Travelers from around the world visit Phuket for its beautiful beaches and epic resort hotels. For most, the Phuket Old Town Restaurants are just a bonus to their already amazing tropical vacation. However, there is something you should know about the colorful capital! Phuket Town is filled with some of the best restaurants and street food this massive island has to offer. Enjoy this list we put together for the ultimate day of eating in Phuket Town Thailand.
About the Phuket Old Town Restaurants
So what makes the food in Phuket Town so good? Well, to figure that out you’ll need to know a little backstory on this historic part of the island. Once upon a time, Phuket’s main industry was tin mining! This brought people from all around Europe and Asia to invest and find work.
This can not only be seen in the Sino-Portuguese architecture around Old Town, but also the delicious street food in Phuket! The influence mostly comes from China, but also India and Malaysia. This unique blend of cultures mixing with Thai food has led to the creation of some of the best restaurants in Phuket Town.
→ Sunday Night Market in Phuket: Guide to the Colorful Walking Street
Michelin Stars For Phuket Town Food?
Huh?? That was our first thought when we heard this startling fact about the food in Phuket Town! I mean we had seen this once in Singapore at the cheapest Michelen Star restaurant in the world, but really nowhere else in Southeast Asia.
The truth is in 2019, the Michelin Guide expanded their ratings to include Phuket street food. Although they might be new awards, some of the best restaurants in Phuket Town are over 50 years old! It’s safe to say they’ve earned it.
→ What’s Thai Food? 40 Delicious Dishes & Drinks You Must Try!
Best Restaurants in Phuket Old Town
When we started this Phuket Old Town restaurants guide we had no idea what we were in for! Just strolling around on your own you’ll run into plenty of great Phuket Town food. Yet, there are more places you’ll want to seek out specifically… Especially if you’re only on a short trip.
Speaking of visits, we made plenty to Phuket Town just for the food. Still, there is no way we had time to try all the best restaurants Phuket has to offer. Use this guide as a starting point to find your own tasty island dishes.
The best time to go if you’re trying to eat as much food in Phuket Town as possible is Sunday night. This is when the famous Night Market sets up on Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town.
Phuket Food Tour: If you prefer to have an actual Phuket Town food guide you can jump on this popular 15-Taster Food Tour.
One Day Phuket Old Town Restaurants Guide
Breakfast at Aroon Po Chana
Hours: 6am-5pm
Location: 124-126 Thalang Rd
The first stop in our Phuket food guide has to be Aroon Po Chana! We came here numerous times for breakfast as we loved their roti’s with egg.
We always ordered them with a side of vegetarian or beef curry to dip it in. They have an assortment of other interesting Asian dishes and soups as well.
The location is perfect right at the start of Thalong Road in Old Town and they make the roti’s fresh from scratch right in the doorway.
Don’t be surprised if the table next to you is ordering large plates of clams over rice, or other strange seafood specialties. We also recommend ordering one of their unique coffee, teas, or juices!
Lunch at Mu Krop (Crispy Pork Special)
Hours: 6am-2pm
Location: 66/6 Vichitsongkram Rd
Ready for lunch at one of the best restaurants in Phuket Town? Crispy pork is famous in Thailand and this place does it right. It was awarded the prestigious Michelin Star in 2021 and we can definitely see why!
Honestly, at other places we’ve got the same dish and it wasn’t nearly as good. We loved how crispy the pork was and the sauces are to die for! The first time we came we ordered the small size and immediately got another one because it was so tasty.
Best Restaurants Phuket Tip: This is actually a meal you can get for breakfast as Mu Krop opens at 6am!
Drinks on Thalang Road
There are a few different bars on Thalang Road in Old Town and it’s a fun spot to grab drinks before or after dinner! The stools out front have a good view for people watching and taking in the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture.
We can’t recommend one exact place because all the bars are similar in style and price. If you’re looking for something more upscale you’ll find that on the surrounding streets.
→ 10 Reasons You Can’t Miss Phuket Old Town
Dinner at Mee Ton Poe
Hours: 9am-6:30pm Daily
Location: 214 Phuket Rd, Tambon Talat Ya
As you make your way around the best restaurants in Phuket Town, you’ll start to see that Hokkien Noodles are not just popular… They are a way of life!
Mee Ton Poe has been making this dish since 1946 and must’ve been a super easy choice for the Michelin Star guide. The big yellow noodles are mixed with seafood, pork, and an absurdly delicious gravy sauce. Talk about a flavor overload!
Mee Ton Poe isn’t open very late in the evening. So if you want this spot will have to plan for an early dinner! Make sure to also try a popular side of fish balls, too.
Dessert at Phuketique
Hours: 10am-10pm Closed Tuesday
Location: 2 Ranong, Tambon Talat Nue
This famous coffee shop should be on every foodie’s list! While the coffee is creative and fantastic, the real draw to Phuketique is the dessert.
Their burnt butter toast with vanilla ice cream is the star of the show… And yes it’s as good as it sounds! They also have a variety of local and international beers which make it the perfect after-dinner dessert spot.
Best Restaurants Phuket Tip: There are only 3-4 tables inside this tiny shop. However, the best seat is the two stools outside where you can sit and watch the dessert being made.
More Delicious Phuket Old Town Restaurants
Still hungry? There are endless places to eat great food in Phuket! Here are some more of the best restaurants in Phuket Town to enjoy.
Ko Yoon Noodles: Ko Yoon is a legendary Hokkien noodles spot and many people even prefer it over Mee Ton Poe. The flavors jump right out of the bowl here at this small Phuket town restaurant. We couldn’t believe all the ingredients they fit in one soup!
Raya Restaurant: Raya is known far and wide and people come from all over the island to eat here. The braised pork stew is their most popular item. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience and take on Thai food, this is your spot!
Go Benz: Go Benz is another Phuket Town food establishment that received a shining Michelin Star. When we sat down at this bustling Phuket street food restaurant we were surrounded by locals. They specialize in an assortment of noodles and rice porridge that was different than anything we tried in Phuket Town.
The Charm: The traditional 100-year-old Thai house is an amazing setting to eat your Phuket food in. Here they have many traditional recipes that will keep you coming back for more.
Where to Stay in Phuket Town
Fun Vacation – The Memory at On On Hotel – Stay at Phuket’s first hotel! Built in 1927, the On On Hotel was constructed in the signature Sino-Portuguese style and retains its historical charm. It was even featured in the 2002 blockbuster “The Beach” with Leanardo DiCaprio.
Boutique Hotel – Casa Blanca Hotel – Located in the heart of Phuket town, Casa Blanca mixes elegance with vibrant decor. Swim in the pool after a day of exploring, all while being close to many great restaurants.
Budget But Nice! – Baan Sutra Guesthouse – Basic but clean rooms that are great if you’re on a budget. Set one street over from the famous Thalang Road and walking distance to everything in Old Town.
Hostel Life – Aekkeko Hostel – Fun hostel in Phuket Old Town. There is an onsite bar to meet other travelers and you can have your pick from both dorm beds or private rooms.
For more of the best hotels in Phuket Town explore the latest prices here!
Have any questions about food in Phuket or want to share more of the best Phuket Old Town restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Phuket Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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