Take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with Issan cuisine in Phuket, Thailand! This culinary tradition from the northeast region of Thailand boasts bold and unique combinations of ingredients.

While Issan food may be lesser-known than other Thai cuisines, it is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some must-try Issan dishes in Phuket and tell you where to find them.

Read on and get ready to indulge in some delicious and authentic Thai food!

Issan Food in Phuket: A Brief Overview

Issan food, which hails from the northeast region of Thailand, is a lesser-known but equally delicious cuisine.

Issan food is characterized by its use of pungent and sour flavors, often achieved through with ingredients like tamarind, lime juice, and fermented fish sauce. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the neighboring countries of Laos and Cambodia.

While Issan food is less well-known than some other Thai cuisines, it is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its bold flavors and unique combinations of ingredients.

Must-Try Issan Dishes in Phuket

• Som Tam: This classic Issan salad is made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, and lime juice. The result is a spicy, refreshing dish that’s perfect for a hot day.
• Laab: Laab is a minced meat salad made with chicken, pork, or beef. The meat is seasoned with lime juice, chili peppers, and roasted rice powder, giving it a tangy and slightly nutty flavor.
• Tom Saap: Tom Saap is a spicy and sour soup typically made with pork ribs or chicken. It’s flavored with galangal, lemongrass, chili peppers, and lime juice, making it a warming and comforting dish.
• Gai Yang: Gai Yang is a grilled chicken dish. The meat is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and coriander root ten cooked over flames. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for sharing.
• Nam Tok: Nam Tok is a grilled beef salad, similar to Laab. The beef is seasoned with lime juice, chili peppers, and roasted rice powder, giving it a complex and satisfying flavor.
• Gaeng Om: Gaeng Om is a spicy and flavorful soup made with various meats, vegetables, and herbs. It’s a popular dish in Issan cuisine and is often served as a communal dish for sharing.

Issan Food Resturants in Phuket

Issan food can be found throughout Thailand. However, it can be harder in tourist hotspots like Phuket. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of places to sample this delicious cuisine. Here are a few top picks:

Issan Popeye Restaurant

Not far from the stunning Kamala beach, you’ll find this authentic Issan gem. Issan Popeye serve all manner of delicious northeastern food, from spicy stews and soups to fresh fish and punchy salads – all made using traditional recipes and local ingredients.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by warm smiles and a cozy atmosphere that transports you to the heart of Thailand’s northeastern region. The talented chefs draw inspiration from generations-old recipes passed down through the ages, ensuring an authentic dining experience. 

Address: เลขที่ 74/41 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Zab Isaan Restaurant

Located in picturesque Nai Yang, Zab Isaan is one of the most popular restaurants in the area – and for good reason. Offering both indoor and open-air dining, they serve up an incredible range of Issan classics, fresh seafood, and Thai staples – all at a price thats hard to beat.

Zab Isaan is a great option for a pit stop meal, with dishes ready in as little as 5 minutes. However, to truly experience the breadth of this menu, we recommend going with a couple of friends. Issan food is all about sharing and exerincing food together – and Zab Isaan is the perfect venue.

Address: 129 Moo 1, Tambon Sa Khu, Ban Nai Yang, Thalang District, Phuket 83110

Kanom Jeen Pa Mai

Phuket town plays host to more than a handful of quality Issan resturants, but Kanom Jeen Pa Mai is one of our personal favourites.

This charming restaurant truly captures the essence of Issan cuisine, combining rich culinary heritage with a modern touch for a true taste sensation.

The menu includes a wide range of specialties, from spicy soups and curries to grilled meats and local delicacies. Each dish is prepared with utmost care, using locally sourced ingredients and age-old techniques.

Address: V9PP+J4J, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

Enjoying Issan Food at Markets

If you’re looking to experience Issan food in a more vibrant setting, visiting Phuket’s local markets is a great option. These bustling hubs of comerce offer a wide variety of street food stalls and vendors, where you can find authentic Issan dishes.

Almost every market in Phuket will have at least one vendor serving up Issan street food, but here are a few where you’re likely to have more choice:

• Chillva Night Market
• Walking Street Sunday Night Market
• Phuket Weekend Night Market (Naka Market)
• Fun Friday Avenue Market
• Kathu Market

As you enter the busy marketplace, open your mind and prepare to indulge in an unforgettable culinary adventure. Explore the different stalls, talk to the vendors, and don’t hesitate to try new dishes. The markets provide an excellent opportunity to taste authentic Issan food while immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture.

Try Issan Food in Phuket Today

Though it may be less well-known than other Thai cuisines, Issan food is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its distinct flavors and authentic taste.

So, if you’re in Phuket, be sure to check out our recommended restaurants and visit your local market. With this guide in hand, it’s time to embark on a flavorful journey through Issan cuisine.

Here at Phuket Lovin, we love sharing tips, tricks, and advice about this beautiful island. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our full guide to Phuket resturants!