Joanna James
Phuket's culinary scene is as diverse as its landscape, and the local cuisine reflects the island's history and culture. Here are five of the best local dishes to try when visiting Phuket, ranging from traditional Thai dishes to fusion cuisine.
No trip to Thailand is complete without sampling the country's national dish, Tom Yum Goong. Prawns, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilli peppers are used to make this spicy and sour soup. The soup is usually served as an appetiser or as a main course and can be found in most Phuket restaurants. Restaurants in Phuket offered by the likes of Anantara Layan Phuket Resort will definitely have this delicious dish on their menus.
Massaman Curry is a popular Thai dish from southern Thailand that is a must-try if you visit Phuket. The curry, which is served with steamed rice, is made with beef or chicken, potatoes, onions, and roasted peanuts. The curry has a slightly sweet flavour and is less spicy than other Thai curries, making it an ideal dish for those who are not used to spicy food. The Kopitiam by Wilai restaurant, known for its authentic Thai flavours, is one of the best places in Phuket to try Massaman Curry.
Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that is popular throughout Thailand and has become a Thai cuisine staple worldwide. The dish is flavoured with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and chilli pepper and is made with rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, egg, and a variety of vegetables. Pad Thai is available in almost every single one of the Phuket restaurants but one of the best places to try it is at the Baan Rim Pa restaurant, which is known for its outstanding seafood dishes.
Mango Sticky Rice is a traditional Thai dessert that is enjoyed throughout the country and is a must-try when visiting Phuket. The dish is typically served with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and is made with sticky rice, coconut milk, and fresh mango. The dish has a great balance of sweet and savoury flavours and is a great way to end a meal. The Bang Pae Seafood restaurant, known for its traditional Thai cuisine, is one of the best places in Phuket to try Mango Sticky Rice.
Som Tam is a refreshing and spicy dish made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, peanuts, chilli peppers, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. It is frequently served with grilled chicken or sticky rice and is ideal for those who enjoy spicy and tangy flavours. Local markets, street food vendors, and traditional Thai restaurants are among the best places to try Som Tam in Phuket.
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