Phuket’s 7 best cheap eats for under B150

What it is: Understandably unpretentious, this may look like any other mum-and-pop shop in the area, but upon its plastic plates sit bold southern and central Thai cuisine cooked fresh by a chef who left luxury hotels behind to follow a dream of opening his own streetside kitchen. 

Why we love it: Chef Dan uses high-end cooking techniques to craft simple dishes that really stand out. Making everything from scratch right before your eyes, he flips woks with flair, dishing out not just food but stories and home-cooking tips if you only ask. It’s like a chef's table experience, but without the pretence. His signature fried prawns are not just juicy and sweet, but spicy and flavourful, served with a tall pile of crispy garlic (the trick is to eat the shells too). Jadjan’s pork pad see ew has that sought-after ‘wok hei’ smokiness that separates the good from the great while rich tom yam goong perfectly blends sour, spicy and fragrant tastes in a bowl. All of this for just B60 to B80 per plate makes it a winner in anyone's book. 

Time Out tip: Found next to Phuket’s notorious immigration office, it’s a delightful spot to counteract any bureaucratic bitterness. Note the restaurant is cash only and closes when they run out of food.

Jadjan by Ko Daeng. 4 15 Sakdidet Road, Phuket Town. Open 10.30am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. Closed Monday. 

What it is: For seventy years, this venue has served wok-fired Thai dishes and savoury southern classics to almost every living soul in Phuket. Yet with years of Michelin Guide recognition under their belt, they still refuse to raise prices. 

Why we love it: Walk past, and the aroma alone will pull you in. Pla rad prik – a crunchy fish with a spicy kick – is a definite highlight, while their classic khao pad krapow – spicy stir-fried minced pork or chicken with basil – is to die for. But, at these prices, why not get both. Among other things, the deep umami flavours found in their menu stand head and shoulders above the crowd. Fair warning: dishes can get a little salty, so stay hydrated. We’re also big fans of their fried chicken with cashew nuts and its Korean-like crispiness on the outside and tenderness inside, naturally served with smokey dried chillies that let the wok's fire come through. What makes this shop special, however, is their use of aged rice grains instead of your usual white rice – giving a firmer, fluffier texture as well as a nuttier, more complex flavour that pairs exceptionally well with almost every dish.

Time Out tip: Chuan Chim gets very busy, especially for lunch, so be prepared to wait in line or skip the crowds and come later in the evening when you’re more likely to get a seat.

Chuan Chim. 37/3 Montri Rd, Phuket Town. Open 11.30am-1.30pm and 5pm-10.30pm. Closed Sunday.

What it is: A humble roadside spot on Chalong’s Wichit Road hides an oasis and perfectly grilled duck that has become a local obsession.  

Why we love it: Don't judge its modest appearance. As soon as you arrive, the tempting smell of fat sizzling over charcoal greets the senses – an airborne smokiness that signals you’re in for a treat. The constantly ringing phones and line of Grab riders show how popular it is; but past the hordes of helmets is a group of rustic wooden tables beneath traditional salas where you can dine in peace, shrouded by banana trees. The menu is pleasantly straightforward – duck reigns supreme. You can order a whole or half bird with sticky rice and, if the som tam vendor is open, balance out the fats with a spicy green papaya salad with extra spice. Failing that, all duck servings come with nam jim jaew and a tangy seafood dipping sauce, with sharp lime and garlic in the sauce helping balance the richness of the duck. 

Time Out tip: The best way to enjoy this duck is by hand. Don't be shy – crack those bones and savour every last morsel. This place also runs on a first-come, first-served basis and when it’s gone, it’s gone! 

Niyom Salt Grilled Duck. 5/19 Mu 3, Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, Wichit. Open 2.30pm-7.30pm (or until sold out). Closed Tuesday.

What it is: Hard to find, Roti Bang Ann is a local breakfast spot not listed on Google Maps, not signposted and only for those in the know. Serving roti, curries and biryani, it’s always packed with people ordering just a little too much. 

Why we love it: Snake down Soi Samakki 2, follow your nose, and you’ll soon catch the sizzle of fresh roti and the telltale line of hungry locals spilling onto the street. The roti, of course, is the main attraction – flakey, buttery and fresh off the griddle – but there is much more on the menu aside from bread. Grab a wobbly plastic chair, squeeze in next to some strangers and soak in the atmosphere. It’s as if the crowd were there before it even opens – always packed, loud and smelling incredible. Order kanom jeen covered in fish curry for a spicy start to the day, or opt for the kaeng tai plai: a strong, sour curry made with fermented fish entrails if you’re feeling adventurous. Add a hard-boiled egg, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, pineapple and pickles and the meal is set. Cool off with a sweet roti and a mug of chai.

Time Out tip: Chicken biryani is only available on weekends and sells out quickly – get there early to secure a plate. 

Roti Bang Ann. Soi Samakki 2, Rawai. Open 6am-11am. 

What is it: This Chinese-Thai institution has served traditional Hokkien dim sum for over a century. You can expect over 50 varieties daily, from generous pork and garlic siu mai to satisfying chewy gar gow, all made fresh on site, daily. 

Why we love it: The quality and taste stay true to the original recipes handed down for generations, thanks to careful supervision by the family matriarchs and a commitment to sourcing the freshest local ingredients. Walk in and point to what pleases your eyes in the bamboo baskets, grab a table, sit on a stool and wait patiently. Steamed pork buns and shrimp dumplings usually come first, followed by orders of stewed pork ribs in spicy sauce and deep-fried pork. Wash it down with a strong Chinese tea that helps you power through the digestion and ready to tackle the morning head on.  

Time Out tip: Come after 8am for a slightly calmer experience, or embrace the delightful morning rush as soon as the doors open.

Boonrat Dim Sum. 26/41 Bangkok Road, Phuket Town. Open 5.30am-10.30am.

Boonrat Dim Sum (2nd Branch). 5/2 Dilok Uthit 2 Road, Phuket Town. Open 6am-10:30am.

Boonrat Gold. 55/692-693 Chaofa Road, Phuket Town. Open 6am-11am.

What is it: Go Benz serves up soul-warming bowls of guay jab and Thai-style dry rice porridge from the afternoon into the wee hours of the next morning.  

Why we love it: This is honest, satisfying Thai comfort food at its best. Rich, peppery broth – made to an old recipe – is outstanding, filled with pork cuts, juicy meatballs and crispy pork belly. Each bowl is a medley of flavours, and that’s not even mentioning the crispy garlic (skins still on) that add a blast of extra umami to proceedings. Large pork meatballs float in your bowl or can be added on the side. Unlike most spots, these ones are made from real meat. With an open-air kitchen and a buzzing atmosphere, expect front-row seats from almost every table, with views of chefs working effortlessly amid clouds of steam. 

Time Out tip: Feeling adventurous? Add offal to your guay jab for an even richer flavour. For extra indulgence, order more crispy pork belly.

Go Benz. 163 Krabi Road, Phuket Town. Open 5pm-1.40am. Closed Monday.

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.