Long before refrigerators, there was the tu kap khao, a Thai-style food cabinet where parents kept drool-worthy treats to be enjoyed by the family. Memories of this antiquated appliance from his childhood was the inspiration for Teerasak Pholngam when he opened up Tu Kap Khao, a popular restaurant in Phuket Town that highlights recipes created and curated by his mother Lingee Somsak. The restaurant sits in a photogenic, white-washed setting set off by vintage-style, earth-toned furniture. Tipplers are welcome to take a seat at the bar in the back of the restaurant, where molecular concoctions and classic cocktails with a modern twist are served.
At odds with the other southern Thai restaurants in Phuket Town, a majority of the offerings at Tu Khap Khao are cooked to cater to the chili-intolerant palates of Bangkokians and tourists. Their take on yellow curry with crab meat boasts a creamy texture and mild flavors, while the Phuket chili relish with shrimp, shrimp paste and shallot leans has a more refreshing taste. If you want to take the spice up a notch, go for the fiery pork kua kling, which is made with lots of chili.
