Phuket Cheap Eat

Phuket Cheap Eat

Jerry Singh
17 Affordable Gems for Foodies on a Budget
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It is generally true that restaurants in Phuket tend to be more expensive compared to other places in Thailand. However, there are still many options for cheap and delicious meals in Phuket if you pay attention and look for them. Some examples of cheap eat restaurants in Phuket include the best pad thai in Phuket Town and the busiest pad thai in Karon, as well as a budget-friendly steakhouse and a variety of different noodle dishes and the michelin guide restaurants. 

Bon Apeti.

Roti Chaofa Phuket

Roti Chaofa Phuket
@jerrysingh
Must try: - fried chicken biriany - Roti beef massaman - Matabak Open: 6.00 - 13.30 Closed every Monday
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Roti Chaofa is a local restaurant that has been selected by the Michelin guide for 2023. For over three decades, it has been a go-to spot for Thai-Muslim breakfasts, curries, and Thai-style chicken biryani. The restaurant is known for its delicious, crispy rotis with a fluffy centre, which can be enjoyed with sweet or savoury toppings. One standout dish on the menu is the tangy, juicy Beef Massaman curry. If you're looking for authentic Thai cuisine, Roti Chaofa is a must-visit destination.

Baan Chao Fah Fresh Dimsum

This restaurant is known for its delicious and varied selection of Dim Sum, which is a type of Chinese dumpling. In addition to Dim Sum, they also serve traditional Thai breakfast dishes such as Joke (rice porridge) and fried eggs cooked in a pan.

Baan Chao Fah Fresh Dimsum
@jerrysingh
Must try: - Rice poridge with pork (joke moo) - Fish curry rice nooddle (kanom jeen naam ya) - Deep fried bun bao - Fried giewza
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They also offer local rice noodles, giewza (Japanese dumpling), crispy pork rice and noodle dishes for those looking for something a little different. This restaurant is open until 2 pm, making it a convenient option for breakfast or lunch. Whether you're in the mood for something savoury or sweet, this restaurant has something to suit every taste.

Cha Kang Raw - Tom Yam Noodle

Cha Kang Raw - Tom Yam Noodle
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Grilled beef ball - Mixed chichen/pork rice - Stir fried beef with basil
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If you're a fan of Pad Kra Prao, you won't be disappointed by this restaurant's offering. Overall, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the menu at this noodle shop.

Khun Jeed Yodpak Restaurant

Khun Jeed Yodpak Restaurant
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Any kind of Raadnaa - Pad see ew pork - Pork satay - Fried spring roll - Fried crab cake Note 1: This restaurant serves the best Raad naa and Pad see ew on the island. Note 2 : Raad Naa : Noodle in the gravy sauce. Pad See Eew : Stir fried noodle in the black soy sauce.
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Khun Jeed Yodpak Restaurant 2
@jerrysingh
You can find the same taste of khun Jeed Restaurant at the 2nd brach down south to Chalong area.
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Rawai Boat Noodles

Rawai Boat Noodles
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Beef massaman - Deef fried beef on top with rice and fried egg Note: Halal + Close every wednesday.
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In addition to boat noodles, this restaurant also serves a variety of dishes made with beef, chicken, and seafood. Another must-try dish at this restaurant is the beef massaman, which is widely considered one of the best massaman dishes on the island. Don't miss out on this flavorful option.

Baan moo rom kwan 

Baan Moo Rom Kwan is a local steakhouse that offers high-quality steaks at affordable prices. The name of the restaurant means "smoked pork house," and you can see the homemade smoked meats such as chicken, pork ribs, pork sirloin, and T-bones on display in front of the kitchen. Prices for the steaks range from 80 to 300 baht, and each one comes with a fresh salad and fruit. In addition to the steaks, this restaurant also serves delicious Thai dishes at normal prices. 

Baan moo rom kwan
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Pork/beef steak - Pork rib - Tomahawk - Beef burger - Stewed beef fried with basil
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There is also a second branch of Baan Moo Rom Kwan, located in Phuket Town and called "Baan Moo Rom Kwan in the Jungle." This branch is situated in a small jungle area about 100 metres from the main road, and although the menu is smaller than the main restaurant, the quality of the steaks and Thai dishes is just as high.

If you're in the area and looking for a great meal at a reasonable price, be sure to visit Baan Moo Rom Kwan.

Ekachai Kai Bo traditional Thai food,seafood,Isan fusion food

This restaurant serves roasted chicken dishes that are prepared using unique Thai herbs. The chicken is roasted in a large jar in front of the restaurant, creating a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from other Isaan (northeastern Thailand) restaurants. In addition to the roasted chicken, the restaurant also serves a range of other Thai dishes, including som tum (spicy papaya salad), laab gai (spicy minced chicken salad), and nam tok (spicy meat salad). These dishes are all reasonably priced and provide a taste of traditional Isaan cuisine.

Ekachai Kai Bo traditional Thai food,seafood,Isan fusion food
@jerrysingh
Must Try: Grilled chicken with or without rice / Somtam (Papaya salad) / Laab gai (minced chicken spicy salad) and sticky rice. If you are adventurious try Fried frog with basil.
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If you're a fan of spicy food, particularly som tum and grilled chicken, this restaurant is a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer something milder, the grilled chicken rice at 60 baht is a tasty option. Additionally, for those who are adventurous eaters, this restaurant also serves frog dishes. 

MeeTonPoe Phuket Town

Mee Ton Poe (also known as Mee Ton Poh) has been serving some of the best Hokkien noodles on Phuket Island for many years, since 1946. The restaurant started out as a small, modest establishment at the clock circle in Phuket town, where locals and expats would go for a cheap and casual meal of noodles. Hokkien noodles are large, yellow noodles that are typically served with pork, seafood, and vegetables, covered in a thick brown gravy and accompanied by a soft-boiled egg. 

MeeTonPoe Phuket Town
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Noodle Pad ki mao - Hokkien mi - Flat noodle fried with black bean sauce gravy (Raad na taosi) - Thai curry (Green/Red) Note: // Pad ki mao(ผัดขี้เมา) is a spicy Thai stir-fry dish made with wide rice noodles, vegetables, and a protein such as chicken, beef, or tofu. It is flavoured with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The name "pad ki mao" translates to "drunken stir-fry," and it is often eaten late at night after a night of drinking.
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Alternatively, if you prefer something spicier, the yellow noodle pad kii mao is a great option.There is another branch of this restaurant located in the Kathu district, across the street from Ka-moo-restaurant.

Lock Tien - Phuket Local Food Center

Lock Tien - Phuket Local Food Center
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Fresh springroll - Fried hokkien noodle with (any) meat - Oh ew (jelly in syrup and shaved ice) Close every Friday
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Another must-try item on the menu is Oh-ew, a traditional Phuket dessert made with jelly and shaved ice. It's the perfect refreshing treat to enjoy on a hot day. Whether you're a fan of noodles or looking to try something new, Loktien has something for everyone to enjoy.

Pun-Te: Local and Street Food Market

Located in the heart of Phuket's old town, Punte Phuket is a hidden gem of a food court serving up a variety of local Thai dishes, including some specialties from Phuket. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully designed space with a charming old Phuket-style design, and features a variety of stalls offering different dishes to choose from. Prices are reasonable, although slightly higher than at local shops, but the food is tasty and worth it.

Pun-Te: Local and Street Food Market
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Dumpling / Dimsum / Spicy dry noodle
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One unique aspect of Punte is that diners can order and pay for their food at the stalls, and then have it brought to them at a table, rather than having to wait for their dish to be cooked before finding a seat as is common at other food courts. The staff are friendly and helpful, making the dining experience enjoyable.Punte Phuket offers a modern, Instagram-worthy atmosphere, with a similar selection of local dishes as found at Lok Tien.

It's a great place to take a break and experience some authentic Thai flavours while enjoying your photoshoot in the restaurant area.

Pad thai boran

Pad thai boran
@jerrysingh
Authentic Pad thai in town. Note: Close every sunday
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In addition to pad thai, this restaurant also serves other delicious Thai dishes like pad kra pao and stir-fried red curry. The food here is known for its great flavour and authenticity, making it a top choice for those seeking a taste of Thailand.

Street Hut - Local Thai Food

Street Hut - Local Thai Food
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Fried chicken with cashew nut - Thai green curry on rice
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New Break Taek Noodle Shop

New Break Taek Noodle Shop
@jerrysingh
Must Try: - Mixed seafood tom yam noodle - Kanom Bueang (crispy crepe)
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If you're in the mood for some delicious and spicy tom yam noodles, this is definitely a place to check out. In addition to the noodles, the restaurant also serves Khanom Buang, or Thai crispy crepes. Khanom Buang generally has two types of toppings - salty and sweet. The salty topping (orange) is made from chopped shrimps mixed with pepper and coriander and then stir-fried with added sugar, fish sauce, or salt.

Nowadays, shredded coconut is often used instead of shrimps. The sweet topping (yellow) is made of egg yolks boiled in syrup, called Foi Thong. This is the original recipe, which does not include white cream like some variations.

Ka Moo Boran

Ka Moo Boran
@jerrysingh
Must Try: Khao soi gai (Noodle chicken curry soup) / Stewed Pork leg with rice.
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This restaurant has been selected by the Michelin guide for four consecutive years, demonstrating its high quality and popularity among diners.

The Pad Thai Shop

The Pad Thai Shop is a small, unassuming restaurant located off the main road in Karon Beach. Despite its humble appearance, it has gained a reputation for serving some of the best pad thai on the island. The restaurant has a simple, rustic aesthetic, with bare brick walls and concrete roof, and plastic chairs and plates. The menu features a selection of Thai dishes, all priced at 50 THB, with photos and translations in English, Russian, and Chinese. 

The Pad Thai Shop
@jerrysingh
Must Try: Crab fried rice / Beef noodle / Stewed beef fried with basil. Note: Close every friday.
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The chef is well-respected and has even been featured in a Lonely Planet article. The restaurant is popular and can get busy, but the wait is worth it for the delicious food. In addition to pad thai , they also serve a tasty beef noodle soup and other dishes such as fried rice with crab and braised beef pad kra pao.

Kopitiam by Wilai

Kopitiam specialises in Thai food. They have delicious massaman curry, Thai chicken curry, and BBQ pork. You can also try their mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and biscuits. Kopitiam has a great selection of drinks, including wine, craft beer, cordial, Thai iced tea, dark coffee, and ice tea.

Kopitiam by Wilai
@jerrysingh
Must Try: Massaman curry (Chicken) / Fried meat with cumin leaves. / Thai curries
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The cosy atmosphere of Kopitiam makes guests feel relaxed and welcome. The staff is friendly and attentive, and the service is fast. Prices are fair, and the decor is beautiful. Visitors on Google gave Kopitiam a rating of 4.6, which is very high. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jerry Singh
Join me on a virtual adventure through Asia! As a passionate traveler and content creator, I've dedicated 10 years to exploring this vibrant continent. My digital guidebooks are more than just travel tips; they're a reflection of my personal experiences and a heartfelt invitation to discover Asia like a local.
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