Before diving into why Phuket should be on your travel list, let me share a bit about my experience here. The weather in May is warm and humid, with the occasional downpour—perfect for those spontaneous tropical vibes. Getting around is super convenient; most places are within walking distance, but if you’re feeling adventurous, give the moped option a try on apps like Grab or the more budget-friendly Bolt. It’s an exhilarating way to see the island, and unlike some places, you won’t have to wear a helmet that’s seen too many heads before yours. Just be cautious on the roads, and maybe keep the helmet on—safety first, right?
Moped rentals go for about 300 Baht a day (around 9 bucks). If you’re staying longer, chat with the rental shops—you might score a sweet deal for a week or even a month. Google Translate is your friend here, and be ready for some laughs and a bit of charades!
Phuket is bustling with tourists from all over the globe. Thanks to its popularity, you’ll find more English speakers here than in other parts of Thailand. Expect to rub shoulders with travelers from Russia, China, and across Europe. The island is wonderfully diverse, and that includes a vibrant transgender community. A heads-up: some locals do “freelance” work, so if you’re out on the town and someone offers to hang out, there might be a fee involved. A polite question can save any awkwardness later on.
And while we’re on the topic of services, the massages here are top-notch. If you’re looking for a straightforward, relaxing experience, go for a foot massage—no surprises, just bliss.
If you’re in need of a spiritual recharge, or perhaps recovering from a wild night out, there are a couple of welcoming Christian churches amidst the predominantly Buddhist and Muslim communities. You’ll find a mix of cultural experiences no matter where you go.
Now, let’s talk food—it’s a paradise for your taste buds! Night markets are scattered all over the island, offering delicious Thai dishes for just a couple of bucks. So, what exactly should you be eating here? Let’s get into it!
Phuket-style Hokkien Mee
Moo Hong
Moo Hong is a classic dish in Thai cuisine known for its rich flavors and tender texture. Originating from Southern Thailand, particularly in Phuket and Phang Nga provinces, Moo Hong is a slow-cooked pork belly dish that showcases influences from Chinese culinary traditions.
The dish features pork belly slices simmered in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and black peppercorns. The slow cooking process allows the pork to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in meat that is incredibly tender and infused with a sweet-savory taste.
Typically served with steamed rice, Moo Hong is often garnished with cilantro and sometimes topped with fried garlic or crispy shallots for added texture. Its popularity stems from its comforting flavors and the way it represents the fusion of Thai and Chinese cooking styles, making it a delightful dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in Southern Thailand.
Gaeng Som Pla
‘Gaeng Som Pla’ is a vibrant and tangy Thai curry known for its distinctive sour flavor and spicy kick. Originating from Southern Thailand, particularly popular in coastal regions, Gaeng Som Pla translates to ‘curry with fish’ in English.
This curry is characterized by its bright orange-yellow color, which comes from the use of turmeric and sometimes fresh turmeric root. The key ingredients include fish (usually a firm white fish like snapper or seabass), along with a variety of vegetables such as bamboo shoots, green papaya, and long beans. These vegetables add crunch and freshness to the dish.
The sourness in Gaeng Som Pla comes from tamarind paste or fresh lime juice, which balances out the spicy heat from Thai bird’s eye chilies. Other flavors are enhanced with shrimp paste, garlic, shallots, and sometimes palm sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Gaeng Som Pla is typically served hot with steamed rice and is enjoyed for its robust flavors and refreshing sourness, making it a favorite among seafood lovers in Thailand.
Mee Hoon Pa Chang
Mee Hoon Pa Chang is a traditional dish from Southern Thailand, particularly popular in Phuket and the surrounding coastal areas. This dish showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage with its unique blend of flavors and ingredients.
The name ‘Mee Hoon Pa Chang’ translates to ‘rice vermicelli with fish curry’ in English. It consists of thin rice vermicelli noodles simmered in a flavorful fish curry broth. The broth is made using a variety of spices and herbs, such as turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, which impart a fragrant and aromatic base.
The main protein in Mee Hoon Pa Chang is typically fish, commonly fresh local catches such as mackerel or snapper. The fish is cooked in the curry broth until tender and infused with the rich flavors of the spices and herbs.
To enhance the dish, it is often garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro and sometimes served with additional condiments such as sliced shallots, chili flakes, and lime wedges for added zing. Mee Hoon Pa Chang is enjoyed hot and is a comforting and satisfying meal that highlights the coastal flavors of Southern Thailand. Its popularity stems from its robust curry broth and the use of fresh seafood, making it a must-try for visitors exploring the culinary delights of the region.
Kanom Jeen
Kanom Jeen is a traditional Thai dish that showcases the diversity and flavors of Thai cuisine, particularly popular in central and southern regions of Thailand. The name ‘Kanom Jeen’ translates to ‘rice noodles’ in English, referring to the main ingredient of the dish.
These rice noodles are fresh and soft, typically served cool or at room temperature, accompanied by a variety of curries and sauces. One of the most popular ways to enjoy Kanom Jeen is with a flavorful curry sauce made from fish or chicken. The curry is often infused with herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, giving it a fragrant and aromatic profile.
In addition to the curry sauce, Kanom Jeen is served with an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as bean sprouts, cucumber slices, Thai basil, and cilantro. These toppings add texture and freshness to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.
Kanom Jeen is a versatile dish that can be found in various forms across Thailand, with regional variations in the curry and accompaniments. It is enjoyed for its light yet satisfying flavors, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking to experience authentic Thai cuisine.
O-Tao
O-Tao is a specialty dish from Phuket, Thailand, known as the island’s version of oyster omelets. This beloved street food delight reflects Phuket’s culinary diversity and is enjoyed for its unique texture and flavors.
The dish consists of a mixture of fresh oysters and a batter made from tapioca starch and rice flour. The batter is pan-fried until crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. Eggs are often added to the mixture, binding the ingredients together to create a fluffy and hearty omelet.
O-Tao is typically cooked in a large flat pan, where the batter and oysters are spread out and cooked until golden brown. The dish is then flipped to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
Once cooked, O-Tao is served hot and garnished with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sometimes chili paste for a spicy kick. It is often accompanied by a fresh herb like cilantro and occasionally topped with crispy fried shallots or garlic for added flavor and texture.
Phuket’s O-Tao is cherished for its combination of crispy exterior, tender oysters, and savory-sweet sauce, offering a delightful taste of local flavors and culinary creativity. It is a popular street food enjoyed by both locals and tourists seeking authentic Phuket cuisine.
Oh Aew
As we wrap up our delicious tour of Phuket, remember that these seven dishes only scratch the surface of the island’s culinary treasures. Each flavor tells a tale of cultural blend—from lively markets to tranquil shores. Beyond these tastes, there’s a vast culinary world to discover. Carry with you the essence of Phuket’s flavors, keeping the vibrant spirit of this tropical paradise alive until we reunite for more culinary adventures. Here’s to the memories we’ve created and the ones yet to be savored in Phuket, Thailand. Cheers!
