Each of region in Thailand has different kind food which is distinctive in taste and style. As one of the southern provinces of Thailand, Phuket also has a flavourful dishes to offer. Thai southern food stands out in its intense taste which is rich in chillies and spices. And as majority of locals here descended from Chinese, there are also various Thai-Chinese restaurants for you to try.

Here are our picks of 5 best local restaurants in Phuket that you should never ever miss, if you want to taste the real southern Thai flavour.

1. Raya

Located on Dibuk Road, Raya Restaurant serves Thai cuisine with the touch of southern style. The restaurant is resided in an old charming Sino-Portuguese building, decorating with classic vintage style that tells you the story in the past.

Raya is famous among Thai and foreign tourists. It is a must-visit restaurant if you would like to try the real local food with classic atmosphere. Raya has a signature menu called crabmeat curry served with rice vermicelli. The dish is so famous that Bangkokians have to travel so far for it and order takeaway for their love ones back at home.

Other recommended dishes that you should try when you are at Raya are Caramelised and braised pork bell, Nam Prik Gung Siab (Sweet Chili Shrimp Paste), Spicy Phuket Prawn and Pad Sator (Stir-fried Stink Bean with Prawn).

Even though the restaurant serves Thai local dishes, the prices are not as local as you might think. Raya serves local food at tourists’ rates. However, the portion is satisfying and it won’t leave your stomach feeling empty after the meal.

Raya opens daily from 10.00 to 22.00 hrs. Cooking classes are also available, contact for more information 076 218 155.

2. Mee Ton Poe

Notably located across Surin Traffic Circle, Mee Ton Poe is one of the oldest and famous Thai-Chinese restaurants in Phuket. Mee Ton Poe is well-known for Hokkien noodle menus, however; what made the restaurant so famous is its signature dish – stir-fired Hokkien Noodle with egg.

Mee Hokkien refers to the thick yellow noodle which the restaurant offers numerous menus cooked from this noodle. This thick yellow noodle will be stir-fried with other toppings that you like such as pork, chicken or even seafood and then these dishes will be topped with half-cooked fried egg.

This This-Chinese restaurant is always packed with people – both locals and tourists. Sometime you might have to share table with strangers due to the popularity of the restaurant.

Mee Ton Poe also offers side dishes like pork satay, rice on top with delicious your choices of food. So far Mee Ton Poe has 3 branches including Surin Circle, Phraphuketkaew Road and Sakdidej Road – all in Phuket.

The restaurant opens daily from 09.00 to 18.30 hrs.

3. Lock Tien

Open for business for over 50 years, Lock Tien restaurant in Phuket offers authentic Thai-Chinese food. While the food selection might be similar to Mee Ton Poe, Lock Tien offers a little wider range of menus.

Recommended dishes at Lock Tien are Mee Hoon (fried noodles with pork bone soup), Lo Bah (deep-fried tripe with fried tofu and spicy sweet-and-sour sauce), Hokkien-style fresh spring roll and Mee Hokien. Other menus like Chicken Rice, dim sum and pork satay are also available here.

Located on the corner of Dibuk and Yaowaraj Road, Lock Tien opens as early as 06.30 and closes at 17.00 hrs. The restaurant closes on Tuesday.

4. Ocharos Phuket

Ocharos is a local noodle shop in Phuket. Located on Yaowarat intersection in Phuket, the restaurant offers a nice beef noodle. You can choose to enjoy the noodle with soup or without soup.

Ocharos is famous for its beef balls that the restaurant carefully made and served. If you are a beef lover, you won’t regret visiting this friendly price restaurant.

This beef noodle shop opens quite early at 07.00 and closes at 15.00 hrs. So if you would like to try this delicious menu, plans well.

5. Dibuk Restaurant

As the name suggested, Dibuk restaurant is located on Dibuk Road in Phuket old town. This small attractive is resided in a Sino-Thai style building and is famous for its romantic atmosphere.

Dibuk offers fusion Thai and French food with the good selection of wines. Recommended menus are – le pâté de foi de volaille followed by les cuisses de grenouille served in a garlic butter sauce. For the closure, try banana flambé.

Dibuk Restaurant opens daily from 11.00 to 23.00 hrs.

Also check out 5 Restaurants in Phuket w/ Great Views.