While you are in Phuket it is worth sampling some real southern Thai food. Some of these you may have heard of and even tried before, such as Gaeng massaman and panaeng, both types of delicious curry. Others you most certainly would never have heard of, many of which are equally delicious.

Southern Thai food makes more use of coconut milk than elsewhere in the country. Curries are richer and creamier. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Malaysia; spices such as cumin, cloves, turmeric and aniseed, which are not used elsewhere in Thailand, are commonly used here. As a result of the heavy muslim influence, less pork is consumed here than in other parts of Thailand.

In Phuket, because many of the local people are descendants of Chinese migrants, the cuisine has a strong Chinese influence. This combined with southern Thai food and muslim food makes a very unique and interesting cuisine.

We have compiled a brief guide to some southern Thai and Phuket specialities that you won't find in Thai restaurants overseas. You will be hard pressed to find these in the more touristy areas such as Patong, so you need to head for Phuket City. Alternatively, for great muslim dishes such as the massaman curry, head for Surin beach or Kamala.

Labels: Coconut Milk, muslim influence, Phuket, Phuket CuisineChinese influence, Phuket Food