly every corner of Phuket, especially in night markets and roadside stalls.
12. Gaeng Tai Pla (Fermented Fish Curry)
This is one of southern Thailand’s spiciest dishes. Made with fermented fish innards, eggplant, bamboo shoots and herbs, it’s complex, fiery and a true test of your spice tolerance. Not for the faint of heart — but unforgettable for those who love bold flavor.
13. Kanom Jin Phuket
This version of fermented rice noodles is often topped with spicy fish curry or nam prik and served with a wide variety of fresh and pickled vegetables. It’s deeply ingrained in Phuket’s culture and eaten throughout the day.
14. O-Aew
Indulge in this refreshing Phuket dessert made with jellied banana starch, red beans and shaved ice, flavored with syrup and lime. It’s a must on a hot day and one of the island’s most nostalgic local treats.
15. Roti Gluay (Banana Roti)
Sweet, crispy and satisfying, this banana-stuffed roti is fried until golden and topped with condensed milk. It’s sold by street vendors all over the island and makes for a perfect post-dinner snack.
Discover Food Excursions in Phuket
Explore the heart of Phuket’s culinary identity with immersive excursions that blend culture, heritage and unforgettable flavors:
- Intara Farm Agro-Tourism & Seafood (PKB4)
- Experience local culture as you take a traditional wooden boat to Intara Farm. Learn how to cultivate pearls, discover marine farming methods, get up close to local sea life and kayak through lush mangrove forests. Finish your journey with a fresh seafood lunch featuring local catches straight from the source.
- Best of Phuket With Lunch
- Experience Phuket’s sacred spaces, island history and diverse food culture on a full-day tour. Visit the iconic Wat Chalong temple and the towering Big Buddha, explore Phuket Old Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and tin-mining history, then sit down for a Thai meal at a scenic seafront restaurant. Wrap up the day by sampling local treats at the Cashew Nut Factory and shopping for souvenirs at a lively local market.
What To Eat in Phuket?
If you’re wondering what to eat in Phuket, start with moo hong, Hokkien noodles and seafood curry custard. From rich southern Thai curries and coconut-soaked noodles to Chinese-influenced dim sum and banana pancakes sizzling on the street, the best food in Phuket reflects the island’s diverse roots and coastal bounty. These best dishes in Phuket tell a story in every bite — one of spice, tradition and the joy of sharing good food with good company.
