Phuket is not just known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife; it’s also a haven for food lovers, especially those seeking authentic street food. From fragrant curries to savory noodles, Phuket street food scene offers an incredible variety of flavors, blending Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. Here’s a guide to some of the best street food you must try while visiting this island paradise and the best cities to see in Thailand.

1. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)

Moo Ping is one of the most popular street food snacks in Phuket and all over Thailand. These marinated pork skewers are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, sweet, and slightly salty flavor. They are typically served with sticky rice, making them a filling and delicious snack or meal on the go.

• Where to find it: Look for roadside grills at local markets like Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market) or Chillva Market.
• Best enjoyed with: Sticky rice and a spicy dipping sauce.

2. Pad Thai

You can’t visit Thailand without trying Pad Thai, one of the country’s most famous dishes. This stir-fried noodle dish includes a perfect combination of rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, peanuts, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. Topped with fresh lime and chili flakes, Pad Thai is a mouthwatering and satisfying meal.

• Where to find it: Bangla Road Night Market and Phuket Old Town are great places to enjoy an authentic plate of Pad Thai.
• Best enjoyed with: Fresh lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and chili flakes on the side for extra flavor.

3. Roti (Thai Pancakes)

Roti is a delicious Thai-style pancake, which originated from Indian and Muslim influences. These thin, crispy pancakes are fried with butter and often filled with bananas, Nutella, or condensed milk for a sweet treat. Savory versions with fillings like egg and curry are also popular.

• Where to find it: Lard Yai Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town and roadside stalls all over the island.
• Best enjoyed with: Sweetened condensed milk and sliced bananas for a classic treat, or with spicy curry for a savory experience.

4. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

Som Tum is a refreshing and spicy papaya salad, made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce. It’s a perfect mix of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that come together to create a vibrant dish.

• Where to find it: You can find Som Tum in almost every market and food stall, but the best places include Banzaan Fresh Market and Malin Plaza.
• Best enjoyed with: Sticky rice or grilled chicken to balance the heat.

5. Khanom Jeen (Fermented Rice Noodles with Curry)

Khanom Jeen is a traditional Phuket dish made from thin, soft, fermented rice noodles served with a variety of flavorful curries, such as green curry or spicy fish curry. Toppings like fresh herbs, vegetables, pickles, and boiled eggs are added to create a rich and diverse taste experience.

• Where to find it: Ko Yoon Khanom Jeen is a famous spot for this dish, located in Phuket Town.
• Best enjoyed with: A mix of curries to sample different flavors and spice levels.

6. Hokkien Mee (Phuket-Style Fried Noodles)

Phuket’s own version of Hokkien Mee is a must-try. These thick yellow noodles are stir-fried with pork, seafood, or chicken, along with bean sprouts, eggs, and greens. The dish has a rich, smoky flavor thanks to the wok-frying process, and it’s often served with a spoonful of pork or shrimp broth for added flavor.

• Where to find it: The best place to try this dish is at Mee Ton Poe, an iconic noodle shop in Phuket Town.
• Best enjoyed with: A side of crispy fried shallots and a squeeze of lime.

7. Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice)

A simple but incredibly tasty dish, Khao Man Gai is Thailand’s version of Hainanese chicken rice. Tender poached chicken is served over fragrant jasmine rice cooked in chicken broth and paired with a flavorful dipping sauce made from ginger, garlic, chilies, and soy sauce. This dish is light yet filling, perfect for a quick meal.

• Where to find it: Go-Benz Khao Man Gai in Phuket Town is famous for this dish.
• Best enjoyed with: A bowl of clear chicken broth on the side.

8. Sai Ua (Northern Thai Sausage)

Though not native to Phuket, Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage) is a popular street food found on the island. This grilled pork sausage is packed with aromatic herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, giving it a unique and intense flavor. It's usually eaten as a snack, but pairs well with sticky rice for a more substantial meal.

• Where to find it: Many street vendors across Phuket Town and Night Markets offer this fragrant sausage.
• Best enjoyed with: Sticky rice and fresh vegetables to balance the spices.

9. Kanom Krok (Coconut Pancakes)

These tiny coconut pancakes are a popular dessert or snack in Phuket. Made from a mix of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, Kanom Krok are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re often topped with corn or spring onions to add a bit of sweetness or savory contrast.

• Where to find it: Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market) is a great spot to try freshly made Kanom Krok.
• Best enjoyed with: Fresh out of the pan for the best texture and flavor.

10. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Tom Yum Goong is a fragrant and spicy shrimp soup that’s famous across Thailand. The broth is flavored with lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chili, making it both sour and spicy. The addition of fresh shrimp and mushrooms makes it a hearty and delicious meal.

• Where to find it: You can enjoy Tom Yum at many street stalls and small restaurants, but it’s particularly good at Loktien, a local eatery in Phuket Town.
• Best enjoyed with: A side of jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

Phuket street food scene is vibrant, diverse, and full of unique flavors. Whether you’re craving something spicy, sweet, or savory, the island’s street vendors offer an array of delicious dishes that cater to all tastes. Exploring the street food markets is one of the best ways to experience the local culture and enjoy authentic Thai flavors.