Where to Dine in Phuket

Phuket has become such an indelible part of tourism in Southeast Asia, let alone Thailand, that not even a tsunami can stop it. Yes, the primetime holiday spot was hit hard by the infamous Indian Ocean megathrust earthquake of 2004 but, happily and despite the odds, has made a swift recovery. This is not a purely anecdotal bit of speculation either. The numbers tell the story – and they are truly impressive. To wit, for the past five years roughly 3.5 million visitors, on average, have come to Phuket. That makes Thailand’s largest island a top 30 global holiday destination. Public relations, obviously, are not Phuket’s main concern. Luxury hotels in Phuket also compare favourably with some of the best in the region, from Langkawi to Bali, Palawan to Pattaya. Decent accommodation then, is not a problem. And, clearly, neither is the climate, so long as it veers tropical and not tropical monsoon. How about where to score a choice stretch of beach? Please. Easy peasy in Phuket. No, the one dominant question that plagues many Phuket-trippers is, simply, this: Where to find a good, authentic meal? Well look no further. This handy list underscores some of the gems of the Phuket restaurant scene. Mee Ton Poe Phuket Rd (opposite the Surin clock-tower roundabout), Phuket Town, +66 76 216 293 Hokkien noodle shops are a dime a dozen in Phuket and it can be difficult for greenhorns to discern good from bad. Just know this: Mee Ton Poe is the oldest and still the best. Tiffin Mama Foto Hotel, 218/9 Kata – Saiyuan Rd, Kata beach, Karon Muang, +66 76 680 900 Boutique hotel digs provide a swish backdrop for Tiffin Mama’s artful but traditional food. Mae Ting 28 Satun Rd (near the corner of Maeluan Rd), Phuket Town, +66 76 258 284 Like a lot of rustic hot spots in Phuket, you have to hit Mae Ting before 10:30 a.m. to procure the modest restaurant’s ethereal curry and noodles. Totally worth it, of course. Thaew Nam Roti corner Thalang and Thepkasattri, Phuket Town, +66 76 210 061 Charcoal-fired rotis rule the day at this decade-old institution in Phuket Town. Mor Mu Dong Mu Dong Soi, Chalong, +66 76 282 302 This hard-to-find lunch spot is completely essential for Phuket epicures. Ask a local or your hotel concierge for directions. Mor Mu Dong is almost purposefully clandestine. Rawai fish market Rawai pier, Rawai beach A local fish market with competitive prices and the freshest catches of the day. Krua Alee Bang Pat village, off Baan Khao Thao, Phang Na, +66 86 274 4557 There are plenty of fancy-ish restaurants on Thailand’s popular holiday island but why splurge for twee fare when you can enjoy home-style cooking in a Muslim fishing village? Krua Alee is no-nonsense delciousness. Raya Thai Cuisine 48 New Debuk Cross Rd, Phuket Town, +66 76 218 155 Consistently regarded as the best restaurant in Phuket, Raya Thai delivers on-point cuisine with superlative technique and just so happens to reside in one of the most beautiful locales on the island. Nam Taohoo Samkong Yaowarad Rd (near the Shell station), Phuket Town Nam Taohoo Samkong does one thing only but does it well: sweets, glorious, traditional sweets, available until late into the night.