Top 5 Budget Thai Cafes
Thailand and food are almost synonyms. Like all Asians, Thais love to eat. For them, this process is elevated to a kind of cult. The only mystery that still puzzles us is why 90% of Thais don’t seem to be overweight. Perhaps it’s all thanks to their magical metabolism.
In Thailand, you can eat anytime and anywhere: night markets, “makashnitsy” (street food carts), stalls, cafes… As always, you can find the best spots on the island in the Cafes and Restaurants section. And in this article, we’ve decided to collect the Top 5 authentic yet budget-friendly cafes in Phuket, where you can eat delicious food at low prices and discover the dishes locals themselves enjoy.
Kopitiam by Wilai ()
Average bill: 100–300฿ per person
An authentic cafe in Phuket Town serving Chinese-Thai cuisine at affordable prices. And it’s not just a cafe, but a place with history. The word kopitiam comes from kopi, which means “coffee” in the Hokkien dialect, and tiam, meaning “shop.” In modern terms — a coffee shop. Such places have long been popular across Southeast Asia. You could say they are small canteens offering a variety of dishes and drinks at very reasonable prices.
In addition to the usual Thai dishes, Kopitiam by Wilai also offers Phuket and Peranakan cuisine. And if Tom Yum and Pad Thai are the most exotic things you’ve tried in Thailand, it’s time to taste something even more authentic. For example, Bak Kut Teh – a pork rib soup with Chinese herbs, star anise, and goji berries – or yellow noodles cooked Hokkien style. In short, don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if you don’t like it, it won’t cost you much.
Kanom Jeen Pa Mai ()
Average bill: 100฿ per person
A local cafe that specializes in kanom jeen with various sauces. And no, we’re not talking about an alcoholic cocktail. This is the name of a traditional dish made from fermented rice noodles with tomato curry. It has a fruity sourness, a slightly salty taste, and a pleasant nutty aroma. The key ingredient of kanom jeen is stewed flowers of the red cotton tree.
At Kanom Jeen Pa Mai, a portion of these noodles costs only 40 baht. And according to Thai tradition, the serving will be generous. On top of keeping you full for several hours, you’ll also get a true culinary experience.
Lock Tien Food Court ()
Average bill: 100–200฿ per person
A small food court in Phuket Town serving traditional dishes of Southern Thailand. Hokkien noodles, pork satay, miang kham, yellow noodles – tasty, filling, and inexpensive. Don’t expect a restaurant-style experience here – it’s more like a local canteen where residents come to eat. If you want to feel like a Thai rather than a farang (foreigner), this is the best place.
The place has been around for many years, and it’s always busy. It closes at 5 p.m., so it’s only suitable for brunch and lunch.
Go-Benz ()
Average bill: 100–200฿ per person
Another spot beloved by locals and seasoned travelers. This night cafe in Phuket Town has been operating for 20 years and is famous for its spicy noodle soup. It opens after 5 p.m. and works until late at night, with a bowl of soup costing only 70–90 baht.
The setting is as simple as it gets: plastic tables and chairs, an open kitchen, and no frills. But the purpose of visiting this place is definitely not to admire the interior design.
The only dish on the menu is kuai tiao mu tom yam, which means spicy and sour noodle soup with pork. It’s a special variation of the famous Thai tom yum. The owners use a family recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Chom Chan ()
Average bill: 500–600฿ per person
The most expensive place on this list. But keep in mind — it comes recommended by the Michelin Guide! This small yet remarkable spot in Phuket has long gained popularity among connoisseurs of authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist.
Chom Chan specializes in authentic Thai dishes with a southern twist. The menu includes crab curry with wild betel leaves, pork stewed in spices and soy sauce, spicy dried shrimp paste with vegetables, and other traditional dishes. Special attention is paid to the freshness of ingredients — seafood is delivered daily by local fishermen, while vegetables and herbs are grown in the restaurant’s own garden.
Chom Chan can rather be considered a mid-range restaurant. Main dishes cost around 180–350 baht, and a full dinner for two with several dishes and drinks will come to about 1000–1500 baht. Still, the food here is very tasty and authentic, and if you want to try traditional dishes in a proper “restaurant” atmosphere rather than at a plastic street table, Chom Chan is an excellent choice.
We highly recommend trying unique Thai dishes to better understand the country’s gastronomic culture. You can have pizza, pasta, and burgers anywhere else, but real green curry or kanom jeen — only in Thailand.
Look for other authentic spots in the Thai Cuisine section, and discover even more culinary gems in Phuket in the Cafes and Restaurants section.
