Phuket is a beautiful island located in the southern part of Thailand, famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and delicious food. The island’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese, Malay and Thai immigrants, therefore you’ll find a lot of dishes that have a mix of different flavors and cultures.
Here are a few popular local food that are specific to Phuket
- Mee Hokkien – a traditional Chinese-influenced dish made with thick wheat noodles stir-fried in a savory soy-based sauce with seafood and vegetables.
- Khanom Jeen Naam Ya – a traditional dish made from fermented rice noodles served with a variety of toppings, including a spicy fish-based curry sauce.
- Moo Hong – a traditional braised pork dish cooked in a savory coconut milk-based sauce.
- Apong – a traditional Malay-influenced dish made with a savory batter of flour, eggs, and coconut milk, which is then fried and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.
- Khao Gaeng Phuket – A local version of curry rice which is cooked with curry paste and meat, seafood or vegetable and served with rice. It’s a traditional Phuket dish that you should try.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious local dishes that Phuket has to offer. Visitors should be prepared for a bit of heat and bold flavors, but also for a great culinary experience.
Mee hokkien
Mee Hokkien is a popular dish in Phuket, Thailand, just like in other Southeast Asian countries. The dish is a type of Chinese-style noodle dish that is made with yellow egg noodles and rice vermicelli, and is typically stir-fried with seafood, meat, and vegetables.
In Phuket, Mee Hokkien is often prepared with a mix of seafood, including prawns, squid, and fish, and flavored with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili paste. The dish is often garnished with spring onions and cilantro and served with sliced lime on the side.
Mee Hokkien can be found at many street food vendors and local restaurants around Phuket, especially in areas with a high concentration of Chinese residents like Phuket Town. It is often considered as a local comfort food for Phuket people.
Khanom Jeen Naam Ya
The dish is made with Khanom Jeen, which are thin rice noodles, and is served with a spicy and sour fish-based sauce called Naam Ya. The dish is typically garnished with various herbs, vegetables, and seafood, such as shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, green onions, and prawns, squid or fish.
Khanom Jeen Naam Ya is a traditional dish that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch dish. It can be found at many street food vendors and local restaurants around Phuket, and is often considered as a local comfort food.
The dish originates from the southern part of Thailand, and it’s a reflection of the region’s diverse cultures and heritage, as it contains a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Malay flavors, and the naam ya sauce that is made with fermented fish sauce and chili paste, which is a signature ingredient in southern Thai cuisine.
Moohong
Moo Hong is a traditional Thai dish that is popular in Phuket. It is a type of slow-cooked pork belly that is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and a variety of spices. The dish is often served with rice and a variety of side dishes, such as pickled vegetables or a spicy chili sauce.
Moo Hong is a comfort food that is enjoyed by many locals in Phuket and it’s considered as a traditional dish of the island. The dish is typically available at many local restaurants and street food vendors, and it’s often served as an everyday meal or as a special occasion dish.
The dish is a good representation of the island’s heritage, as it shows the influence of Chinese and Malay cuisine on the local cuisine, as it contains a mixture of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s also a good reflection of the island’s agricultural heritage, as it’s made of local pork meat.
Apong
Apong is a type of traditional fermented rice cake that is popular in Phuket, a province in southern Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine. Apong is made by mixing rice flour, water, and yeast, and then steaming the mixture in small cups or molds. The finished cakes have a soft, spongy texture and are usually eaten as a snack or dessert. Some variations of Apong may also include ingredients such as coconut milk, sugar, or pandan leaves to give it a sweet flavor.
Note that Phuket’s cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese, Malay and Thai immigrants, therefore you’ll find a lot of dishes that have a mix of different flavors and cultures.
Khao Gaeng Phuket
Khao Gaeng Phuket is a traditional Phuket dish that is a local version of curry rice. It is made with a base of curry paste, which is made with a blend of herbs, spices, and chilies, and can be made with meat, seafood or vegetable. The ingredients are cooked together in a savory sauce, usually with coconut milk, and then served with rice. The exact ingredients and recipe can vary depending on the restaurant or cook, but it is typically a flavorful and spicy dish. Some of the common ingredients include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, and fish sauce. Khao Gaeng Phuket is a popular dish among locals and tourists alike, and can be found at many local street food vendors and restaurants in Phuket.