Dining in Phuket

Variety, the Spice of Life when Dining in Phuket

If you were Thai, rather than greet a friend or acquaintance with the usual, “How are you?” you would most probably ask, “Have you eaten yet?”  This common form of greeting reveals an important side of Thai culture--their reverence for food. And it is evident everywhere. If there is one place where you won’t ever go hungry, it is Thailand, particularly in Phuket. Perhaps as big a draw as Phuket’s beaches is its food.  And because of its cosmopolitan nature, Patong (Phuket’s best known beach) has an excellent selection of restaurants that make dining a new and satisfying experience each time. With its local hotels and restaurants catering to every taste, be it Continental, Middle Eastern or Thai, Phuket has international cuisine that will offer you an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether you are looking for Indian tandooris, Italian spaghetti, US steaks, or Japanese sushi, you can find it here, cooked just the way you like it. You could eat at an open-air restaurant, an air-conditioned one, a fast food outlet, (yes, they do have them here) or like a knowledgeable regular, at a roadside stall that may sell Thai, Chinese, or Muslim food. 

Dining on Local Food in Phuket

Thai curries and noodle dishes are well liked around the world, but when you are in Phuket, you’re truly at the epicenter of authentic Thai cuisine.  Well known for the freshness and flavor of its food, Phuket is especially renowned for its succulent, delicious seafood and coconut dishes. What sets Thai food apart are the generous use of herbs for seasoning and the agreeable combination of its, sweet, salty, sour, and chili flavors. Rice is the staple food in Thailand, and most other dishes are considered complementary to it.  Noodles come a close second. Although Thai food is noticeably spicy, it is not necessarily prepared that way. Condiments, such as fish sauce with sliced chili are added to suit one’s taste.   

Are you Dining in Phuket?

There aren’t too many vegetarian restaurants in Phuket, except for the few in the centre of the city. But Indian and Chinese restaurants do have vegetarian dishes on their menus. Wine is now easily obtainable at restaurants in Phuket, some of which now have commendable wine cellars. So, start your day with a hotel breakfast if you wish, but be adventurous and move on to enjoy lunch at a roadside stall. Then wind up the day sipping fine wine and enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of Phuket’s classy, air-conditioned restaurants. Dining in Phuket is indeed an experience you won’t easily forget.  And the best part is, most meals are quite affordable, whether you’re a budget traveler or a high-rolling jetsetter.