Phuket is the destination that is always worth a wander despite being Thailand’s smallest province. Everytime you come to visit the island, you are bound to find something new. Phuket has always been a melting pot of eclectic cultures since the previous era when it was a well-known trading port and served as a meeting point among travellers who made their way to and from South Asia and the Far East. A natural masterpiece of dramatic landscapes aside, a myriad of wonders nestled on the island awaits your exploration and this edition of Power is taking you to experience one of those – Phuket’s epicurean delights.
L’Arôme by the Sea
Captivated by the magic of starlit dinner by the sea
This contemporary French dining venue enjoys its prime location on Kalim Beach known for its unspoiled nature. Find yourself transported to France with its ambiance and cuisine. High quality kitchen equipment and select ingredients as well as authentic French recipes are the order of the day here. You are in good hands for a flawless gastronomic journey.
Chef Ann and her all-girl kitchen crew have set out to champion the flavours of local produce. The menu here boasts extraordinary tastes prepared from novel ingredient varieties. Chef Ann admirably said, “Each is elaborately crafted in the same manner that a poem is composed to glorify the ingredients and tantalise your taste buds.” There is also an airy upper deck that lets you dine in an air-con room or sit outside under the stars and enjoy fresh sea breeze listening to the gentle crashing of the surf on the rocks.
Recommended: Duo of Duck Foie Gras, Lobster Ravioli, Shellfish and Chardonnay Coulis, Tournedos Rossini, Foie Gras, Black Truffle and Millefeuille
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/ko2XchquJN6dS6xP6
Tel: 0 7634 6271
Nitan
Leisurely indulge in innovative seasonal flavours
Nitan has a cosy and serene vibe where diners could indulge in remarkable fine dining that changes with the season. The restaurant utilises first-class local ingredients of Phuket and of its own farm in Surat Thani.
Chef Earth or Sariwat Wanvichitkhun, the seasoned Executive Chef of Iron Chef Thailand fame, is responsible for the exquisite culinary tastes of Nitan. His course tasting menu combines local distinctive flavours and western culinary cooking. Getting here is easy as Nitan is inside Wana Park project in Thalang sub-district. If you plan to visit this neighbourhood, do drop by and give yourself a tasteful treat. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
Recommended: Amuse Bouche, Cannoli Phuket Spring Rolls, Sole Fish Aburi and Beef Tenderloin
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/KVZEUFEvT4Zdjv1UA
Reservations: www.nitanphuket.com
Tel: 0 656 830 432
The Sundeck Phuket
Get a taste of the Mediterranean feast
First step into the restaurant and you would be greeted with a bar which oozes the warmth of the nature. Both floors offer indoor and al fresco dining areas. This is a perfect spot to leisurely enjoy the breathtaking sunset along an endless scenery of Phuket’s Kata Noi Beach.
The menu offers a sumptuous selection of Mediterranean dishes and the best Sangrias you could find on this island with some pizzas, burgers and Thai food thrown in for good measure. Every item is passionately prepared with meticulous attention and choice ingredients ranging from local fresh seafood to imported meat and cheese.
Recommended: Burrata, Rocket & Parma Ham, The Sundeck Crab Cakes, Wagyu Beef “Ka Prao” Wok Stir-fry and Sangrias
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/Q6JNn6syvkA8rDQu6
Tel: 0 640 623 602
We Café
Tasty tastes for health-conscious travellers
Dedicated to delivering fresh vegetables from farm straight to customers’ dining table since 2012, We Café now has 3 locations with its first café founded on Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road and another two followed suit to serve salad fans in Samkong and Rawai Beach.
Healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless. Fresh and wholesome ingredients are passionately prepared with care and knowledge so that not only does it look fantastic but it also tastes awesome. Ample parking space is provided to make your visit a convenient and safe one with a ramp for baby pram and wheelchair.
Recommended: Omega 3 Salad, Herb Rice and Fish, Spaghetti Tomyam with Shrimps and Sea Bass Steak
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/Rjg7uectaRKwjDvY8 (Chao Fah Tawan Tok)
Tel: 0 887 521 352
Maimorn Forest
Forest in the heart of Phuket town
Serving up traditional Phuket cuisine for over 20 years, this restaurant creatively blends its forest theme décor with Phuket’s historic Sino-Portuguese architecture. If you don’t crave for a proper meal, there is a café to lounge around with drinks and desserts on the offer.
Featured on the menu are numerous Phuket specialties worth trying for visitors. Top ingredients are shortlisted for the food preparation that stays true to original recipes to ensure that diners get to taste real local food of Phuket at its best.
Recommended: Crispy Fried Sea Bass with Savoury Leaf Wraps, Khao Kuo Maimorn : Maimorn Traditional Stir-Fried Rice, Fresh Silver Pomfret in Herbal Hot Soup, Grilled Split-Gill Mushroom with Shrimp and Curry Paste and Maimorn Style Crispy Fried Pork Knuckle
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/nyUVtN1dbMCXmcdm6
Tel: 0 7621 1208 and 0 896 191 845
Mor Mu Dong
Local southern food that made it to Michelin Guide 2019
This local haunt set above mangrove swamp began over 20 years ago before becoming a must-visit for authentic southern Thai food among the local folks. Mor Mu Dong got its name simply by combining the owner’s name, Mor, with its location, Mu Dong Swamp. Experience a casual eating atmosphere in an open-air space under a wooden shade with thatched roof. This rustic place is capable of churning out wonderful southern dishes that you can enjoy while taking in a rural view of the mangrove reflected on the canal. Truly simple and down-to-earth delicious delight.
Ingredients are freshly caught from the mangrove stream so your food couldn’t get any fresher than this. Their vegetables are also home-grown and organic. You would be hard pressed to find these in other restaurants; melinjo, beach launae, miding fern and more. The food is so fresh and it tastes so good that it has become the talk of the town making it an essential stop for foodies.
Recommended: Spicy Stuffed Fish, Stir-Fried Whole Squid with Black Ink, Spicy Fried Eggplant and Fried Salted Pork
Direction: https://goo.gl/maps/YPVFF8E4gcsPATk69
Tel: 0 887 661 634
Phuket is definitely the place to be if you are seeking for a sunkissed beach break. Somehow, this sun-drenched tropical island has a lot more to offer. Among its many hidden gems is Phuket food scene that would leave you with indelible impressions even if you are no food connoisseur. Be sure to make your way to some or all of these eateries that made the cut for this edition.