Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. You can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical islands, including the famous Koh Phi Phi, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay.

Phuket is blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon and Kamala have always been the most popular, but the north of the island reveals some hidden gems for travellers searching for a more romantic atmosphere. 1

Lock Tien

ลกเที้ยน ศูนย์รวมอาหารพื้นเมืองภูเก็ต

Another one of @migrationology recommended joint, Lock Tien – ลกเที้ยน ศูนย์รวมอาหารพื้นเมืองภูเก็ต did not disappoint. I ordered the Ancient Style Hokkien Noodles served with soup / bowl had a great combination of Pork, Shrimp, Egg and dumpling served in a flavourful broth. I also had the freshly grilled Pork satay served with a earthy coarse peanut sauce that complimented the Satay very well. The prices are super cheap but the waitresses can be a lil’ forgetful so don’t be shy to remind them of your order.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gThS96UP1Gpjp6dM9

Banzaan Fresh Market

The highlight of visiting Banzaan Market in Patong, Phuket was the abundant variety of food stalls selling both fresh produce and cooked Thai food made to order. What really caught my attention were the seafood stalls where you choose and it’s cooked right in front of you. I ordered the Lobster and Mantis Shrimps which i had stir fried with Vegetables and Thai spices and the shrimps fried with Garlic. Together with a cold Chang beer and some sticky rice, the combination had me blown away. It can’t get any fresher than this. 

Location: https://g.page/real-leather-shop-845?share

Briley Chicken and Rice –

ข้าวมันไก่ไบรเล่ย์ Briley

Briley Chicken Rice had good ratings on @tripadvisor & @foursquare and it was only rational that I give it a go. It was pretty late and they were close to closing for the day but the young lady was very friendly and showed me to my seat. The restaurant isn’t much and is a very native eatery. The menu was a big sign right above the table so I took my time. 

All the reviews had recommended the “Hainanese Chicken on Rice” (Phuket has a lot of Chinese influence) that came with a small bowl of clear chicken bone soup (Bone Stock Soup). I also wanted to order the Crispy pork but they had none left so I settled for the “Stewed Pork Leg”.

The Hainanese Chicken is hard to describe. It felt like it was either steamed or braised in the chicken bone stock but the simple flavour was perfection. The meat was very tender and the rice cooked well and I couldn’t be happier. Absolutely loved the soup but what really caught me off guard was how appetizing the “Stewed Pork Leg” was. The skin was quite gelatinous and the meat was so tender, I could mash it with a spoon. The spices were mild and the herbs accentuated the flavours of the meat. I’m guessing this took a day to cook, because getting a pork leg to fall apart like that is not easy. 

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RLAnKpszqKuH9iTi9

Raya Restaurant

ร้านอาหาร ระย้า

Raya Restaurant is located in Phuket town and serves up some delicate & scrumptious Thai Sino dishes. Set in a renovated Sino-Thai mansion with a hint of Portuguese (or so I was told) this place feels more like home than a well-known restaurant.

I had planned this visit well in advance and knew exactly what I was going for. Pork being my favourite meat, Moo Hong (Pork Stew cooked in Garlic & Pepper) was the obvious choice. Mark’s videos had driven me insane and it was time to put it to the taste test. I also ordered the Crab Fried rice to go with the Moo Hong and a cold bottle of Chang beer (Singha is second best).

What happened next was pure ecstasy. Watching the piece of pork belly wobble as I picked it up with the spoon, it was delightfully tender and cut through with a spoon like a knife through butter.

The crab fried rice added to the already wonderful experience, making this pork dish one of the best, well-seasoned delight I have had in a long time. The beer helped with the little heat from the dish and the humid weather outside. I rate this place a 9/10, the lack of an air conditioner being the only reason for a point lost. It is a lil on the pricier side compared to other restaurants in Phuket, but it is worth every penny. They have also been featured on the ‘Michelin 2020’ Guide so even more reasons to visit this unique restaurant while in Phuket.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TFE8L85MTYy6aZnE7

Michelin Review : https://guide.michelin.com/en/phuket-region/phuket/restaurant/raya