Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, isn’t just famous for its turquoise beaches and vibrant nightlife – it’s a street food paradise. A melting pot of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan influences, Phuket’s street food scene is bold, flavourful, and endlessly diverse.
From smoky skewers to sizzling noodles and tropical sweets, here are the top 10 street foods you must try when exploring Phuket’s bustling markets and roadside stalls.
1. Mee Hokkien Noodle
A Phuket signature dish, Mee Hokkien features thick yellow noodles stir-fried with pork, squid, shrimp, and egg in a rich soy-based sauce. Often topped with crispy shallots, lime, and chili vinegar, it’s a comforting and satisfying bowl of wok-fired flavour. Try it at Mee Ton Poe near the Clock Tower in Phuket Town.
2. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
These juicy, marinated pork skewers are one of Thailand’s ultimate street snacks. Smoky, sweet, and savoury with a hint of lemongrass and garlic, they’re grilled to perfection and often served with sticky rice. Found at most morning markets and night bazaars, including Chillva Market.
3. Roti
Thai-style roti is a cross between a pancake and a crepe. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and often stuffed with banana and drizzled with condensed milk or Nutella, it’s a must-try dessert (or breakfast). Look for roti carts in Patong or Kata Beach.
4. Khanom Jeen (Fermented Rice Noodles with Curry)
This local breakfast staple consists of thin, soft rice noodles served with a choice of spicy curries – like green curry chicken or nam ya fish curry – plus a buffet of fresh herbs, pickled veggies, and boiled egg. Visit Lock Tien Food Court in Phuket Town for the best Khanom Jeen on the island.
5. Satay
Tender skewers of marinated meat (usually chicken or pork) grilled over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce and a side of cucumber relish. Satay is simple, satisfying, and totally addictive. Find it in Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai) in Old Town.
6. Hor Mok (Steamed Curry Fish Custard)
This Phuket delicacy is made of ground fish mixed with red curry paste and coconut milk, then steamed in banana leaf cups. The texture is soft and custardy, and the flavour is rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet. Look for hor mok at local wet markets or the Naka Weekend Market.
7. O-Aew (Shaved Ice Dessert)
A uniquely Phuket dessert, O-Aew features a jelly made from the seeds of the o-aew plant (a type of fig), served with crushed ice, sweet syrup, and optional toppings like red beans or palm seeds. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat. Try it at famous O-Aew shops along Yaowarat Road.
8. Kanom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes)
These bite-sized treats – commonly sold at morning markets across the island – are made from a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in cast iron pans to create crispy outsides and gooey, fragrant centres. Often topped with green onions, corn, or taro.
9. Pad Thai Kung (Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp)
Phuket does pad Thai with its own twist – often sweeter and tamarind-forward, served with fresh prawns, lime wedges, peanuts, and sometimes a banana flower. Head to Malin Plaza in Patong or local street stalls in Kata for some of the best.
10. Gaeng Puk Kad Dong (Pickled Mustard Green Curry)
A spicy-sour southern Thai curry unique to Phuket, made with pickled mustard greens, pork, and aromatic herbs. It’s not for the faint of heart, but adventurous foodies will be rewarded with deeply complex flavours. Try it at Ran Gaeng Pa Lek in the local markets of Phuket Town.
Phuket’s street food isn’t just about eating – it’s about discovering the island’s culture, history, and heart through every bite. Whether you’re devouring smoky pork skewers at a roadside grill or enjoying a bowl of curry-drenched noodles at a local stall, the street food in Phuket will leave you full, happy, and craving more. Pro tip: come hungry – and bring tissues. The flavours are bold, and the chilies are real.
