When people think of Thai food, dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum often come to mind. And while those classics are delicious, Phuket offers an entirely different culinary experience — one that’s deeply rooted in Southern Thai and Chinese heritage.

If you’re visiting the island and want to eat like a local, skip the tourist menus and discover these flavour-packed dishes that locals have been enjoying for generations. From street-side favourites to comforting home-style meals, here are 10 must-try local dishes in Phuket — and where to find them.

1. Moo Hong (หมูฮ้อง)

Let’s start with something slow-cooked and deeply satisfying. Moo Hong is a Southern Thai-style braised pork belly dish that’s rich, peppery, slightly sweet, and incredibly tender.

👉 Where to try: Lock Tien Food Court, Phuket Town

📝 Why try it: It’s the ultimate comfort food — and completely unique to the region.

2. Hokkien Mee (หมี่ฮกเกี้ยน)

Next, for something a little heartier, try this Chinese-influenced noodle dish. Hokkien Mee is made with thick yellow noodles stir-fried with pork, shrimp, squid, and egg in a savoury soy-based sauce.

👉 Where to try: Mee Ton Poe, near the Phuket Town clock tower

📝 Pro tip: Ask for the crispy noodles on top — they add a satisfying crunch.

3. Gaeng Som Pla (แกงส้มปลา)

Now, if you’re ready for some serious spice, Gaeng Som Pla is for you. Unlike creamy curries from central Thailand, this one is watery, sour, and very spicy. It’s made with chunks of fresh fish and vegetables.

👉 Where to try: Mor Mu Dong — a rustic local spot surrounded by mangroves

📝 Good to know: This dish is bold — but locals love it that way.

4. Kanom Jeen Nam Ya (ขนมจีนน้ำยา)

While we’re on the topic of local favourites, let’s talk breakfast. Kanom Jeen are soft, fermented rice noodles served with a choice of curries and plenty of herbs. It’s light, fresh, and surprisingly filling.

👉 Where to try: Kanom Jeen Saphan Hin

📝 Fun fact: This is one of the most popular Thai breakfasts in the south.

5. Oh Tao (โอวต้าว)

Ready for something you’ve definitely never tried before? Oh Tao is a uniquely Phuket dish made from oysters, taro, egg, and crispy flour batter — all stir-fried together into a rich, savoury dish.

👉 Where to try: Phuket Town Night Market

📝 Why it’s special: You won’t find this dish anywhere else in Thailand.

6. Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่)

On the milder side, Khao Man Gai is Thailand’s take on chicken rice — simple but delicious. Steamed chicken is served over fragrant rice with a spicy-sweet sauce and clear broth on the side.

👉 Where to try: Small local stalls across Kathu and Samkong

📝 Pro tip: Look for busy stalls — they always have the freshest chicken.

7. Satay Gai (สะเต๊ะไก่)

Craving a quick snack or appetizer? Chicken satay is your go-to. These marinated, grilled skewers are served with a rich peanut sauce and a side of cucumber relish.

👉 Where to try: Chillva Market or local night markets in Rawai

📝 Perfect for: Snacking while walking through the market.

8. Roti with Curry (โรตีแกง)

Next, try something with a Malaysian twist. In Phuket, crispy roti is often paired with yellow chicken curry — a delicious, slightly sweet combo that’s popular among the island’s Muslim communities.

👉 Where to try: Roti shops in Rawai or Koh Kaew

📝 Bonus: You can also order roti as dessert with banana and condensed milk.

9. Nam Prik Kung Siap (น้ำพริกกุ้งเสียบ)

If you’re feeling adventurous, give this a go. Nam Prik is a shrimp paste chili dip served with fresh vegetables and crispy dried shrimp. It’s salty, spicy, and full of umami — a true Southern Thai staple.

👉 Where to try: Traditional Thai restaurants in Phuket Town

📝 Why it’s local: This is a dish Thai grandmothers swear by.

10. Tao Sor (เต้าส้อ)

Finally, let’s end on something sweet. Tao Sor is a Phuket-style mooncake — a flaky pastry filled with mung bean paste, sometimes with salted egg inside. It’s often bought as a souvenir or enjoyed with tea.

👉 Where to try: Keng Tin or Boonrat Goldsmith (famous family-run bakeries)

📝 Great gift idea: Pick up a box to bring home or enjoy at your villa.

Extra Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Phuket

• Go where the locals go. If it’s packed with Thai families, the food is probably great.

• Learn a few food words. “Mai pet” (not spicy) and “Aroi mak” (very delicious) go a long way.

• Try new things. The best meals in Phuket are often the ones you’ve never heard of.

Want Local Food Without Leaving the Villa?

Here’s the good news — if you’re staying in one of our villas, we can arrange in-villa chef services, home delivery from local markets, or even private cooking classes so you can enjoy these dishes without stepping out.