Escape De Phuket Hotel

Grandma Chian opened this Hokkien restaurant in 1952. Her great-great grandchildren have stayed loyal to her recipes and proudly exhibit her cooking utensils. Serving Phuket favourites, the Mee Sapam, stir-fried Hokkien noodles with seafood, is great. The stir-fried oysters with crispy egg roll are beautifully crafted with beansprouts, kale and a tasty chilli sauce.

Beyond an entrance surrounded by lush foliage, the modest yet inviting space has just a handful of tables, contributing to a relaxed vibe. Dishes are made to order using produce bought at dawn – think rich, fiercely aromatic Southern Thai curries. Spice levels can be dialled down upon request. There's no English menu, but the welcome is warm and the authentic Phuket food speaks for itself, which explains the queues of loyal locals and savvy travellers!

Krua Praya showcases Southern Thai, especially Phuket, cuisine. The menu features skilfully prepared dishes with bold flavours and enticing aromas. The standout pork belly dishes include the signature fried pork belly with curry paste and young coconut shoots, delivering a crispy, spicy delight. Alternatively, the Phuket-style stew offers a rich non-spicy option, served in a satisfying gravy. The food is cooked to order, so please expect to wait.

To reach this floating restaurant near Ko Maphrao, take a 5-min boat ride across sparkling waters reflecting the sunshine. Onboard, panoramic views, a gentle breeze and uber-fresh seafood await. The distance from sea to plate couldn’t be shorter. Start with a freshly picked coconut before tucking into delicious southern and central Thai seafood. The grouper soup with Chinese soybean paste and stir-fried black tiger prawns with salt and chilli are highlights.

This outlet with a red-brown zinc roof offers a menu of both individual and sharing dishes, with nicely balanced flavours. Despite its humble guise, Sang Ka Sri attracts a crowd, so be prepared to wait for a table before enjoying the fresh squid with herbs and tangy dressing.

Set in a charming white house with a leafy façade, Chom Chan blends modern Sino-Portuguese design with antique touches. The traditional Phuket-style Southern Thai cuisine drawn from family recipes is perfect for sharing. Standout dishes, such as orange curry soup with barramundi belly and green taro stems, deliver tangy, tamarind-led sourness balanced by gentle sweetness. Bold, playful flavours shine in this cosy setting, where a meal is easy on the wallet.

Southern recipes, affordable prices and down-to-earth hospitality – this is why locals pack out this family-run business at lunch and dinner. Their family recipes pack great intensity. The Phuketian stir-fried pork rump with salt is lovely, with tender meat and lip-smacking pork skin.