Phuket is the most popular (and largest) island in Thailand.  The people of Phuket represent a variety of religions and cultures including Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese, Europeans, and Malay. This diversity is apparent in the festivals, culture, and food of the island.

Some of the local favorites include noodle dishes that are boiled or fried and usually include chicken or pork. Khanom Chin is a breakfast delicacy of rice noodles served with fresh vegetables and a spicy curry soup of minced shrimp or fish. Nam phrik Kung Siap is a mixture of smoked shrimp and dried chili served with fresh vegetables. Ho Mok is steamed seafood (usually fish or crab) traditionally served with vegetables in a banana leaf. Many of these dishes are available throughout Thailand, but Phuket offers fresher seafood and a wider variety of vegetables to make their local versions more delectable.

Several of the many festivals celebrated in Phuket throughout the year feature food. The Seafood Festival is held around the month of May and draws visitors to the island during the raining season. The largest of Phuket’s many festivals is the annual Vegetarian Festival. During this ten day event, locals of Chinese ancestry observe a strict vegan or vegetarian diet to purify the body and soul and bring good fortune to the individual and the greater community. The dietary restrictions are augmented by rituals such as firewalking and body piercing.

Visitors to the Five Star Hotels Phuket can seek out local and international flavors at a variety of fine dining and colorful traditional eateries.

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