Phuket is the first city in Thailand and ASEAN to be named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015. The island’s food reflects a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Central Thai influences, creating flavours that are both unique and rich in culture. With its abundance of fresh seafood, every meal feels connected to the sea. For visitors, Jungceylon is the perfect starting point to taste these local flavours — surrounded by food streets and restaurants that bring together traditional favourites and modern Phuket dishes in one lively spot.
Signature Phuket Dishes
1. Moo Hong (Braised Pork Belly)
Moo Hong is one of Phuket’s most loved dishes and a true taste of the island’s Hokkien Chinese roots. This pork belly stew is slow-cooked in a fragrant mix of garlic, coriander root, black pepper, soy sauce, and palm sugar. The long simmering gives the pork a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavour with a touch of spice.
- The sauce is thick, sticky, and full of aroma.
- The pork is tender but still firm enough to enjoy each layer.
- Best eaten with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.
You can find authentic Moo Hong near Jungceylon and in Phuket Old Town, where traditional Southern Thai chefs still use family recipes passed down through generations.
2. Pu Pad Pong Karee (Crab Curry)
Pu Pad Pong Karee is a creamy crab curry that showcases Phuket’s seafood at its best. Fresh crab meat is stir-fried with curry powder, eggs, onions, and herbs, creating a golden sauce that is rich yet smooth. The sweet crab blends beautifully with the mild curry spice and fluffy egg texture.
- Rich and creamy with a gentle curry aroma.
- Often shared with rice or crusty bread at family-style meals.
This dish is a favourite at Phuket’s coastal seafood restaurants, Jungceylon’s dining spots, and local market-side eateries, offering a flavour that perfectly reflects the island’s deep connection to the sea. Some restaurants within Jungceylon also feature this menu item, giving visitors a chance to enjoy Phuket’s authentic seaside taste right in the heart of Patong.
3. Mee Hokkien (Hokkien Noodles)
Mee Hokkien is a stir-fried noodle dish influenced by Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese community. Thick yellow noodles are cooked in a hot wok with pork, shrimp, squid, cabbage, and garlic. The quick stir-fry gives it a smoky flavour known as “wok hei”, which makes the dish extra special.
- Chewy noodles with a light charred aroma.
- A balanced mix of pork, seafood, and vegetables.
It’s one of the most common street foods in Phuket and can be enjoyed at busy food stalls or small restaurants near Jungceylon and in Phuket Old Town.
4. Gaeng Som Pla (Sour Fish Curry)
Gaeng Som Pla is a spicy and sour fish curry that brings out the bold side of Southern Thai cooking. It’s made with firm white fish simmered in a broth of tamarind, chilli, garlic, and shrimp paste. The result is a light yet fiery curry that’s both tangy and refreshing.
- No coconut milk, unlike most Thai curries.
- Bright, sour taste balanced with heat.
Locals enjoy this dish with steamed rice for a simple, flavourful meal. You can find it at traditional Southern Thai restaurants around Phuket Town and coastal areas.
5. Oh Tao (Phuket Oyster Omelette)
Oh Tao is one of Phuket’s most famous street foods — a mix of oysters, taro, eggs, and bean sprouts cooked into a sticky yet crispy omelette. The combination of creamy oysters, chewy taro, and crispy edges makes it a fun dish to eat.
- Rich, briny seafood flavour.
- Crispy outside, soft inside.
- Often served with chilli sauce or fresh herbs.
You’ll find authentic Oh Tao at street food stalls near Jungceylon and in Phuket Old Town, where it’s a local favourite during festivals or night market visits.
6. Khanom Jeen Phuket
Khanom Jeen is a light and refreshing dish made of soft fermented rice noodles served with a variety of curries and sauces. It’s one of Phuket’s favourite breakfasts and is often eaten in the morning markets. The noodles have a slight tang, which pairs perfectly with spicy or coconut-based sauces.
- Usually served with fresh vegetables and boiled eggs.
- Flavours range from spicy and sour to creamy and sweet.
You can find Khanom Jeen vendors around Patong and Kathu, where locals line up early for this quick and tasty meal. It’s more than just food — it’s part of Phuket’s social culture, bringing people together over shared flavours.
Other Phuket Favourites
7. Nam Prik Goong Sieb (Southern Chilli Paste with Dried Shrimp)
Nam Prik Goong Sieb, or Southern Chilli Paste with Dried Shrimp, is a spicy and tasty dip from southern Thailand. It’s made from dried shrimp, chillies, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, palm sugar, and lime juice. The flavour is a mix of spicy, salty, sweet, and sour, with a smoky touch from the roasted shrimp. The shrimp also give it a light crunch that makes it special.
- Served with fresh or boiled vegetables, fried fish, or omelettes.
- Adds a bold, rich seafood taste to simple dishes.
- Popular in southern Thai meals for its strong flavour and aroma.
You can enjoy Nam Prik Goong Sieb at night markets and street stalls near Jungceylon, where it’s freshly made and full of southern-style spice.
8. Dim Sum
Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese meal that started in old Chinese teahouses, where small snacks were served with tea. The name means “touch the heart”, showing how it’s meant to bring comfort and joy. Dim sum includes many bite-sized dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls, usually shared with family and friends.
- Often enjoyed with tea, a custom known as yum cha.
- Served in small portions, perfect for tasting a variety of flavours.
- Famous for its delicate cooking and beautiful presentation.
In Phuket, you can enjoy authentic dim sum at Din Tai Fung in Jungceylon Shopping Mall. The restaurant is well-known for its high-quality dishes, friendly service, and comfortable atmosphere.
9. Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is Thailand’s famous spicy shrimp soup, loved for its balance of hot, sour, salty, and sweet flavours. Phuket adds its own twist by using fresh Andaman prawns, which are sweet and firm, giving the soup a stronger seafood taste. The broth is infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilli, creating a fragrant and bold aroma.
- Topped with lime juice and coriander before serving.
- Best enjoyed hot with a bowl of rice.
You can enjoy Tom Yum Goong at restaurants in Jungceylon, where it’s freshly prepared with rich flavours and aromatic herbs— a must-try dish in Phuket.
10. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Som Tum is a refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya mixed with chilli, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and peanuts. The Phuket version has a slight Southern twist — it's a bit sweeter and sometimes with added seafood. It’s a mix of crunch, spice, and zest that wakes up your taste buds.
- Often eaten with sticky rice or grilled chicken.
- Freshly pounded in a mortar for maximum flavour.
You can find Som Tum at restaurants in Jungceylon, freshly made to order and customised to your preferred spice level.
11. Khao Pad Talay (Seafood Fried Rice)
Khao Pad Talay is a quick and tasty seafood fried rice, cooked with jasmine rice, squid, shrimp, or crab, and seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, and chilli. The dish combines the sweetness of fresh seafood with savoury rice, making it a filling and flavourful meal.
- Simple, fragrant, and full of local ingredients.
- Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner.
You can enjoy this dish at several restaurants inside Jungceylon, where it’s freshly prepared and served in generous portions—a favourite choice for both locals and tourists.
12. Grilled Seafood
Phuket is famous for its delicious grilled seafood, known for its freshness and smoky flavour from traditional charcoal grilling. The seafood is usually caught fresh each day, giving every dish a natural sweetness and soft texture.
Popular choices include blue swimmer crabs, king prawns, mussels, squid, and local fish like Andaman White Snapper. The seafood is often grilled with Thai herbs or wrapped in banana leaves to lock in the aroma and taste.
- Cooked over charcoal or coconut husks for a rich, smoky flavour.
- Served with spicy dipping sauces and fresh vegetables.
- Balanced with natural herbs and spices for a healthy meal.
Enjoying grilled seafood in Phuket is not just about the food—it’s a full island experience, often paired with the relaxing sea breeze and beautiful coastal views.
Sweet Treats from Phuket
13. O-Aew
O-Aew is a refreshing Phuket dessert with Chinese Hokkien roots, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It’s made from the seeds of the o-aew plant mixed with banana starch and natural juice, then set into a soft, clear jelly. The texture is light and bouncy, making it both fun and satisfying to eat.
- Served over shaved ice for extra refreshment.
- Common toppings include red beans, grass jelly, or sweet syrup.
You can find O-Aew at dessert stalls in Phuket Old Town, where locals and tourists enjoy it as a cheap yet delicious treat. Each vendor offers slightly different toppings, making every bowl unique. Trying O-Aew is a simple but special way to taste Phuket’s Chinese-Thai heritage.
14. Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a beloved Thai dessert that’s just as popular in Phuket. It’s made with slices of ripe, juicy mango served with sticky rice cooked in coconut milk. The rice is soft, rich, and slightly salty, balancing the sweetness of the mango perfectly. Some versions in Phuket add crispy mung beans on top for a light crunch.
- A mix of creamy, sweet, and salty flavours.
- Best enjoyed during mango season when the fruit is freshest.
You can find this dish at the Food Bazaar and several restaurants within Jungceylon, often freshly prepared to order. It’s a delightful way to finish your meal or enjoy a sweet afternoon treat while exploring Phuket.
15. Tao Sor (Phuket Bean Pastry)
Tao Sor is a small, flaky pastry filled with sweet mung bean paste — a traditional Phuket snack loved by locals and visitors. The crust is golden and crisp, while the filling is soft, smooth, and lightly sweet, sometimes flavoured with coconut milk for extra richness.
- Often enjoyed with tea as a light dessert.
- Makes a popular souvenir from Phuket.
You can buy Tao Sor at family-run bakeries in Phuket Town, where recipes have been passed down for generations. Bringing a box home is not just about the taste — it’s a piece of Phuket’s history, showing how local and Chinese influences blend beautifully in one bite.
16. Roti
Phuket’s roti is thin, crispy on the edges, and soft in the centre — cooked on a hot griddle until perfectly golden. It comes in both sweet and savoury styles. Sweet roti is often filled with banana and topped with condensed milk, while savoury roti is eaten with rich, flavourful curry.
- Sweet roti: flaky, buttery, and lightly caramelised.
- Savoury roti: great with chicken or beef curry.
Roti vendors are everywhere in Patong and local markets, serving it hot and fresh. Whether you’re craving a dessert or a quick snack, roti is always a satisfying treat.
Where to Enjoy These Dishes
Jungceylon Patong
Jungceylon Shopping Center in Patong is one of the best places to enjoy Phuket’s local flavours in comfort. The Food Bazaar on the lower level is an air-conditioned food court serving favourites like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Mango Sticky Rice, all made fresh and hygienically.
- Wide range of Thai street food and local dishes.
- Clean, comfortable seating and fair prices.
It’s perfect for families and travellers who want to try real Phuket food in a relaxed, modern space. Many restaurants inside the mall also serve local dishes with a creative, stylish touch — a blend of street-style flavour and modern dining.
Banzaan Market
Located right behind Jungceylon, Banzaan Market is a fresh and lively spot known for its seafood and local produce. Visitors can pick their favourite seafood downstairs and have it cooked upstairs in the food court — a fun, hands-on experience.
- Fresh seafood cooked on the spot.
- Turns into a vibrant night market in the evening.
By night, the area comes alive with stalls selling grilled fish, skewers, snacks, and desserts. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Phuket’s street food culture while feeling part of the local buzz.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is the heart of the island’s food heritage. Its colourful streets are lined with cafés and small family-run restaurants that have been serving local recipes for generations. Here, you can try iconic dishes like Moo Hong and Oh Tao in an authentic, nostalgic setting.
- Home-style cooking passed down through families.
- Rich cultural atmosphere with Sino-Portuguese charm.
Food lovers often visit this area to taste dishes made the traditional way, surrounded by Phuket’s historic architecture and local community.
Beachfront Restaurants
Phuket’s beachfront restaurants combine delicious food with beautiful ocean views. Along the island’s coast, you’ll find eateries that specialise in grilled seafood, crab curry, and seafood fried rice, all made with freshly caught ingredients.
- Fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea.
- Dining options from casual beach shacks to fine restaurants.
Whether you prefer a relaxed seaside meal or a romantic dinner by the waves, these restaurants let you enjoy Phuket’s coastal charm and local flavours at their best.
Phuket’s food is full of flavour, colour, and culture. Every dish reflects the island’s mix of Chinese, Malay, and Thai influences, creating tastes that are truly special. From spicy curries and rich stews to fresh seafood and sweet desserts, each bite tells part of Phuket’s story. At Jungceylon Patong, you’ll find a wide variety of food — from local favourites to international dishes — making it a great place to enjoy Phuket’s lively food scene and unforgettable flavours.
