One of the highlights of any trip to Phuket is the culinary experience, so you’d want to know where and what to eat when you visit Phuket’s Old Town. Old Phuket is home to many restaurants that offer delicious meals with a side of history and heritage.
We’ve compiled a list of restaurants to get you started on your food trip!
Where and What to Eat in Old Town Phuket
Raya House
Raya Restaurant is known for Khun Paa Ku-laab’s beloved family recipes cooked and served in a two-storey, 100-year-old house with Sino-Portuguese architecture. They’ve been around since 1994 and have hosted world-famous gourmets and even the Royal Family.
Their signature dish, kang-puu, or crab meat with curry and coconut milk, is something patrons keep coming back for. Their dishes are lovingly prepared, and you can taste it. For instance, the moo hong, or steamed pork with pepper and garlic, is stewed for three hours, making the pork extra soft, and they make sure to use large and fresh shrimp for the goong makham (fried shrimp with tamarind sauce).
There’s ample seating for small and large groups, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, like a family meal should be.
Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant Phuket is a fine-dining restaurant in Phra Pitak Chinpracha, an antique governor’s house restored with Sino-Portuguese architectural details. Headed by founder Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, considered Thailand’s culinary ambassador, their dishes are as striking as the venue.
They’re most known for Royal Thai cuisine; however, at Blue Elephant Phuket, there’s also a Peranakan menu inspired by Phuketian culinary traditions and ingredients. The menu includes heritage Phuketian Peranakan recipes like tumee king mackerel with homemade fenugreek curry and turmeric sticky rice.
From flavourful dishes to the artistic plating and the elegant surroundings, diners can experience a memorable, culturally enlightening meal.
Tu Kab Khao
Set in an elegant century-old building, Tu Kab Khao serves southern Thai dishes from the recipes of the owner’s mother, Khun Linchi. The restaurant was given the Michelin Red Plate, a sign of excellent food, for serving reasonably priced and good-quality dishes.
Be prepared for the spiciness and aroma of authentic Thai dishes when you eat here. Wondering what to eat at this Phuket Old Town resto? Their must-tries include the sen mee gaeng poo or crab curry with rice vermicelli, and gaeng som pla or local fish in sour and spicy turmeric sauce.
The restaurant may have sophisticated decor, but it has the right homey touch to make diners feel cosy and comfortable.
The Charm Dining Gallery
True to its name, it has an undeniable charm. It’s popular with diners looking to enjoy delicious authentic Thai food in an interesting setting and at a good price. The Charm’s location in a well-preserved century-old shophouse adds to its appeal.
The restaurant’s extensive menu includes dishes using a lot of seafood and other local ingredients. First-timers should try the Penang-style fish curry or Phuket-style pork and pineapple curry.
Diners get to enjoy family recipes passed down from past generations among antique decorations and furniture that bring laid-back family meals of yesteryears to mind.
One Chun
A local favourite, One Chun is a must-not-miss on your food trip. It serves various traditional Thai and local Phuket dishes that have earned it a mention in the Michelin Guide year after year.
Set the meal with nam plik goong sod, a spicy dipping sauce served with vegetables, and try their famous curry crab and Phuket-style moo hong or pork belly. Every meal at One Chun warms the heart (and the tongue!), with their generous servings and good service.
From its traditional-style storefront to the touches of vintage decor throughout the restaurant, the overall look gives it a warm, retro vibe that makes dining a pleasant experience.
Day and Night
This establishment makes a great impression with its stylish storefront and interior design. It serves as a cafe during the day and transforms into a bar at night.
If you’re hungry for modern Thai cuisine, try their signature fried dried fish with watermelon or spicy Thai herb rice noodles with black cod. Or if you’re craving more Continental fare, Day and Night offers a varied menu, from pizza to buffalo wings, pasta, salads, and steak.
The warmly lit interiors, comfortable seating, and great service all come together, making this restaurant great for social gatherings to enjoy a nice meal with wine or cocktails.
Where to Stay in Phuket
We hope this list answers your questions about what to eat in Phuket’s Old Town. The answer is, plenty! After a delicious food trip, you’ll find the best Phuket experience, a haven of rest and relaxation waiting for you at Sugar Marina Hotel, conveniently located near Phuket’s popular attractions.
Our stylishly decorated hotel offers fully-furnished rooms and modern amenities, as well as attentive staff ready to cater to our guests’ needs.
Book via our website for the best room rates.
