How to Find the Best Local Treats in Phuket

Despite its reputation as a beach lover's dream come true, Phuket is an equally attractive vacation destination for those with discerning palates. Boasting a food culture that's as dynamic and as diverse as its stunning coastal landscapes, every culinary encounter in Phuket will likely leave travellers clamouring for a second serving. From hitting the local night markets to dining in underrated local eateries, here's how to take a bite out of Phuket during a beach getaway.

Enjoy a Classic Breakfast of Ah-Pong Down Soi Soon Utis

Although the food stalls specialising in this unique Phuket breakfast crepe have dwindled over the years, Ahpong Mae Sunee is one of a handful of stalls down Soi Soon Utis where tourists can still order this delectable meal option. Made using coconut milk and rice flour, the batter is swirled on a charcoal-powered grille and shaped to resemble a cigar. Ideal for those in search of a light breakfast that's also nutritious, the wafer-like texture of this "pancake" is what makes it a big hit with locals.

Head to Chinatown for Hokkien Mee

This beloved Chinese noodle dish is a staple at restaurants including Lock Tien in Old Town due to its rich blend of flavours and protein-heavy ingredients. Fans of egg noodles will find this succulent noodle dish the perfect pick-me-up at any hour of the day as it often features barbequed pork slices, squid and diced Chinese cabbage. Immersed in a decadent gravy of pork stock and soy sauce, Hokkien Mee can sometimes feature an add-on - diners can also ask for a poached egg to be added as a garnish if they desire.

Sample Popiah in Phuket Town

Those with a penchant for spring rolls must savour this crunchy, mouth-watering snack in Phuket Town, where countless food stalls offer visitors a taste of Popiah. As a dish that's attributed to the Chinese immigrants who settled in Phuket, most Popiah rolls will feature a Chinese sausage, omelette and bean sprouts at its soft centre. Consumed with a sweet sauce, Popiah rolls are sometimes topped off with dollops of crab meat. Travellers who prefer their spring rolls deep-fried can always order a batch of "Popiah Tod" from roadside vendors.

Dine at Local Night Markets

Whether you're based at M Social Hotel Phuket or any similar 5-star hotel in Patong, access to Phuket's night markets should be a top priority for foodies. The Sunday Walking Street Market, The Bangla Night Market, the Fun Friday Avenue Market and the Chillva Market are just a handful of the several night-time bazaars on the island. In addition to offering travellers the chance to find affordable souvenirs and other consumer products, the food stalls at these after-dark thoroughfares serve up local delicacies that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Try Stinky Beans at Noy Pochana

As a local dish that traces its origins to Southern Thai cuisine, stink beans (Pad Sataw Goong) or stinky beans has been a divisive dish that's either adored or loathed depending on individual preferences. Although the strong smell of the beans can deter first-timers from trying this dish, its high nutritional value should make diners curious enough to take a bite. Often combined with prawns and curry paste, this classic dish is perhaps best enjoyed at outlets like Noy Pochana.

Hit Thalang Road's Roti Stalls

Phuket Old Town's Abdul's is arguably the best roti vendor in the entire island as all who venture down to Thalang Road are likely to find themselves at this family-owned eatery. This wheat bread delight pan-fried to perfection and doused with condensed milk is the most popular variation sold at Abdul's, although those who would rather enjoy a savoury Roti can dip the bread in Massaman chicken curry instead.