Peang Prai Restaurant

Peang Prai Restaurant in Phuket serves Southern Phuket cuisine in a truly forest-like setting. The drive takes you through a lush green area, and the restaurant sits near a national park and a gibbon sanctuary — yet it’s still easy to reach by car and only a short distance from the main road.

What defines the experience is the view over the lake and the jungle: still water, a mountain outline in the distance, dense greenery all around, and the soundscape of the forest that makes it feel like a real escape from town. The building itself is simple rather than design-forward, and seating can be fairly basic. From time to time there may be renovation work, but the atmosphere remains comfortable — and very photogenic.

The menu is extensive, covering meat, fish, seafood, vegetables, and local specialties that are hard to find outside the island. Presentation is neat, with bold, aromatic flavors; if you prefer, the spice level can be toned down. Standout dishes include yellow chicken curry with jasmine rice, a creamy-yet-spicy tom yum, panang curry, pandan chicken, mangosteen salad, pineapple fried rice, clams in a lemongrass soup, and Ngob Poo — fish and crab steamed in a banana leaf. Drinks worth trying include a coconut shake and mango smoothie, and there’s also craft beer. For dessert, they serve house-made ice cream, including Thai chocolate and pistachio.

Service is fast and attentive, and Thai food prices in Pa Khlok are pleasantly surprising for this level of cuisine. Some items may be unavailable depending on the season, and portion sizes can vary — so it’s best to order a few dishes to share.