Phuket: Local Cuisine Restaurants

Raya is a historic Phuket Town eatery known for its authentic Phuket-style cuisine. Located in a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouse, it highlights southern Thai specialties like moo hong (braised pork belly) and yellow curry crab. The menu also features classic local dishes, and each meal ends with a complimentary mango pudding. Its vintage decor and long-standing reputation make Raya a beloved local institution.

One Chun is a beloved Phuket Old Town restaurant blending Peranakan Chinese and southern Thai cuisine. Housed in a retro 19th-century shophouse decorated with antiques, it uses family recipes passed down generations. Popular menu items include rich crab curry, spicy chilli pork stir-fry and pork belly stew. One Chun's authentic flavors and great value earned it a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award.

Mor Mu Dong is a rustic, open-air restaurant in Chalong specializing in Southern Thai and Phuket dishes. Situated among mangroves, it offers communal hut seating in a jungle-like atmosphere. Known for unique items, signature dishes include deep-fried stuffed mackerel and squid in black ink sauce. With dozens of Southern Thai specialties on the menu, it's a must-visit for adventurous eaters seeking unusual local flavors.

Recommended by our local expert Tom. He says, "Mor Mu Dong is an excellent local Thai restaurant in a magical, rustic setting".

Go Benz is a humble Phuket Town breakfast shop famous for khao tom haeng (dry rice porridge) with nose-to-tail pork ingredients. This Michelin-recommended stall serves hearty morning fare: bowls of rice porridge topped with shredded pork, crispy cracklings and peanuts. Regulars also order the peppery pork noodle soup and crispy pork belly. Open until afternoon, it's popular for satisfying local comfort food.

Krua Tungtong ("Big Chicken") is a no-frills family restaurant known for generous portions. Named after its famous large roast chicken, it serves Southern Thai and local specialties. The menu includes dishes like whole steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables with crispy pork, and chicken rice. Authentic homestyle flavors and simple seating make it a favorite among locals looking for hearty meals at reasonable prices.

Chom Chan by One Chun is an upscale sister eatery in Phuket Town serving refined local dishes. Run by relatives of the Raya family, it features Phuket classics with a twist. Recommended items include peppered pork belly, aromatic papaya salad with shrimp paste, and creamy crab curry with coconut milk. Set in a charming colonial-style house with garden seating, it offers a cozy, homelike ambiance.