Bocconcino

Location: Surin

Type of Food: Italian

Price per person: 500 Bht 

When I talked to my friend Franz about wanting to eat at Bocconcino, I was actually thinking of Bocconcini, those small mozzarella balls that are my favorite and that is why I always don't get the name right. But yesterday, there is no mistaking, Bocconcino/Bocconcini, /tomayto/, /tomaato/, same same but different - both are simple and both simply hits the spot.

It was our lunch break so we didn't have the luxury of time to order antipasti and some bread. I got a Carbonara and Franz ordered Bolognese. We were both worried that the serving was actually more than we expected because we already planned to have dessert.

Let's backtrack a little bit, I got a message from Franz with this picture saying, "Bocconcino is sending signals that we should go there and indulge." 

And I am easy (as a Sunday morning) so I said, "Let's!" So it was the dessert that really made us trek to Surin.

But the Carbonara wasn't so bad either. It was creamy without any cream. I mean it consist only of the pancetta fat (that were really crispy by the way), olive oil and egg yolks--yum! Just the way a Carbonara should be. Then I had Raspberry Panna Cotta which was light and perfect after a very fatty meal. It comes in a medium size bowl so it 's actually good for two people.

And we are back!!

Sunset Restaurant

Location: Cherngtalay
Type of food: Thai Cuisine
Price per person: 80- 150 Bht

I first wrote about Sunset Restaurant here. In fact, the germ of an idea of writing a Phuket food guide sprouted after I thought on writing about Sunset. Back then, the restaurant was newly opened. As the years passed, Sunset has been the favorite for locals both farangs  (foreigners) and Thais.

Not only is it very affordable, it is also consistently delicious. Sunset, to those not familiar to the northern part of the island, is beside Black Cat along the side of Cherngtalay Police. Be sure to go there early as the place is usually jam-packed. Service is usually fast and efficient and the staff are very friendly.

I'm sure every one has got their own favorite at Sunset but mine are:

1. Chicken Cashew Nut Stir Fry.

2. Chicken Green Curry

3. Phad See Yew Gai

Shie Ching's Phuket Town: Naka Seafood Barbecue

Direction :  ( from Phuket town) Go to Chao Fa Road West, slow down at Villa 5 traffic light and look on your left (Chao fa City will be on your right). It is before Honda and Shell Petrol Station. Naka Seafood Barbecue is in Shop C.

Price per person: 100-150 Bht

This roadside stall is popular for their Pla Phau (Salted Grilled Fish),  the fish grilled in charcoal is always fresh and the salt generously covering it makes the meat moist and juicy. Dipped in a soy, lime and chili mix, its sublime flavor will remind you why you stayed in the island. 

Pair it with Kung Ob Voon Sen (Claypot Glass Noodle with Prawn ) and the combination will make up for a truly fantastic meal.

Trisara

Location: Nai Thon Beach

Type of food: Thai and Western Cuisine

Price per person: 1000 - 2000 Bht

I have a soft spot for Trisara, we had our wedding reception there and they gave us a very memorable meal in one of the most important day of my life. So if this review may appear to be bias then let me apologize in advance.

But it is so easy to endear to the place, the moment you step down unto the teak deck overlooking the sea it will take your breath away. The location is simply stunning. And it spells ultra-luxury. We like dining outside under a huge umbrella shaded by the lush greenery.

The attentive service is exceptional. Although the food is well executed, the menu is not inspired.They have a good selection of Western dishes (pizza, sandwiches, pasta and salads). They emphasized on seafood and local ingredients so the freshness and quality is excellent. I had a Pizza, a Lobster Avocado Club Sandwich and a Prawn Pasta in my previous visits and they were all satisfying. The Yam Nuea Yang (Beef Carpaccio Salad) and Prawn Red Curry in their Thai menu is also good.

Trisara offers a Sunday Buffet complete with a  jazz band serenading you. They also have a seafood grill at night. And occasionally, they host a wine tasting event.

Trisara
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Road
Tel: +66 76 310100 | Fax: +66 76 310300  
Email: [email protected]ra.com 

Bakery: Sungtum Bakery

Well-made baked goods are hard to find in Phuket. Bakeries are few and most of them are pricey. So I'm happy to stumble upon this unassuming bakery tucked on the same side and behind Ohlala in Kamala.


I have tried almost everything in their product range. I get a lot of our Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolate, 15bht each) from there. The chocolate is so generous that I think it is great value for the price.

Try the Olive and Onion Foccacia (70 bht) and the Sour Dough Breads (70bht ) which are both excellent. They also have Vanilla Muffins with Almonds (15bht) that if you are lucky, Khun Mongkol can give you one to taste for free. They have a selection of Dutch Pastries (15bht) , Banana Loaf Breads (50 Bht) and Fruit Cakes (50bht). 

Most of the bread that are readily available are frozen and you only need to toast or reheat them a little bit. But if you want them fresh, you can order ahead of time.

Sungtum Bakery
Owner: Mongko Ngorpradit
T:   076 385 403
M:  082 419 1622

Shie Ching's Phuket Town: NC Kitchen

{This is my friend Ooi's first entry for her page Shie Ching's Phuket Town. Her real name is Ooi Shie Ching which makes Ooi her family name (but this is what I call her). Ooi or Shie Ching is from Malaysia but she came to Thailand 12 years ago to work and live with her Aunt Jane (who is actually our age) in Phuket Town. She is responsible for showing me the best places to eat in the island's capital. Not only that she speaks fluent Thai she is also a fellow foodie and knows all the secrets that the Town has to offer. }

NC Kitchen
Map: Please click here
Price per person: 100-150 bht

The restaurant is opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel near the bus terminal. It opens in the morning and gets busy at lunch time. Their food is displayed in the counter at the front so all you need to do is point at which one you want and they will reheat it for you.

We recommend you try:


1. Hoi Chor or Deep Fried Crab Crab meat balls served with plum dipping sauce.

2. Deep fried Prawn with Tamarind Sauce battered prawns topped with the sweet and sour goodness of the tamarind sauce with dried chilis and garlic flakes.

3. Thai Fish Cakes- I love Thai fish cakes! They have more flavor than their western counterpart. You can taste the fish, coconut, kaffir lime instead of the usual floury aftertaste of a battered fish cake. Best eaten while it's still hot and juicy, with or without rice.

4. Sour Soup (Tom Som) is food for the soul. The acidity of the soup and the freshness of the ingredients give a good balance. A great comfort food on rainy days.

Catch

Location: Surin beach
Type of food: International / Mediterranean / Thai
Price per person: 500-1000 Bht

Whenever there is a discussion about Catch I always get both a favorable and dissenting opinion. The location is great. It is right in front on the gorgeous Surin beach. It's hip and chic. The food is consistently good (and in most people, that's what matters). But, and it's an emphatic 'but', a lot of people also think that it is expensive (which is a major deciding factor as well). And sometimes (not all the time) their service can be really slow.

I am in limbo here because I don't know which side I'm on. On one side, there are some food there that I like and that's the reason why I like going back again and again, but on the other hand, I do agree that it is expensive and that's why I can't go there as often as I want to.

In this previous post I talked about how a sucker for great burgers I am and that is probably why Catch has a soft spot in my heart. To quote my friend Romeo..

Juicy Cheese Burger


Medium Rare, huge & deliriously good! The best (the biggest) burger I've ever had in   ages, which tempted me to unhinge my jaw Crotalus adamanteus-style! I didn't dare, though.


Cheddar melted half-pound Angus beef between mildly buttered soft, puffy, vaguely sweet & golden-yellow buns with perfectly portioned crisp lettuce, onion rings & tomatoes. And I just have to have this with Dijon mustard & that oooh sooo silky & creamy mayo. No catsup. Plus fresh salad for all this guilt.

 

Beer, not fries, was my sweaty pair.   

                                                                                       -Romeo Ferrer Vitug-Arci
                                                                                       Executive Chef
                                                                                                        Magdalena Gourmet Cuisine                                                                   

Nobody could have said it better.

This Tuna in Asian Sauce with sauteed Bokchoy is juicy and substantial. It's always my go-to dish when I feel like I wanted something healthy but I'm too hungry for just a salad. The fish is perfectly seasoned and cooked with just the right pinkness in the middle. The delicate and crisp vegetable offers a great compliment to the tuna.

And when I crave for something with rice, I only have one thing in mind, the Seafood Pineapple Rice. It's as good as it looks. The curry flavored rice is mixed with mussels, squids, prawns, pineapple slices and cashews.


All in all, I guess I do like Catch. They must have done something right to be one of the enduring establishment in the island and that fact is what most people would agree.

{Photos by: Romeo Ferrer Vitug-Arci}

Bangtao/Cherngtalay Markets

Location: (Mondays and Thursdays) market is near Tesco Lotus
               ( Wednesdays and Sundays) across Cherngtalay Police Station
               ( Tuesdays and Fridays) main Bangtao Road. Going to Kamala, it's after Wine Connection

               Market opens at 4:00pm- 9:00pm

Type of food: Thai street food
Meal per person: starts at 35-40 Bht

The best way to try Thai food is to go to the markets. Thai markets are one of a kind. Not only is it the best way that you can find cheap gifts to bring back home but it also will you a glimpse of the 'real Thailand'. It's were the locals meet, socialize and dine. And if it's good enough for the locals it must be the real deal. That being said, I have to warn you of trying out food with plenty of chilis (local Thai food are usually very hot) because they might be too spicy for you.

Bangtao/ Cherngtalay holds 3 markets in a week in different locations. The biggest one is the one near Tesco Lotus. It is popular with tourist so you can buy souvenir products, bags, trinkets, sandals and clothes there as well. Good quality fruits, vegetables and herbs are also available. Most of the food sold are cooked food and snacks.

The market across the Cherngtalay Police sells mostly for local residents. They have a good selection of fresh fish (some are sold alive) and meat. Its smaller than the Tesco Lotus market.

The one along Bangtao Road is what the locals call the Muslim market as it is situated within Bangtao's  Muslim village. They have dried fish, fresh fish, chicken and obviously no pork. Southern dishes are more popular here.

There's a wide range of Thai snacks; from the very bizaare crickets and grasshopper that a lot of people would say taste like chips; food on sticks like sausages, quail eggs, squid and fish balls; to banana fritters and rotis (Asian version of crepes).

Banana fritters

food on sticks

I know a lot of you might be asking if the food is safe to eat. I can assure you that I never had a bad tummy ever since I have been habitually going to these markets.


A must try are also these Homoks  or steamed fish curry custards wrapped in banana leaves. They can be a bit spicy but they are really good. The Rice with Thai herbs one the other hand, is an acquired taste.

Homoks

Rice with Thai herbs

To read more about the Bangtao markets, check out the related post from my other blog:

Egg pancakes

STICKY BUT SWEET features popular Thai desserts 


BIZARRE FOOD EDITION a yummy tripe soup featured in Andrew Zimmern's show of the same title


MARKET! MARKET! you can feel my excitement in going to the market in this blog.




{Photos courtesy of Jun Bernabe}

RE KA TA: Ladies Night

(photo courtesy of  RE KA TA)

RE KA TA Beach Club is the latest happening place in the southern side of the island. I don't usually go out at night but the free martini and manicure for their Ladies Night (every Thursday from 6:00pm-12:00pm) is too irresistible too make a pass.

The place spelled swanky! And the DJ played cool music all night long. We were welcomed with a complimentary Breakfast Martini (Grey Goose l'orange and Grey Goose le citron with orange and pomelo) as promised. It was so good that we cannot help but try their other cocktail selection like the Mangi Frangi (Mango, Pineapple, Frangipani and vodka). By the time we got to ordering the Mojito, the bartender brought his cart in front of our table and made some awesome juggling act while mixing our drinks.

All drinks are 50% off for everyone (yes! including the guys--they are picking up the tab after all :P). And did I mention that they gave free manicures too?!

RE KA TA Beach Club

182 Koktanode Road,
Kata Beach,
Phuket 83100,
Thailand

P: +66 (0)76 330 015-7

Driving Directions

Pesto

Location: Cherngtalay
Type of Food: Mediterranean/ Thai
Price per person: 150-300 Bht


If you have plenty of time to spare, not that hungry, and you want to eat somewhere affordable, Pesto is the place for you. Located along the Baan Don-Cherngtalay Road (beside Supercheap Convenience Store) the place is open-air with very minimal decor. Take note that I do not recommend it when you are in haste least you will be disappointed that the place is full when you get there. Apart from having very limited sitting capacity it is also understaffed. So, there is a great probability that your food will arrive an hour after or it will not arrive all at the same time.

But, if you are not in a hurry..Relax, order a Cha Manao (iced tea), catch up with each other's lives because either you're here for a holiday or you're living in an island anyway so there's no rush.

Don't expect so much from Pesto except good food. The portions are not consistent, you might not get the right order but Mai pen rai ( no problem) as long as it's aroi mak (very delicious).


I keep coming back for their Moussaka, Shrimp Tagliatelle and Pork Tenderloin with Mixed Vegetables and Mashed Potato (which is not exactly Mediterranean but like I said, as long as it's good..).

Not convinced yet? How about bringing your own wine and paying a 50 Bht corkage?

I've got 2 words  for Pesto. Not bad.

Not bad at all.

Goong Sarong

Grilled Vegetable Salad

Scallops

Pork Tenderloin in a bed of Mashed Potato and Mixed Vegetables

Pesto
Open: 11:30 am-11pm
T: +66 824230184 / +66 824201605
email : [email protected]

Slug N' Lettuce

Location : Cherngtalay
Type of food: British pub food/ Thai fusion
Price per person: 200-500 Bht


If you happened to be driving along the Cherngtalay/Pasak road and chance upon a sign Slug N' Lettuce, careful in having a double take while thinking "what the.." (just in case a crazy motorbike driver is coming right behind you)..ease up and park behind the restaurant.

The place is designed to be eclectic. Mismatch furnitures, inside and outside dining, there's a bar, an air conditioned dining area, a garden setting on the back and some lawn chairs in the front. It's a cozy place for a get-together meal and a great spot to chill and have coffee or hang out in the bar.


I like going back for the Fish and Chips. They are huge and absolutely yummy! The fish is fresh and meaty with a perfect batter to match.

This pie is also delicious. The crust is tender yet crisp and the filling is well-flavoured.

I love burgers! It is my favorite comfort food. In fact, 'burger' is one of my favorite word.  So any restaurant that serves good burgers, will automatically be close to my heart.

 Creme Brulee with Shortbread. A sinful way to end a really great meal.

They also serve a Sunday roast and a whole lot of  "Thai Fusion" dishes. I highly recommend the Grilled Squid with Salsa that I totally enjoyed from my last visit. I have been to Slug 'N Lettuce many times and the service is consistently good. The owner is very attentive and friendly and it has a great homey atmosphere.

Slug 'N Lettuce
3/62 Moo 4 Cherngtalay, Thalang
P: 76615611

Bliss Beach Club

Location: Bangtao Beach

Type of food: Thai/ International

Price per person: 300-700 Bht

Beach clubs are sprouting all over the island and Bangtao residents have another reason to celebrate with the additional beach club opening in the area. Since its launched late last year, Bliss has been steadily earning a reputation as a fun place with laid back ambience and good food that would not break your bank.

 We just recently had a family lunch at Bliss and the first thing that impressed me was the tasteful decor of the place. There is a seamless fluidity of the modern and spacious interior expanding towards the   well manicured lawn and the full view of Bangtao beach. It makes you feel that even if you are dining under the shade (with the current temperature going nowhere but up..yes, you have to dine inside), you are dining al fresco.

(photo courtesy of www.blissbeachclub.com)

  

The menu is actually very simple and it offers a list of popular international dishes. My husband would vouched for the wood-fired oven pizza to be excellent but I was hungry that day and my appetite was longing for rice. I had Lamb Massaman Curry and it was very good. I am very partial to Massaman curry because it is my favorite Thai curry. Lamb on the other hand is my favorite meat. So, it was a winning combination!

I also had a taste of their version of a Tom Kha Soup (Coconut Galangal Soup) with seafoods. It was hearty and filling. If you want soup as your main dish, this is a great choice. It has all the quintessential Thai ingredients: coconut milk, chili, lemongrass, ginger, basil, cilantro and lime juice.

I had a very pleasant experience at Bliss and it is the kind of place that makes you think of what to have when you come back only minutes after you just finished your meal. And that is just what I did when I thought of this Prawn Spaghetti and promised myself that I shall return.

Bliss Beach Club Co., Ltd.
202/88 Moo 2, Tumbon Cherngtalay,
Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand.
T. +66 (0)76 510 150
F. +66 (0)76 314 212
E. [email protected]

De Dos

Location: Laguna Area, Bangtao
Type of food: French/Fusion
Price per person: 500-1000 Bht

There are two words that I am wary about when it comes to dining out, french and fusion. I have been to so many restaurants who promised both but were only as good as looking posh and pretentious. So when I was invited to have dinner at De Dos last week, I was hesitant inspite having two of my friends telling me that the food is absolutely good and "they serve really good homemade foie gras". Needless to say, being a sucker for anything liver, they had me at foie gras.

De Dos is situated along the row of galleries and bars near the intersection of the Laguna entrance. The interior looks very polish and posh without being ostentatious. The first ticked on my checklist was the fast and professional service. And then, the onslaught of good food arrived.. which is exactly what they promised on their website, dining differently ( hey, I did my research!).

We  proceeded to make our way with the menu and started with Carrot Ginger Cappucino. Now on principle, I don't like food that is served on a shot or martini glass (hello, shrimp cocktails are so declasse!). I would like to leave the glasses for my cocktails thank you very much. But for this one, I would make an exception. The foaminess of the carrot puree and the subtle hint of ginger really started my meal on the right note.

And then there was the Sun-dried tomato butter and Ciabatta. The butter has got the consistency of a gelatto. When I tasted it, that was when I realized that I'm going to be fed well. Then came the Homemade Foie Gras  with fig chutney in balsamic reduction and brioche. The foie gras was cooked exceptionally well and the sweetness of the chutney and the acid of the vinegar gave a really good balance to the dish.

The night before, I was watching this new series Revenge and Amber Valetta's character was served Lobster Bisque in bed. I just thought how posh it would be to have Lobster Bisque (though disappointedly not in bed). But this Lobster Bisque  is everything but a disappointment. It was lovely. You can taste the sea in the broth. It was flambeed in Pastis and served with prawn ravioli. Of all the dishes that I had that night, this is the one that I totally enjoyed.

The Pan Seared Tuna was coated in cashew nut and seared perfectly. The wasabi fraiche needs a little more kick, but that is just me. I love wasabi and I love it when I get a 'headache' out of it. There was a lot of thought that went to that dish and I really appreciated it. The tabbouleh (couscous) gave it a Mediterranean texture but its lime, tomatoes and garlic flavor is very oriental which brought some coherence to the Japanese influence of the tuna and wasabi. Although I know that the dish would stand without the mango on it, I am not complaining.

We also had the Duck Breast Pomelo, the duck was tender and juicy and the tamarind sauce and Pomelo salad was a great compliment. But by this time my mind was already on our dessert, Moulleux au Chocolat warm chocolate cake with  molten goodness in the center and served with strawberry sorbet. My heart was palpitating when it was laid out on the table. What a way to end a memorable feast!

De Dos is a well executed restaurant. One of the few in Phuket (in my humble opinion). I am looking forward on working my way through the menu again very soon.

DeDos Restaurant

8 Lagoon Rd.

Cherng Talay, Talang

83110 Phuket

Tel.: +66 (0)76 325 182

[email protected]