Joanna James
While it may not be one of Phuket's most popular attributes, the street food scene on the island and in Laguna, in particular, is only slightly less impressive than what's available on the streets of Bangkok. Here are 7 dishes every traveller must sample during a trip to Laguna, Phuket.
When it comes to papaya salad in Laguna, Phuket, there's no dish quite like a classic bowl of Som Tum. While diners may be familiar with this spicy and tangy salad, Phuket street food vendors have put their own twist on the popular appetiser with variations such as Som Tum Poo Para. Tossing in fermented crab to the shredded papaya salad alongside shrimp, this delectable local dish is widely available on the streets of the beach capital. Those who prefer to stick to traditional Som Tum will find it's listed as Som Tum Thai in most local food outlets and kiosks.
Tourists based at SAii Laguna Phuket and similar resorts will find that the best restaurants in Bang Tao serve this delicious noodle soup. Street food vendors, however, usually incorporate seafood, pork or beef instead of using chicken as the main protein component of this soupy noodle. Some food carts allow diners to pick the meat items based on personal preference but it's important to specify if one wants intestines or not by uttering "Mai Nai’ ("no entrails") when necessary.
Pancakes are perhaps the most popular desert and snack option accessible on the streets of Phuket as pancake vendors offer tourists a wide range of toppings and fillings. Nutella, bananas, chocolate and condensed milk are perhaps the best loved toppings for pancakes in Phuket although seasonal fruits are also often thrown into the mix.
Grilled chicken fans holidaying in Phuket must dig into a plate of Kai Yang when engaging in sightseeing activities. Cooked al-fresco on an open-grill inside a food cart, Kai Yang is often served with sticky rice.
Those who love Chinese dumplings must try Thai Steamed Dumplings or Kanom Jeeb during a trip to Phuket as the pork filling slathered in soy sauce is hard to resist. Often consumed as a breakfast food, there are Kanom Jeeb carts in nearly every major roadway on the island.
No visit to Phuket would be complete without trying the island's version of the classic fried noodle dish - Pad Thai. This mouth-watering dish typically contains tofu, eggs, dried shrimp, and red chili pepper, along with palm sugar and shallots for added flavor. Served with bean sprouts, banana leaves, and garlic chives, Pad Thai is the perfect meal to enjoy any time of the day.
This fried yellow noodle with chicken is sometimes served with shrimp or a combination of other seafood as the main sources of protein. Although it's often compared to Pad Thai, Pad See Ew differs due to the use of yellow noodles and the absence of eggs.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
