Brunch like a local in Phuket

One of Phuket's best-kept Sunday secrets, Taste takes a completely different approach to brunch. Instead of repetitive buffets and free-flow packages, brunch revolves around a weekly-changing tasting menu served to your table. As you can imagine, no two Sundays are quite the same.

Recent menus have taken diners from Scandinavia to the Middle East, but the real appeal is never quite knowing what will appear next. The relaxed, neighbourhood feel makes it feel more like a long lunch with friends than one of Phuket's larger brunch spots. And at under THB 1,000, it's also one of Phuket's best-value feasts.

Taste Bar & Grill, Cherntalay, Thalang. B950++ per person. Every Sunday, noon-10pm

With a front-row seat to Kamala Beach, InterContinental’s Sunday brunch combines seafood, live cooking stations and generous beverage packages with the polished service and attention to detail you'd expect from one of Phuket's leading resorts.

The location is a big part of the appeal but its tendency to stretch long into the afternoon is probably an even bigger draw. Before long, shoes have been kicked off, another plate has mysteriously appeared and plans for the rest of the day have quietly disappeared.

InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala Beach. B2,990++. Every Sunday, noon-3pm

Reached by a short boat ride from the mainland, LAKU already feels like an adventure before brunch has even begun. One of Phuket's newer brunches, it has wasted little time making a big impression.

This is not a traditional brunch by any means. DJs start early, the pool is part of the experience and the atmosphere is way more playful – or dare we say energetic – than most of Phuket’s other brunches. Mediterranean sharing platters, freshly shucked oysters and unlimited à la carte dishes keep everyone well fed, while the island party setting makes the whole afternoon feel like a mini escape.

 LAKU Beach Club, Coconut Island. B2,800++ (includes half a bottle of wine per person) Selected Saturdays, noon-3pm 

If Phuket has a definitive brunch institution, this is it. Arrive hungry; you have been warned. Between the beachfront tables, live cooking stations and sprawling buffet, even the most disciplined diners tend to abandon their plans.

What keeps people coming back is the consistency. While many dishes change weekly, the one mistake first-timers make remains the same: filling up too early. The dedicated dessert room is reason enough to save some space. As the afternoon rolls on, the music gets louder, another round appears and brunch slowly gives way to a beach club sunset session.

Catch Beach Club, Bangtao Beach. B2,490++ (includes half a bottle of wine) Every Sunday, noon-3pm

If you've got children in tow, few brunches make life easier than Im En Ville. Located within Porto de Phuket, the Saturday menu combines breakfast favourites, comfort food and classic brunch dishes, with a side helping of live music.

The playground does a lot of the heavy lifting here. Indoor seating sits beside a play area, while the outdoor terrace overlooks Porto de Phuket's central playground. Before long, the children have disappeared off to play and the adults are finally able to enjoy a proper catch-up.

Im En Ville Phuket, Porto de Phuket. From B1,250++. Every Saturday noon-3pm

While most of Phuket's brunches compete on scale, LUME keeps things intentionally understated. Sweet and savoury brunch sets take centre stage, creating an afternoon that feels closer to a European café than a traditional Phuket brunch.

Overlooking the yachts of Royal Phuket Marina, this is where to come for a proper catch-up. Whether that's putting the world to rights, catching up with the latest gossip or ordering a second drink when you really only meant to stay for one, LUME offers a welcome change of pace. 

LUME Bistro, Royal Phuket Marina. B1,800 per person. Every Sunday noon-3pm