Cover Black Ginger at The Slate, Phuket
Black Ginger at The Slate, Phuket
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Known for its golden sands, Phuket is also a paradise for food-lovers seeking the tangy, spicy kick of Southern Thai fare
Life is always better on holiday, but finding the time to do so can seem like an unfeasible task. Fortunately for us though, Singapore is but a short plane ride away from many of the most beautiful (and delicious) places in Asia. Case in point: Phuket, located less than 2 hours away, is home to scores of idyllic beaches and some of the best Southern Thai food, making it the perfect choice for a 48-hour whirlwind getaway.
From sour and spicy fish soups to aromatic crab curry, every dish from the region is intensely flavourful, characterised by heady spices and a strong presence of coconut milk. Common stars of dishes from the south include crab, shrimp and other jewels of the sea. With no lack of scrumptious food, it can be hard to decide just where to start filling your tummy. Not to fret, we’ve handpicked the top five places that have consistently made us (and hordes of fans) belly happy, so you don’t have to rack your brains if you’re planning an impromptu trip to the island in the Andaman Sea.
Read more: Destinations less than 3 hours’ flight from Singapore for a quick escape
1. Black Ginger
Above A raft is needed to get to Black Ginger's main restaurant compound (Photo: Facebook/Black Ginger, The Slate
A raft is needed to get to Black Ginger's main restaurant compound (Photo: Facebook/Black Ginger, The Slate
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Probably one of the most magical places to dine in Phuket, Black Ginger is nestled within the compounds of luxury hotel The Slate, just minutes away from the airport. The splendour begins the moment you arrive, with a mystical pathway leading to a small pier, where a wooden raft awaits to take guests across the water. Fire torches greet you on the other side, before you are shown to your table either at the open sala pavilion inspired by the Ayutthaya period, or in a romantically-lit air-conditioned traditional house.
Open only for dinner, set menus are available for those who wish to try smaller portions of several dishes. If you’re dining in a group though, it is worthwhile to pick from the a la carte menu, where you can find substantial portions of a wider variety of executive sous chef Anongrat “Piak” Meklai’s signature dishes. Widely recognised as one of Thailand’s top female chefs, chef Piak’s most notable dishes include tom yam goong, panaeng gai curry (chicken red curry), bua thod (crispy prawns with betel leaf) and moo hong (Phuket stewed pork belly). For dessert, try the bua loy mar praow orn (rice flour dumplings with coconut milk and flesh), a Black Ginger special, or the khao niew dam, which pairs boiled black sticky rice with aromatic coconut milk.
Black Ginger, 116, Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
2. One Chun
Above Phuket crab curry, kang poo, at One Chun
Phuket crab curry, kang poo, at One Chun
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On day two, take a nostalgic trip to Phuket's historical old town for some of the city's best-known treats. Here, you'll find Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant One Chun in a vintage two-storey Peranakan-style shophouse.
Extremely popular during mealtimes, try coming around during off-peak hours to avoid having to queue. Treasures found here include the crispy yet not-too-greasy deep fried eggs with chunky pieces of crab meat, and the kang poo, a Southern Thai spicy yellow curry with crab, served with cold rice vermicelli on the side. Also on the must-try list are the stir fried Thai pak meang vegetable with egg and crispy dried shrimp, moo tod nam pla (deep fried crispy pork belly), and hor mok, a spicy curry paste steamed with fish and crab meat in banana leaf.
48/1 Thep Krasatti Road, Talad Yai, Phuket, 83000, Thailand
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3. Pornthip Old Town
Above Mango sticky rice with coconut milk at Pornthip Old Town
Mango sticky rice with coconut milk at Pornthip Old Town
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After lunch, explore the retro streets of Phuket Old Town, where you’ll find everything from antique furniture to traditional Thai-nonya garbs. When it's time for a break, stop by the Pornthip Old Town dessert cafe, tucked away in an alleyway alongside casual local boutiques specialising in resort and beach wear.
Doubling up as a souvenir snack store, Pornthip offers a variety of traditional Thai desserts such as mango sticky rice (also available with black sticky rice), Phuket taosor cake, o-aew pudding (colourless jelly with shaved ice and a variety of toppings), ah-pong (Thai coconut milk pancake), and even durian soup for the more adventurous gourmet. Of course, there is also a selection of local beverages ranging from Thai iced milk tea to rosy milk. Tip: Head up to the seating area on the second floor for a view and photo opportunity of the old-fashioned street below.
3 Soi Rommani, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
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4. Three Monkeys
Above Three Monkeys (Photo: Facebook/Three Monkeys)
Above Muak San, a mix of banana liqueur and rum (Photo: Three Monkeys)
Three Monkeys (Photo: Facebook/Three Monkeys)
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One of Phuket’s most exciting dinner venues lies in a jungle setting not far from Phuket old town. After a day of shopping and exploring, head to the forest-inspired Three Monkeys, where most of the restaurant’s seats are housed in treehouse-like structures with luscious green views.
Apart from the Insta-worthy atmosphere, food and drinks are also served in creative ways to evoke playful yet majestic vibes of the Thai jungle. Worth a try are local dishes such as steamed squid with roe in chilli and lime sauce, prawn salad with tom yum paste, raw shrimps in fish sauce and the local vegetables in coconut soup. Also on the varied menu are a selection of interesting drinks, such as the espresso with lemon tonic, espresso coconut, and the "Muak San", a banana liqueur and rum-based cocktail that comes dressed in a traditional Thai farmer's hat.
Reservations are recommended, as walk-ins are usually met with at least an hour's waiting time. But if you're the adventurous sort, you can arrive earlier in the afternoon to get on the zipline or skywalk at Hanuman World next door.
105 M.4 Chaofah Road, Phuket , Thailand
5. Lertrod Kitchen
Above Stir-fried prawns at Lertrod Kitchen (Photo: Facebook/Lertrodkitchen
Stir-fried prawns at Lertrod Kitchen (Photo: Facebook/Lertrodkitchen
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Any seasoned food traveller will tell you that the final meal of a holiday, no matter how short, is of utmost importance. Make a pitstop at Lertrod Kitchen, located less than 5 minutes from the international airport, before jetting off on your last day.
With a stellar repertoire of classic southern Thai dishes, this Michelin-recommended eatery will not disappoint those seeking strong flavours with lots of "wok hei". Partially situated in a goldsmith's shop, the casual family-run restaurant often draws long queues, so be sure to allocate ample time if you are visiting during meal periods.
Crowd favourites here include the betel leaves curry with crab meat, fried chicken wings with tamarind sauce, stir-fried baby cabbage with crispy pork or shrimp, Phuket-style stir-fried prawns, crab fried rice and the baked rice in pineapple.
17/7 Nai Yang Rd, Sakhu, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
