Phuket Michelin Guide Street Food Tour: Eating Like a Local for Under $5

If you only visit one street food spot in Phuket, make it Go Benz. This legendary open-air shop is famous for its "Khao Tom Haeng" (Dry Boiled Rice). Imagine all the best toppings of a rice soup, crispy pork belly, tender pork intestines, and peppery pork balls, served over rice with a separate bowl of flavorful broth. The vibe is chaotic but organized. You will sit on plastic stools next to locals and tourists alike. The "Moo Krob" (Crispy Pork) here is often cited as the best on the island. Despite the long queues, the service is incredibly fast.

Start your morning like a true local at Roti Taew Nam. This tiny corner shop has been grilling roti over charcoal for over 70 years. Unlike the greasy, fried roti you see on tourist streets, the roti here is toasted on a flat iron griddle over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma and a crispy, non-oily texture. Order the "2-1" (Two Roti, One Egg) and dip it into their signature Beef Massaman Curry or Chicken Curry. The curry is mild, sweet, and tangy, perfect for breakfast. Pair it with a hot Thai iced tea ("Cha Yen") for the complete experience.

Phuket cuisine is heavily influenced by Chinese settlers, and Mee Ton Poe is the godfather of Hokkien Mee. This is a stir-fried yellow noodle dish with pork, seafood, and vegetables, cooked in a thick, savory gravy. The signature move here is to add a soft-boiled egg on top and mix the creamy yolk into the noodles. The "Surin Circle" branch (by the Clock Tower) is the original location. It’s smoky, rich, and incredibly filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food for lunch.

Chuan Chim is one of the oldest restaurants in Phuket, famous for its "Wok Hei" (breath of the wok). This place isn't about fancy presentation; it's about high heat and fresh ingredients. The must-order dish is the "Krapow Gai Khai Yiew Ma" (Stir-fried Chicken with Basil and Preserved Egg). The crispy fried basil leaves on top add a texture that makes this dish addictive. Another star is the "Kwangsow" (Stir-fried noodles with gravy), which is smoother and lighter than standard Rad-Na. It feels like stepping back in time into a 1980s Chinese diner.

"O Tao" is a dish that even many frequent visitors to Thailand have never heard of. It is unique to Phuket. Imagine a mix of Oyster Omelette and stir-fried taro cubes. At O Tao Bang Niao, the dish is fried with garlic, pork rinds, and a secret spicy-sweet sauce until it becomes a sticky, savory delight. It is served with bean sprouts to cut the richness. This shop is a local favorite for a late-afternoon snack or dinner. If you want to try something you literally cannot get in Bangkok, this is it.