What is it: A Phuket institution known for its legendary Hokkien mee noodles and genuine southern Thai cooking. This is a place where every dish is made with care (and to order) using fresh, high-quality seafood and techniques of old.
Why we love it: This simple eatery offers an unhurried taste of southern Thai cooking, packed with exhilarating spice levels. Their dry red curry fish, bathing in oil, has a kick that might just knock you off your plastic chair. Fresh herbs on top bring a nice herbaceous flavour, cutting through the chilli while a bed of Hokkien mee adds a desired smoky taste, combined with rich egg yolk, juicy prawns and tender squid. If you’re not salivating just reading this, then you’ll start once you see the low prices. The relaxed, ambient-temperature atmosphere only adds to the experience, with friendly chefs and cooks sweating over gas fires making up food both on, and off the menu. However, be warned, you may need to wait up to half an hour for your dishes to arrive.
Time Out tip: With no air-conditioning, it can get a little hot at times. Grab a table on the terrace near the street for a refreshing breeze.
Khrua Jongjit. 9 1 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu. Open 11am-7pm. Closed Monday.