Phuket’s 6 best burger joints

What it is: A unique burger spot in the heart of the Art Village in Rawai serving classic cheese bacon burgers and crispy smashburgers that pack a punch. Owner Khun Son gained kitchen experience while studying in Australia before returning to Phuket to craft a burger experience focused on letting every ingredient truly sing and appeal to local taste.

Why we love it: Son’s commitment to his burgers borders on obsession; he crafts with a level of geeky precision that’s infectious. Recognising that the Thai palate prefers a lighter texture, he spent two months with a French baker perfecting his signature bun. The result: a bun that’s a fluffy mix of French brioche and Japanese shokupan, designed to mimic the lightness of rice. The attention to detail extends to every other ingredient too, from locally farmed jalapenos to crisp Japanese cucumbers – each finding a perfect place on the dozens of burgers on the menu. Needless to say, what started as a love for the classic bacon cheese has turned into a full-blown love letter to the burger. If you’re stuck on what to choose, jump into spiciness with a combo serving of mt’spicy – a fiery mix of spicy mayo, jalapenos and a homemade chilli jam – and crispy fries you can share with the resident cat. 

Time Out tip: Grab a seat in the garden and take in the vibes of Art Village, in which the burger bar sits. On Friday nights it’s best to arrive early as these burgers sell fast, especially during the village’s weekly party events. 

Treasure Burger. Soi Naya 2, Rawai. Open 1pm-10pm. Closed Monday.

What it is: Opened by Chef Mark from The Nai Harn Hotel along with his wife Pan, this burger spot brings home the bacon, sans the gimmicks. A favourite in the Koh Kaeo neighbourhood, they make everything in-house. From sauces to patties, buns to sides – everything is about freshness and consistency. 

Why we love it: Pan Burger's focuses on honesty, quality and simplicity – so what’s not to love? Patties are ground daily using a special blend of premium wagyu beef, and their salad is notably organic, sourced from small growers in Khao Yai and Chiang Mai. For an unadulterated experience, the my way burger perfectly showcases this promise with no distraction – a premium wagyu patty, gooey aged English cheddar and sweet caramelised onions come served between a toasted homemade bun. And although this is a burger list, we can’t help but also mention just how good their fried chicken sandwiches are. To lock in flavours and juiciness, the chicken breasts are wet-brined and marinated, then doubled-fried to achieve a crispy, golden coating. Back to beef, kKeto fans can skip the bun and enjoy egg-topped steak haché, a nod to Chef Mark’s first jobs working in French bistros.

Time Out tip: If you still can’t decide, then the pan burger trio has you covered with a slider serving of their three top hits.  

Pan Burger. A 9/31 Taepkrasattri Road, Kohkaew Soi Supicha, Ko Kaeo. Open 11am-10pm.

What is it: Unni’s story started on Phi Phi islands over ten years ago – recently opening their second spot in Phuket to bring their Mexican-inspired dishes to the masses. Aside from birria tacos, sandwiches, burritos and tortilla chips, their burger menu performs surprisingly well, making it a hugely popular eatery with a cosy appeal.  

Why we love it: Quite simply: Unni’s reputation precedes it. A favourite among Phuket’s digital nomads, fitness enthusiasts and expats, their Mexican food is well known but the smash burgers steal the show. The Mexican burger makes a predictable appearance among a mix of other themes and flavours, while a side menu of chicken and vegan burgers (think housemade bean patty with a generous dollop of avocado) are far from simple side thoughts. Wash everything down with an all-day happy hour margarita and a side of birria tacos for the full Unni’s experience.

Time Out Tip: Unni’s gets seriously busy, especially over the weekend, so booking a table in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups.

Unni’s Nai Harn. 15 Soi Saiyuan 1, Rawai. Open 12pm - 11pm (low season) and 10am-11pm (high season).

Unni’s Choeng Thale. 100/38-40, 1 Soi Luang Pramern, Choeng Thale. Open 11.30am-10.45pm.

What it is: What began as a small pandemic-era food cart, OOO Burger has since ditched the wheels for a trio of Os and permanent kitchens turning out some of Phuket’s most talked-about burgers. Chef Aek, formerly of Six Senses Kho Yao Noi and Head Chef at Beyond Kata, chose burgers on a coin flip. The rest is history. 

Why we love it: OOO Burger's transformation from hawker cart to cult-followed burger spot is inspiring, showing how passion, hard work and a little chance can lead to success. The ambience is laid-back; you might even see cows grazing in the field next door – just try not to put two and two together. Thankfully, if the thought puts you off, the menu includes far more than beef, with a lineup of tempting shrimp, fish and even chicken tikka burger alternatives, as well as fresh salads and soups (you should try the shrimp bisque!). However, the Aussie beef burger is the main attraction – topped with a delicately folded salad, sharp American cheese, homemade pickles and onion confit. Served alongside hand-cut, double-fried fries, this spot is an underrated must-try recommended by those in the know. 

Time Out tip: OOO Burger only stays open until they sell out. Believe us, they sell out faster than you think!

OOO Burger. 30, 99 Srisoonthorn Rd, Si Sunthon. Open 10.30am-9pm

What it is: Despite opening just last November, EAT. Burger & Beers has already climbed rank among its Phuket peers, likely due to the success of its sister steakhouse restaurant EAT. Bar & Grill. While the outside may look like a hole-in-the-wall, stepping inside reveals a cosy European pub atmosphere, serving some serious wagyu beef buns. 

Why we love it: Their commitment to custom meat blends – especially the dry-aged beef tallow in the smash burgers – results in unique and memorable burger experiences that leave anyone impressed. The viking double smash burger is a chart topper, enhanced by their homemade aioli and simple toppings. And while burgers (and beer) are the name of the game here, they also double up as one of the best doner kebab spots on the island. Win- win for anyone a few drinks deep and keen to refill with more than just liquid. And for that odd European friend that always ends up tagging along, a plate of Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes will no doubt keep them busy.

Time Out tip: Their selection of Belgian and craft beers are impressive for somewhere that focuses so hard on their food, but be prepared for some hefty prices. 

EAT. Burgers & Beers. 250 1 Patak Rd, Karon. Open 1pm-11pm. Closed Monday.

What is it: Madcow Burger is another food truck favourite turned brick and mortar joint that now has multiple restaurants dotted across Thailand. While no longer Bangkok-specific, their Old Town branch is special, focusing on halal alternatives like beef bacon to better serve the community in which it sits.

Why we love it: Madcow Burger consistently delivers a solid burger experience honed over years of craft. By owning their own bakery, they’re committed to quality, ensuring every burger and every bun meets a very high standard. The Old Town halal options are a nice addition and make it a standout in the area, serving a steady flow of crispy beef bacon and oozy mac and cheese sides that make any burger sing. For big appetites, the fatcow comes with a hefty double 250g patty, while the madcow’s 150g patty perfectly balances sharp cheese and crispy beef bacon. The menu also features freshly grilled striploin steak, a great alternative to fries for those watching their carb intake. 

Time Out tip: While the standard whole wheat bun holds up well, speedier eaters might enjoy the charcoal bun – it’s softer and more delicate, though prone to soaking up juices fast. 

Madcow Burger. 56 Ratsada Rd. Open 11am-10pm.