Patong is one of Phuket’s busiest beach towns, and its food scene reflects that energy. You’ll find everything from quick street snacks to full seafood dinners by the sea. If you’re searching for the best food in Patong, this guide covers six dishes that give a clear taste of what the area does best: simple, satisfying Thai food with plenty of variety.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to look too far; you’ll find most of these dishes among the sizzling grills and bustling stalls of Patong’s night markets or at popular local restaurants along the beach roads.
1. Moo Ping
Fuel up with Moo Ping as you explore Patong’s night markets / Photo credit: Julia Filirovska on Pexels
Moo Ping, or Thai grilled pork skewers, is a popular street food made from marinated pork grilled over charcoal. The marinade usually consists of garlic, coriander root, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and coconut milk, making it lightly sweet and savory.
Usually sold by the skewer, this is an easy snack to eat while walking and one of the most common foods you’ll see at night markets. And the best part? It’s also pretty cheap (only costing around 10 to 20 THB per skewer).
Where to try: Malin Plaza Night Market is a reliable hunting ground for skewers and quick bites while you wander the area.
Klook tip: If there’s sticky rice or khao niew available, grab some. Moo Ping plus rice is a tasty power combo (and just how the locals eat it)!
2. Tom Yum Goong
Dig into a piping hot bowl of Tom Yum Goong after a long day of swimming / Photo credit: Khajonkiet Noobut on Unsplash
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, and lime juice. It’s hot and sour, but also fresh, aromatic, and refreshing, perfect for capping off a long day at the beach. This dish is a good example of why many travelers consider Thai food bold but balanced.
Try it out with some jasmine rice, Thai omelette, and even Pad Thai, and you’ve got yourself a full, delicious meal.
Where to try: A lot of seafood restaurants in Patong often lean into Tom Yum Goong alongside grilled platters. Savoey Seafood is a well-known option near Patong’s main beach road area.
3. Pad Thai
Try the iconic Pad Thai for a blend of umami, sweetness, and spiciness, all in one dish / Photo Credit: Nadin Sh on Pexels
Being a famous delicacy in Thailand, Pad Thai is also widely available in Patong and is definitely worth trying more than once. A good version balances sweet tamarind, saltiness, a light sour note, and a bit of smoke from the wok. Street stalls often deliver strong flavor, while restaurants offer a cleaner, plated version.
Where to try: If you’re on the lookout for the best pad thai in Patong, order one from a busy night market wok stall in Malin Plaza and compare it with the Pad Thai in restaurants like No. 6 Restaurant or Kaab Gluay to see which style you prefer.
Klook tip: Ask for a squeeze of lime and add chili little by little to tune it to your taste without overwhelming yourself with spiciness.
4. Grilled Seafood
Get a taste of Patong’s iconic freshly grilled seafood / Photo credit: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels
Seafood is a highlight of Patong dining. Grilled prawns, squid, fish, and crab are common, often served with simple sauces that let the natural flavors stand out. For many visitors, this is where they find the best seafood in Patong, either at fresh markets where seafood is displayed on ice or at established seafood restaurants near the beach.
Where to try: Head over to Banzaan Fresh Market, admire the huge seafood selection, and eat nearby. This way, you can be sure that you’re getting the freshest dishes.
5. Massaman Curry
Get your fill of the not-so-spicy massaman curry for that comforting Thai flavor / Photo credit: Yoav Aziz on Unsplash
Massaman curry is rich and mildly spiced, made with coconut milk, potatoes, and meat such as chicken or beef. It’s less spicy than many Thai curries and has a comforting, slow-cooked flavor. This dish is widely available in Patong and is a good choice if you want something filling and not overly spicy. It’s also a really solid option to eat before you head out for a pub crawl experience at Patong Beach.
Where to try: No. 6 Restaurant is often described as a go-to for budget-friendly Thai dishes in Patong, including Massaman Curry. If you want to enjoy your meal with a view, Baan Rim Pa is known for Thai cuisine in a cliffside setting overlooking the sea near Patong.
6. Mango Sticky Rice
There’s always room for mango sticky rice / Photo credit: Markus Winkler on Unsplash
As one of Thailand’s most popular desserts, you’ll be spoilt for choice even in Patong. Mango sticky rice is the perfect night-market finale: sweet mango, coconutty sticky rice, and that glossy coconut sauce that makes you slow down mid-bite. It’s a simple way to finish a meal and a favorite among first-time visitors.
Where to try: Night markets like Patong OTOP Night Market, Malin Plaza, Chino Yard Market, and Bangla Road Night Market offer visitors a wide selection of desserts, including mango sticky rice.
Klook tip: If mango isn’t in season, look for other sticky rice variations, or pivot to fresh fruit stalls to try out their refreshing shakes.
Learn how to make these beloved Thai dishes with Klook
If tasting local food isn’t enough and you want to bring the flavors home with you, consider joining a Thai cooking class in Patong. One easy option is booking through Klook, which offers a well-reviewed cooking class near Patong Beach that focuses on classic Thai dishes.
It’s a practical way to turn your food memories from Patong into skills you can use long after your trip ends!
FAQs
What food is Patong best known for?
Patong is best known (food-wise) for night-market eats and seafood. Here, you can explore a bunch of places where you can snack on skewers, noodles, and end with dessert, all in one area. Markets like Malin Plaza are especially associated with the street-food scene.
Where can I find the best street food in Patong?
Check out Malin Plaza Night Market for ready-to-eat stalls, or head over to the Banzaan Fresh Market for a market atmosphere with lots to explore nearby.
What are the must-try dishes in Patong?
A solid list can include: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, grilled seafood, Moo Ping skewers, Massaman curry, and, of course, mango sticky rice.
Which Patong restaurants are famous for local flavors?
If you want sit-down places commonly cited for Thai flavors in Patong, look at Kaab Gluay and No.6 Restaurant (there are multiple No.6 locations throughout Patong). If you want to splurge on food with views, Baan Rim Pa is known for Thai cuisine in a cliffside setting near Patong.
Where can I find the best seafood in Patong?
For seafood, start with Banzaan Fresh Market to see what’s fresh and in season, or go straight to a long-running seafood restaurant like Savoey Seafood near Patong’s beach road area.
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