The Best of Phuket Street Food

Taking travelers on a gastronomic journey, Phuket is more than just its unforgettable beaches; it’s where you can indulge in various culinary wonders. Awarded a UNESCO status in 2017 for its gastronomy, the island offers diverse flavors due to its long history as a trading post in the Andaman Sea.

You’ll find vibrant street food stalls on every corner of Phuket, from roadside stalls offering pork skewers to beachfront vendors selling sweet desserts and markets offering everything from savory to sweet finds; the island is a treasure trove of delicious and inexpensive food offerings.

In this article, you’ll discover the best places to find the best street food in Phuket and a list of 5 best must-tries on the island.

Where to Find the Best of Phuket Street Food

While street food stalls are found on most roadsides and markets on the island, here are the best places in Phuket to find the best street food:

Old Phuket Town

While the Sino-Portuguese architecture is its claim to fame, Old Phuket Town is also home to many restaurants, cafes, stunning street art displays, and street food stalls. This is where you’ll see evidence of the island’s rich influences of Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Burmese cuisine, where Thai food takes on a whole new meaning.

Patong

A beach resort town, Patong is packed with bustling street food stalls everywhere you look. You won’t have a problem getting a taste of authentic Thai flavors, whether it’s from the local markets to the beaches or on roadsides.

Open-air street food is where it’s at in Patong, giving you inexpensive offerings amidst the more expensive restaurants that line the beach and streets of this bustling town.

Related article: A Guide to Phuket’s Beach Town of Patong

Night Markets

From daily to weekend markets, Phuket is home to countless night bazaars offering everything from souvenirs to local crafts and the best street food on the island. The Malin Plaza Patong is your best bet for daily night markets, open from 2 pm to 12 am in an open-air venue. You can also pick between the Chalong Night Market and the Naka Market for weekend night markets, also known as the Phuket Weekend Market.

However, the most popular night market is the Sunday Walking Street in Old Phuket Town, where an open-air market from 4 pm to 9 pm brings in the island’s most authentic and unique street food.

Related article: Phuket’s Best Night Markets

5 of the Best Street Food to Try in Phuket

So, what are these street foods we’re talking about? Here are the five must-tries:

1. Roti

Known as Thailand’s versatile pancake, roti takes many forms in Phuket. It is a thin flatbread that takes on many roles, such as a pancake with sweet banana or chocolate or a savory meal with veggies and meat.

2. Moo Ping

Moo Ping is the name for pork skewers served with sticky rice. It is made of marinated pork, using coconut milk, fish sauce, and garlic as the marinade. Before it’s grilled over charcoal, the meat is brushed with palm sugar to add a subtle sweet taste and aroma.

3. Oh Tao

Oh Tao is also known as an oyster omelet. It is made from taro, eggs, flour, baby oysters, onion, and garlic sprinkled over it. Though it’s traditionally made during the Chinese New Year, it became popular among tourists in Phuket and has become a regular street food staple on the island.

4. Sala Pao

Sala pao is known as dumplings and is an apparent Chinese influence in Phuket. It can either be made with pork or chicken, often fried or steamed, and comes with a special sauce.

5. Coconut Crepes

Coconut crepes, or ah pong, are a light and sweet dessert. It is made with coconut milk and rice flour, then rolled into the shape of a drinking straw or cigar. It’s similar to a wafer stick and is lightly sweetened.

Conclusion

From the resort to your private luxury villa in Phuket, take a trip down Old Phuket Town, Patong, or any of the night markets to experience the world of flavors waiting for you to taste. While private dinners or high-end dining provide you with the best culinary experience on the island, having your taste of local street food immerses you in the tradition and cultural identity of Phuket.

On your next vacation to Thailand’s most popular island, try all these street foods and experience Phuket’s true essence through its gastronomic delights.

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