Phuket Restaurants, Phuket Thailand Travel Guide

Over the past few decades the popularity of Phuket has boomed. Thai’s from the north and south have moved to join the Phuket locals, bringing with them influences from all over Thailand. Equally the tourist and ex-patriot communities have created the desire for flavors from the world over.

It’s not just where to eat. There are so many choices that one could ask ‘where do I start’? The local food always enhances the holiday experience. If Thailand’s reputation for spicy food is not to your liking, don’t worry, there are many Thai dishes that will tantalize your taste buds, but still leave them intact. Most restaurants list international dishes alongside Thai favorites. Fusion dishes, bringing together the best of east and west, have created some mouthwatering alternatives.

Phuket is most famous for its abundant seafood. After watching a glorious sunset stay a little while, and you will see the lights of the fishing boats appearing on the horizon. The creation of your dining experience has begun. Later, presented barbecued, baked in salt, steamed, fried and even raw with imaginative herbs and spices. Sipping your cocktail gazing out to sea, your dish arrives. It suddenly hits you; this is why I’m in Phuket. Now I’m on holiday!

It’s not all fish, there are some great steak houses, using top quality meats, some organic or grass fed, imported from Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Vegetable dishes, created from an amazing array of unusual fare, are easily found, enjoyed but not easily forgotten.

Few experiences capture the essence of your holiday as strongly as a day at the beach. When the only place you want to be, is lounging in the sun or cooling off at the shoreline, beach food is a must. No need to pack everything up and go, snacks or lunch come to you. Ice cold coconut water served in its shell or a mango shake will energize and refresh you.

There are a few popular western fast food outlets, mainly in the major shopping malls such as Tesco, Jung Ceylon and Central. Thailand also has its own fast food brands. MK restaurants, Oishi to name but a few, have a very wide range of Asian dishes at a very reasonable price.

Don’t miss out on the ‘street food’. Roadside food vendors, some with barbecued food. Others with popular Thai dishes, noodle soup, chilled fruits and juices, not only offer great value, but give you the chance to mix with the locals. The markets are also worth a visit, to take a look at the unusual varieties used in Thai dishes.

Of course choosing what and where to eat is ‘up to you’, as they say in Thailand. To help with the daunting task where to go we have selected a variety of reputable restaurants to get you started.