Joanna James
Phuket, Thailand's captivating island paradise, enchants with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and of course, its delectable cuisine. Here are 5 tips for creating memorable family dining journeys in Phuket, from exploring street food stalls to venturing into sophisticated restaurants.
Phuket's bustling street food scene offers a vibrant introduction to Thai flavours. The sights, smells, and friendly interactions with vendors create a truly unique experience. However, with young children, it's essential to prioritise hygiene. Look for stalls with good turnover and freshly prepared food to keep your child safe. Here are a few family-friendly street food options to consider:
Khanom Ah-Pong: These bite-sized shrimp dumplings are steamed and served with a sweet and savoury dipping sauce. The soft texture and delicate flavours are perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
Loba: A popular northern Thai dish, Loba features stewed pork belly braised in a rich sauce with star anise, cloves, and other aromatics. The tender pork is easily digestible for children, and the savoury sauce offers a delightful introduction to Thai spices.
Hokkien Mee: This flavourful noodle dish features stir-fried yellow noodles with vegetables, seafood, and sometimes pork. The noodles are typically cooked with a slightly sweet sauce, making them appealing to a wide range of palates. Opt for a version with minimal chillies to ensure it's suitable for younger children.
Local markets offer a treasure trove of fresh ingredients, vibrant spices, and pre-made dishes perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Engage your children in the selection process, allowing them to choose colourful fruits and vegetables. Look for stalls selling pre-made spring rolls, satay skewers, or steamed rice cakes, which are generally child-friendly and offer a variety of textures and flavours.
Opt for Phuket restaurants with ample seating, open spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere, such as Age Restaurant. Consider outdoor seating options where children can have some freedom of movement. Some restaurants cater specifically to families, offering dedicated play areas or high chairs for smaller children to make their experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Inquire about the availability of children's menus, though these may simply offer smaller portions of regular dishes.
Phuket's cuisine boasts bold and complex flavours. Ease your children into the experience by offering familiar dishes with a Thai twist, such as fried rice with pineapple or chicken satay with peanut sauce. Encourage them to try small bites of your dishes, introducing them to new spices and ingredients one step at a time. Celebrate small victories as they explore new flavour profiles.
Transform mealtimes into interactive adventures. Let your children try using chopsticks or learn basic Thai phrases like "thank you" ("khob khun") and "delicious" ("aroi"). Involve them in the ordering process, allowing them to choose dishes from pictures or menus with descriptions. Embrace any mess or spills with a smile, focusing on the positive experience of exploring new culinary horizons together.
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.
