Foodie Traveler’s Guide: Local Markets of Phuket Thailand

It is inevitable to come across the overwhelming stretch and miles of multiple market places buzzing with life in Phuket, Thailand when on vacation. Many centuries ago, long before tourist t-shirts, Phuket was an island best known for its tin mines and rubber trees. The island is very rich in history, partially because of its importance as part of a regularly used trading route between India and China (Wikipedia). So, it would come as no surprise to all that they also became experts at commerce, hence their huge market places. Locals will openly admit that said market places have become an integral part of daily life on the island.

Phuket is without a doubt, a mesmerizing island with its lucid blue waters gently lapping up on white sandy beaches. As you make your way into the interior, you become surrounded by dense and equally lush tropical forests and impressive terrain that lets you know that you got your very own slice of paradise. Therefore, it is almost impossible for one to visit Phuket and not traverse the island or take at least one tour to see what it has to offer. After all, with tourism as their main industry, they have purposely showcased their islands beauty and the diversity of its food and people in an effort to keep the business flowing.

Today, the city is proof of the island’s historical soul. Located in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, it is the largest island and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. Phuket’s Thai Visa insists on one taking a stroll down the streets filled with Portuguese architecture to explore wonderful galleries, affordable restaurants, and coffee shops; peek down alley-ways to find incense smoke clouding the air from Chinese Taoist shrines, explaining that the real destination are the markets of Phuket. Phuket markets can be described as a tradition of sights and smells brought to life by its buzzing activities of locals by foot or motorcycles, all manning their trade and delivering fresh foods.

Phuket Markets

According to a traveler’s magazine, “Phuket.com” there are two main varieties of Thai markets. The most popular are located in Patong Beach and are surprisingly, in close proximity to one another. Patong refers to the beach and town on Phuket’s west coast and is the most popular place to be for tourists. “The first type is known as a Talat Sot or Thai Fresh/Wet Market (Phuket.com).” Traditionally, fresh food items are provided every day in the same location. The second is an “Appointment market or Talat Nat also specializing in produce, which religiously comes from local suppliers or farms; taking place several days or nights every week” (Thai Visa Phuket).

Even if you are not really intending to buy anything, a simple browse would be the furthest thing from inducing any stress or pain. On the contrary, it would serve as its own kind of psycho-therapy. Parking may be a hassle but it’s well worth it. Flip-flops may not be the best form of footwear as the markets seem almost never ending and its smells/colors keep you walking in search of more.

Each vendor’s stall has its own distinctive aura. The vendors who work these stalls are recorded by Wikipedia to be people who migrated from the mainland, Chinese who arrived to work the tin mines, Muslims of Malaysian decent — many of whom came to work the rubber plantations and have been on island since then occupying the area for many years. Since Phuket is surrounded by water, it is only natural to see fresh seafood piled on beds of ice (lobsters, squid, shrimp and fish). Heaping baskets of chilies and fresh exotic fruits create a melting pot of unforgettable colors and fragrances, such as the weird looking dragon fruit and pungent durian. (Thai Visa Phuket).

(See also, Exotic Fruits: Snake Skin Fruit and The Breadfruit)

Apart from the wide variety of fresh produce on sale, there are usually at least a few stalls offering the best authentic home-cooked meals such as noodle soup, curries or the good old fried rice permeating the air. Beautiful moments can be shared with a friendly vendor who would only seek to enhance your visit to the market by offering one of the island’s local and enticing meals. For this reason alone, the market is known as the “land of smiles” simply because of its level of tolerance and hospitality.The explosive tones of sweet, sour, hot and salty flavors is what truly makes Thai cuisine so distant from other Asian cuisines and is especially highlighted in the national soup of Thailand which is known as Tom Yam (phuket.com). Sometimes paired with rice or jumbo shrimp and mushrooms, this Thai favorite is packed with local herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal (a root similar to ginger), lime leaves, and fish sauce for an added kick.

Pad Thai is another favorite enjoyed by tourists and locals alike due to its availability and tastiness. It can be purchased at night markets for those looking for a quick bite before heading out to parties. It entails fried white noodles with prawns and an omelette. It is often served with crunched peanuts, soy beans, lime, herbs and a spoonful of sugar of course! Everything which is raised or grown locally on island is put to use with great expertise in the most extraordinary ways made palatable to mankind. Even deep-fried insects are on the menu for those with a more adventurous appetite.

The simplest vendors carry their loads in rattan baskets by balancing it slung on a pole, which is carried across the shoulders. If on the hunt for dessert, you can always grab a grilled banana, sweet potato treats, or tiny coconut puddings grilled on hot plates from these pleasant, basket toting individuals. It doesn’t just stop at dessert though, the list extends to include BBQ chicken, satay, meatballs on skewers, garlic sausages, rice with shredded coconut or red beans wrapped in banana leaves It is gastronomically insane to keep up with the varieties of choices and selections. (See Also, Thai Tea)

Souvenirs, trinkets and other locally made crafts are ways to remind anyone of these amazing market place experiences. Thai’s take absolute pride in making these market trips worth it because the foods offered are delicious beyond compare and are priced to give one the sense of immense value-for-money. Some of the foods offered by such vendors are not even available in standard Phuket restaurants so vendors would often be the best way to get an authentic taste of Thailand and its cuisine. An island with such amazing historical cultures and diverse food markets is truly a culinarian’s adventure!

Sources:

“Phuket Markets.” Phuket.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.phuket.com/magazine/discover-fresh- market.htm>.

“Phuket Local Markets.” Phuket Thailand. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Oct. 2014.

<http://phuket.thaivisa.com/phuket-local- markets/#.VDmasfldU1I>.

“Phuket Province.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Nov. 2014. Web. 9 Oct. 2014.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phuket_Province>.

“Top 10 Best Thai Food in Phuket.”Phuket.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.phuket.com/cuisine/toptenfood.htm>.