Must-Try Foods In Old Phuket Town (Phuket) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Old Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand

Old Phuket Town, with its rich history, is a melting pot of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures, which is reflected in its unique and diverse culinary offerings. The town’s food history is deeply influenced by the mining boom of the 19th century, attracting a large number of Chinese immigrants who brought with them their culinary traditions. This has led to a fusion of flavors, now known as Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya cuisine.

The local cuisine also features strong Muslim influences, as traders from Malaysia and beyond introduced spices and cooking techniques that have become integrated into the fabric of Phuket’s food culture. Moreover, the island's coastal location means that seafood features prominently in many dishes. The melding of these cultures over time has resulted in a distinctive Phuketian gastronomy that celebrates fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and intricate preparation methods.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Old Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand

Mee Hokkien Noodles (Non-Veg)

A stir-fried noodle dish with shrimp, squid, egg, and vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and other flavorful ingredients.

Pad Thai (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Thailand's famous stir-fried noodle dish, which can be made with tofu for vegetarians or with shrimp or chicken for meat eaters, tossed with peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime.

Tom Yum Goong (Non-Veg)

A hot and sour Thai soup made with shrimp and a variety of herbs like lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal.

Som Tam (Veg)

A spicy green papaya salad that combines the five main tastes of Thai cuisine: sour lime, hot chili, salty, savory fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar.

Massaman Curry (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

A rich, relatively mild Thai curry that can be made with chicken or tofu, with a base of coconut milk, tamarind, and peanuts.

Spring Rolls (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Deep-fried or fresh rolls filled with vegetables, and sometimes with meat or seafood, served with a sweet chili or a tamarind dipping sauce.

Khanom Jeen (Veg)

Rice noodles served with a selection of curries, typically a mild coconut-based curry sauce, and fresh vegetables.

Roti with Curry Dip (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

Indian-influenced flaky flatbread served with a rich and aromatic curry sauce for dipping, which can be vegetarian or made with chicken or seafood.

Kanom Bueang (Veg)

A traditional Thai crepe that’s thin and crispy, stuffed with sweet or savory fillings like coconut cream and shredded coconut.

Pineapple Fried Rice (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

A dish blending sweet, fresh pineapple with stir-fried rice, which can include chicken, shrimp, or simply additional vegetables.

Top Famous Restaurants in Old Phuket Town, Phuket, Thailand

Raya Restaurant

Address: 48 New Dibuk Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Famous Food: Crab Meat Curry (Non-Veg)

The Memory at On On Hotel

Address: 19 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Famous Food: Thai Basil Chicken (Non-Veg)

Blue Elephant Phuket

Address: 96 Krabi Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Famous Food: Green Curry with Chicken (Non-Veg)

Lock Tien Food Court

Address: 173 Yaowarat Road, Talat Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Famous Food: Hokkien Noodles (Non-Veg), Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Veg)

Tantitium

Address: 16 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Famous Food: Sino-Portuguese Dim Sum (Can be Veg or Non-Veg)

When planning a culinary journey to Old Phuket Town, each of these destinations offers a unique taste of the local flavours, catering to a range of dietary preferences, whether you're looking for vegetarian dishes or seafood delights.