5 Michelin restaurants to be proud of in Phuket, Thailand

1 Michelin star, 1 Michelin Green star award for substantial gastronomy.

PRU, located on the island of Phuket, stands out as the only establishment to hold both the red and green Michelin stars. It impresses discerning critics and guests with the meticulous approach to food creation. Chef Jim Ophorst and his team have immersed themselves so deeply in the process of growing vegetables on their own farm, that even a simple humble carrot is transformed into a true masterpiece, making it one of the highlights of the tasting menu.

In the spacious dining room with panoramic windows overlooking lush greenery, you will be presented with a menu of five or seven courses, each consisting of small yet exceptional delicacies. The appetizers may include a slice of barramundi with passion fruit and mangosteen or a delightful river prawn with Indian plum and chorizo. For the main course, choose from options such as veal short rib garnished with shrimp paste and peach or aged duck with egg fruit and trang pepper.

To truly appreciate the magnificence of PRU's cuisine, you'll have to personally journey to the island and experience it for yourself by making a reservation at least two weeks in advance.

Tasting menu from USD 127 without wine pairing.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award

Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk, a famous eatery located on Phang Nga Road in Phuket, has earned a reputation as the ultimate breakfast destination, attracting nearly half of the island's residents who are eager to start their day with a delightful meal. This restaurant, operated by a warm and welcoming family, opens its doors from 6 am to 12 pm and proudly holds the Bib Gourmand award for three consecutive years.

The menu revolves around two main choices: congee, a comforting rice porridge, and noodle soup, both of which come in a variety of mouthwatering combinations. Congee with pork and additional garnishes stands out as the most popular choice. On weekends, you can also savor khao na gai, a delightful stewed chicken with fermented soybeans and rice.

At Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk, you won't find a printed menu. Instead, the owner personally approaches each table, taking orders, and offering expert recommendations based on individual preferences. This friendly touch adds to the authentic charm and delightful dining experience that Phuket is renowned for.

The average bill amounts to THB 500 or USD 14.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award

The Charm Dining Gallery is a restaurant located in a beautiful townhouse and designed with the elegance of the early 1900s. It specializes in Chinese-Malay cuisine, also known as Peranakan. As you step inside, you'll be captivated by its aristocratic interior, featuring intricately carved chairs, ornate cabinets, exquisite tiled floors, stained glass windows, and vintage light fixtures. The restaurant's cozy ambiance, with a limited number of tables and an abundance of unique furniture and decor, makes you feel like you're dining in a friend's living room.

Recognized with the prestigious Bib Gourmand award, this establishment not only offers a distinct style but also prides itself on the exquisite menu, which forms the heart and soul of its culinary identity.

The owner shares family recipes and utilizes fresh seafood sourced from the local waters. Make sure to try their signature Peranakan fish head curry, tantalizing Phuket-style braised pork (moo hong) with fermented beans and crab, and delightful pasta featuring sautéed shrimp. For vegetarians, a flavorful coconut cream soup with locally grown kale leaves, serving as a delicious meat-free option, is highly recommended.

The average bill at the restaurant, including beverages and dessert, is THB 1500 or USD 40.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award

The Sala Loy restaurant, located on Rawai Beach, specializes in delectable dishes crafted from fresh local seafood, earning it the recognition of Michelin Bib Gourmand experts. The main dining area boasts a relaxed ambiance with wooden furniture and solid-colored walls, perfect for seeking refuge during a heavy downpour. For a different experience, you can opt for the open veranda right by the seaside, where you can enjoy your meal under the canopy of trees adorned with twinkling lights.

Indulge in the restaurant's bestsellers, such as mouthwatering royal prawn pasta with vegetables, tender boiled clams and mussels, and flavorful tom yum soup packed with chili and seafood. Don't miss out on delightful deep-fried soft shell crab and sizzling turmeric-coated sillage fish. As a lighter option, pickle young bamboo or spicy lemongrass salad with cockles are excellent choices. Arriving early is recommended to secure your favorite freshly caught seafood, as the restaurant is popular among tourists, and competition for the best dishes can be fierce.

A delightful three-course lunch at Sala Loy will cost you around THB 600 or USD 17.

Michelin Bib Gourmand Award

Tu Kab Khao, set in a beautiful colonial building at the heart of Old Phuket Town, offers an exquisite dining experience with an aristocratic touch. Inside, you'll be greeted by elegant velvet sofas, arched doors, and draped curtains, while portraits of the royal family and the owner's mother adorn the walls. If you're ready for an authentic local Phuket cuisine, keep in mind that some dishes can be very spicy and bold. It's a place where locals themselves come to dine.

One of the most popular dishes among guests is sen mee gaeng poo, delectable curried crab served with thin rice noodles, representing a classic of the local cuisine. Also, don't miss gaeng som pla, a local fish dish in a tangy and spicy turmeric sauce that's not for the faint-hearted. For dessert, indulge in roasted banana ice cream or a generous plate of local fruits, accompanied by refreshing juice straight from a freshly opened coconut.

Despite its elegant and noble appearance, this restaurant maintains reasonable prices and has no strict dress code, so feel free to come and dine here whenever you want.

The average bill at the restaurant, including beverages and dessert, is THB 1000 or USD 28.

And these are just a few of the many restaurants in Phuket that have been recognized by Michelin critics and awarded the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction. Year by year, Thailand continues to strengthen its reputation as a heavenly destination, offering not only stunning natural beauty and a well-developed tourist infrastructure but also an impressive culinary scene.

With an abundance of fresh seafood, organic farms cultivating flavorful fruits and vegetables, and a vibrant community of talented expatriate chefs, it's no surprise that Phuket is poised to surpass European capitals in terms of Michelin-starred establishments. The island's gastronomic landscape is flourishing, promising a delightful variety of dining experiences to satisfy every taste and preference.