Edible sea creatures in Phuket

Phuket is a true paradise for seafood lovers. There’s an incredible variety here, and while some sea creatures may look inedible at first glance, they’re actually delicious, protein-rich, and diet-friendly. On top of that, seafood is considered a delicacy and often comes with a high price tag. If you’ve always dreamed of trying lobster, Thailand is one of the best and most affordable places to do it, as the kingdom is one of the world’s leading seafood exporters. Here’s a look at the most popular types of seafood in Phuket and how to enjoy them.

Lobster – a delicacy highly prized all over the world, including in Thailand. Phuket even hosts an annual Lobster Festival, which lasts for an entire month. During this time, restaurants across the island offer a wide variety of dishes featuring lobsters, rock lobsters, and langoustines.

There are several types of lobsters in Phuket, but the most commonly found is the Seven Colored Phuket Lobster. It’s easily recognizable by its colorful, thick shell, long antennae, and large body. But its most impressive feature is the size — an adult can weigh up to 4.5 kilograms. The price for this delicacy ranges from 1,800 to 2,500 baht per kilogram.

Shrimp – these sea creatures are consumed in large quantities in Thailand. They’re enjoyed boiled, grilled, fresh, and as ingredients in a wide variety of dishes. Most of the shrimp sold in Phuket are farm-raised. These farms are essentially saltwater ponds equipped with special paddlewheels that oxygenate the water.

Thailand is home to several types of shrimp, which vary in appearance and size. The whiteleg shrimp has a pale gray-green shell and white legs. The tiger shrimp is larger and more vibrant, with a back covered in black and white stripes. The king shrimp stands out with its bluish shell and distinctive blue claws.

You can also try live shrimp in Thailand — a dish for true exotic food lovers. It’s made using tiny live shrimp that swim in a tank. They’re scooped out with a net, mixed with herbs, and drizzled with lime juice. The sensation in your mouth is quite unusual, making it a favorite for adventurous eaters.

Squid is another key seafood item widely used in Thai cuisine. It’s often grilled and served with spicy dipping sauces. Small squids are usually served whole, while larger ones are sliced into rings.

Octopus – In Thailand, you can find both small and large octopuses. This delicacy is prepared in a variety of ways: grilled, stewed, or marinated. Skewers with whole baby octopuses are a common sight at night markets.

Crab – Crabs aren’t particularly popular among the locals in Thailand, but you’ll still find rock crabs and blue crabs for sale in Phuket. Their meat is tender with a slightly sweet flavor. Occasionally, you might find roe inside a blue crab – if you do, consider it your lucky day. The price for cleaned crab meat in Phuket is around 600 baht per kilogram.

Shellfish and scallops – In Thailand, they tend to be smaller than their Far Eastern counterparts. They’re usually grilled and served hot. Prices start at around 50 baht per serving.

Mussels – Thai mussels differ from those found in the Black Sea or the Mediterranean: they’re larger and have more vividly colored flesh. In Thailand, mussels are typically grilled over charcoal or used as an ingredient in soups. The average price is only about 100 baht per kilogram.

Oysters – A very popular delicacy among Thais. Oysters are served boiled, fried, or raw, and they’re often found at night markets.

Horseshoe crab – This ancient creature has been known to scientists since the time of the dinosaurs. It looks quite eerie: from the top, it resembles a stingray, but its body is covered in a hard shell, and underneath it has many legs, like a spider. Horseshoe crabs, also known as helmet crabs, inhabit the waters of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Freshly caught horseshoe crabs have a strong iodine-like smell, but it becomes less noticeable after cooking. Thais use the roe of this animal to prepare an exotic salad called Yam Kai Meng-da. Horseshoe crab roe looks like tiny beads and has a salty, iodine-rich taste.

Mantis shrimp – Something between a shrimp and a lobster, these sea creatures can grow up to 25 cm in length. They have small front claws that look like boxing gloves. Eating mantis shrimp can be a bit tricky, as you need to suck the meat out of the shell. The price is around 2,500 baht per kilogram.

You can try all of these sea creatures at night markets – just check the special section at the link to find the nearest one. These delicacies are also served in many local eateries, so feel free to explore the Cafes & Restaurants selection to find your perfect spot. And if you’re feeling adventurous and want to catch your own dinner, go on a fishing trip!