What to Eat in Phuket: 3 Noodle Dishes You Can’t Miss!
Arrival in Phuket Town: A Culinary Crossroads
When I arrived in Phuket Town, I immediately noticed its colorful mix of architecture — Sino-Portuguese shophouses lining narrow streets, local markets buzzing with life, and small temples tucked between cafés and food stalls. Moreover, the morning markets were alive with chatter, sizzling woks, and the aromas of Thai food infused with Hokkien Chinese and Muslim Malay influences. One might ask, “What to eat in Phuket? Where do I start?
From the very first bite, it was clear that Phuket cuisine is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and textures. And I’m going to guide you through it.
What To Eat In Phuket?
As I wandered through the town, I couldn’t wait to discover the noodle dishes that locals rave about — dishes that tell the story of Thai Chinese food and southern Thai culinary traditions. Therefore, I set out to try three must-try noodles that perfectly capture the soul of Phuket food.
1. Mee Hokkien: Shrimp and Pork Perfection
First, I stopped at a bustling street stall serving Hokkien mee. Thick, yellow noodles were stir-fried with succulent shrimp, tender pork slices, and a savory soy-based sauce. Each bite offered a balance of smoky wok flavors, springy noodles, and a hint of garlic. In short, the dish was simple yet rich, highlighting the Chinese roots woven into Phuket cuisine.
2. Kway Teow Gui: Phuket’s Sunday Street Delight
Next, I explored Phuket Sunday Walking Street, where vendors tempt visitors with colorful snacks and sizzling woks. There, I discovered kway teow gui, a noodles stir fry dish somewhere between Pad Thai and char kway teow. Wide rice noodles (sen yai) were tossed with chili sauce, crunchy bean sprouts, and fried egg. Then, they were garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh chives, and crispy pork crackling. Altogether, every mouthful combined sweet, salty, spicy, and crunchy textures — a perfect example of stir fried noodles done right.
3. Kanom Jeen Gaeng Gai: Southern Green Curry Noodles
Finally, I ventured to the fishermen’s market on the beach, just a kilometer from the airport. Here, I tried kanom jeen gaeng gai, a southern Thai spin on green curry noodles.
The cold rice vermicelli noodles soaked up the rich, spicy-sweet curry, topped with tender chicken and fresh herbs. Additionally, the dish was vibrant, aromatic, and refreshing against the sea breeze — an ideal ending to my noodle journey in Phuket.
How To Make Green Chicken Curry? Check out this recipe by Eating Thai Food.
Beyond The 3 Noodle Dishes: The Phuket That You Can’t Miss
From the Hokkien mee that honors Chinese heritage, to the fiery, tangy kway teow gui, and finally the fragrant kanom jeen gaeng gai by the beach, Phuket’s noodles tell the story of its diverse culinary history. Each dish reveals layers of influence — southern Thai, Chinese, and Malay — that make Phuket food unique and unforgettable.
Moreover, whether you’re wandering morning markets, strolling Sunday Walking Street, or exploring coastal markets, these three noodle dishes are an essential taste of Phuket cuisine. Stay tuned, because there’s much more to discover across the island’s vibrant food scene!
If you’re interested in experiencing more refined Thai cuisine, consider dining at Blue Elephant Phuket, where traditional dishes are elevated in a stunning colonial-style setting.
