[TRAVEL] Top 3 Budget-Friendly Michelin Bib Gourmand Thai Cuisine in Phuket, Thailand

We are here in Phuket to explore Michelin Bib Gourmand rated cuisine!

Phuket has been a really beautiful charm in Thailand - known for its beach activities, relaxing vibes and diverse gastronomical adventure. I have been here 3 times - in 2019, 2023 and then 2024 - so far, and still not get bored of it. 

After trying out so many types of cuisine, especially the Southern Thai delicacies which Phuket is famous for, here are the top 3 restaurants you should add into your list for your next trip to Phuket. All of them garnered the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating - meaning good quality, good price! 

1. One Chun Restaurant

2. Kin-Kub-Ei 

3. Roti Thaew Nam

(BONUS) 4. Campus Coffee Roaster, my favourite cafe in town

One Chun Restaurant

48/1 Thep Krasatti Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.

Operating hours: 10am - 10pm daily

The first time I came to One Chun was in 2019, which was already a very popular restaurant among the tourists and locals. Now, after being nominated for Michelin Bib Gourmand for 6 consecutive years, it did not fail to impress us with the authentically Phuket food while we soaked in the distinct vintage feel of the restaurant which is located in a 19C building. 

Fresh crab meat with yellow curry and coconut milk served with noodle @ 390฿

Fried grilled pork with chilli, pepper and garlic @ 180฿

Spicy vegetables (chayote) salad with shrimp @ 220฿

Local Phuket style ice milk tea @ 55฿

Focusing on family recipes which have been passed down the generations, One Chun's dishes had been consistently great and we had to return twice during our most recent trip, just to savour different variety of dishes in One Chun.

All the dishes fell on the spicier side, and tasted amazing to my liking. My favourite was the creamy yellow curry with coconut milk and generous chunks of fresh crab meats that went well with the steaming hot rice. 

Pad Thai @ 180฿ 

Pineapple fried rice @ 200฿

Stir fried Thai vegetables (Pak Meang) with egg @ 165฿

We also tried the classics such as Pad Thai and aromatic Pineapple Fried Rice, which were equally palatable but the showstopper was the Stir Fried Pak Meang with Egg and Dried Shrimps. The flavours were bold and full of "wok hey" and eggy goodness. It was so good that we wiped out the dish within seconds. Definitely a must-try! 

❤ ❤ ❤

Kin-Kub-Ei Restaurant

81/9 Mu 7, Si Sunthon Road, Si Sunthon, Thalang, Phuket, 83110, Thailand.

Operating hours: 11am - 5pm, Thursdays to Sundays only

A hidden gem located 40 minutes drive away from Phuket Old Town, Kin-Kub-Ei tells a very interesting story which is applaudable in my opinion. Ei, the Thai-Chinese auntie who has cooked for the family for decades runs the kitchen and the food here is an interesting blend of homestyle southern Thai cuisine 

I could see why it is newly nominated as Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2024. We were greeted by a warm, homey atmosphere upon arrival, and there was a swing in front of the shaded garden where the auntie planted her own crops for the restaurant. Such an inviting charm! 

We loved the casual yet warm new dining area and attentive services by the waitstaff here. 

Kin-Kub-Ei is famous for the southern Thai specialties passed down through the generations, emphasizing on the lovely balance of flavours, and fresh quality ingredients. One thing to note is that reservation can be made via Facebook and you need to preorder the food beforehand.  

Deep fried fish with curry paste @ 585฿

Streaky pork fermented with special spices @ 290฿

Phuket chilli paste with raw vegetables @ 270฿

The star of the day went to the crispy golden-brown local fish with tangy homemade curry paste  which could be fiery for some. The bold flavours, crisp texture and sweet white flaky fish made a perfect combination which showcased the traditional Southern Thai flavours. 

The homemade chilli paste platter with raw vegetables, on the other hand, was full of flavours and textures too. The variety of vegetables which went well with the chilli paste included the Thai eggplant, cucumber, cabbage, long beans and okra.

❤ ❤ ❤

Roti Thaew Nam

6 Thepkrasattri Rd., Talat Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, 83000, Thailand.

Operating hours: 7am - 12noon daily

 

Egg roti @ 20฿

Double plain roti @ 20฿

Chicken curry @ 50฿

Iced milk tea @ 25฿

If you are craving for something out of ordinary Thai cuisine, try the Roti Thaew Nam for breakfast but be prepared to queue. Roti Thaew Nam is famous for the soft, crispy dough that is kneaded and fried on the large, hot charcoal pan in front of the shop for over 70 years. The result? Ultra-comforting breakfast especially when dipped into the savoury-sweet beef or chicken curry. 

❤ ❤ ❤

Campus Coffee Roaster

Operating hours: 8am - 6pm daily

Dirty coffee @ 100฿

Ham & cheese croissant @ 145฿

Bonus recommendation by yours truly! This is not related to anything Michelin, but Campus Coffee Roaster gained its popularity since becoming the 4th runner up of International Coffee Roast Master Thailand 2019. Being an avid coffee lover, we came here twice to try out the specialty coffee and enjoy the espresso-scented atmosphere for the slow bar. Feel free to bring some roasted coffee beans home too! 

Vibe check: 100%

❤ ❤ ❤

Phuket trip has unintentionally become a foodie trip, and we were glad that we discovered so many local gems that are worth revisiting for. Looking forward to visit more islands in Thailand soon! ❤

Much love,

FiSh

27.09.2024 - 30.09.2024

[TRAVEL] 3D2N Quick Bangkok Getaway!

Sawadee-ka from Bangkok! ❤

It is a long lovely weekend spent in Bangkok, Thailand despite the scorching heat at 39°C and massive traffic congestion. The purpose of this trip is mainly to eat, chill and do some mini shopping sessions. 

Accommodation: Novotel at Siam Square

The hotel location is super convenient! Just a few stones' throw away from Gentlewoman Store, and BTS Siam is located right adjacent to the hotel while Siam Paragon and the rest of the giant malls are within walking distance. The room is huge and clean, but the check-in time takes longer than usual due to the large crowd in the hotel. 

Thai Thai Boat Noodles at Siam Square

First meal in Bangkok, after feeling famished from the travels and long check-in queue.

Nothing much to shout about, except for the classic braised beef noodles in thick broth and crispy fish cake.

After You Dessert Cafe at CentralWorld

Mango Sticky Rice Kakigori is the bomb! It comes with some whipped cream that exudes the aroma of coconut milk and it is a pleasant surprise to find sticky rice hidden underneath the smooth ice shave. On the other hand, the classic Shibuya Toast is my to-go item each time I am here. Classic and the quality is still maintained over the years. 

Laem Charoen Seafood at CentralWorld

Apparently, Laem Charoen is the creator of the famous butterflied Deep-Fried Sea Bass with Fish Sauce in Bangkok! Definitely a must-try item here because it is so crispy while retaining the juicy oceanic goodness in it. 

Other than that, the tom yam seafood soup and spicy clams are worth a mention too. Good to go with the classic Chang beer (and lots of Thai fragrant rice :P).

RedSky Rooftop Bar at Centara Grand, CentralWorld

A trip to Bangkok is never complete without a visit to the rooftop bar.

Tichuca was closed for event on that evening, hence we came here instead.

Here Hai at Ekkamai

First meal on Day 2! The queue for this famous crab-everything restaurant is insane (approximately 1.5 hour on a weekend), so we opt for GrabFood instead - and it only takes 15 minutes for the order to be ready for pick up!

Honestly, their signature Crab Fried Rice is indeed a delicious comfort food but is not something to die for. I prefer the Creamy Omelette with Crab Meat on Rice which is flooded with semi-cooked egg that accentuates the sweetness of the crab meat on each bite.

Flat + White Cafe at Ekkamai

Cafe hopping moment is always the happiest time in Bangkok! Managed to visit one of the recent trending cafes in town (not very near from the central Bangkok as it takes us 40 minutes via cab). The clean aesthetics of the cafe is indeed eye-pleasing, not forgetting to mention the iconic staircase where all the gram photos are taken.

My favourite is the Black Peach coffee which is actually an espresso citrus tonic - quite potent but just right for my liking. The refreshing combination of zesty orange and coffee is a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day. 

Peace 和 Oriental Teahouse at Ari Soi 1

Recommended by a friend, Peace Oriental is a hidden gem for Japanese tea lovers. The signature charcoal-wrapped green tea ice cream comes in 3 levels of intensity - I choose the strongest version of green tea and surely it does not disappoint! The interior also reminds me of a traditional Japanese teahouse :) 

ICONSIAM Chao Phraya River

Our dinner stop is the indoor floating market in ICONSIAM, instead of the trending Jodd Fairs DanNeramit which is located in a theme park, surrounded by a fairytale castle and hot air balloons (Sounds dreamy? Feel free to check it out!).

We are happy to do our "street food hunting" in an air-conditioned space, and there are surprisingly plenty of locals enjoying their meal here too. Not exactly the best Pad Thai and Tab Tim Krob I ever have, but good enough to fix the cravings in Thailand. 

% Arabica at CentralWorld

Morning coffee hunt at %Arabica! This outlet is so beautiful, especially early in the morning (around 8am) when plenty of sunlight enters through the full-length glass panels. It feels amazing to sit around and chill while sipping on my cup of iced Spanish latte. What a great start of the day! 

Gentlewoman at Siam Square

Lastly, what completes the Bangkok trip is of course shopping! Apart from snack shopping at Big C Supermarket, the most trendy thing to do recently is to hop to Siam Square for the GENTLEWOMAN Flagship Store for their stylish and practical tote bags (there are plenty of clothes and accessories available too). Got a mini one for everyday use and I am happy with my purchase thus far! 

❤❤❤

Dear Bangkok, I will be back when the weather is more bearable! :P

xoxo,

FiSh @ Bangkok

5 - 7 May 2023

[FOOD] Tommy Thongchai Thai Gastrobar @ Jaya One, PJ

Let's indulge into the porky feast and get drunk! :P

Located at Jaya One, in the heart of PJ, Tommy Thongchai is one of the very few Thai gastrobars in town that wows me with its distinctive Thai fusion menu, cocktails and cool vibes.

This is not a spot to fix your usual tomyam cravings, but rather a place to enjoy an elevated gastronomical experience of Thai-inspired food injected with local and Western flairs. Let's check out some of the signature fusion dishes that you should try here...

Dodo Dim Sum & Bowls [Halal] @ Subang Parade

Guess what happens when you crave for steaming hot dim sum while your friends are asking you out for a Thai feast instead? Don't worry, now you can enjoy the best of both worlds at Dodo Dim Sum & Bowls!

Located in Subang Parade, Dodo brings us a whole new concept that I personally have not heard of.-- the first multicultural restaurant in Malaysia specialising in handcrafted dim sum and Thai street food including the famous boat noodles. It is my first time having dim sum together with Thai dishes, and I am excited for it!

Soi 19 Thai Steamboat & BBQ @ Kuchai Lama, KL

Sawadeeka! ❤ It's time for Thai Hot Pot!

Woohoo, this is my first time trying Thai-style hot pot with classic Thai beer. Where can you find this in KL? It is right here at Soi 19 Thai Steamboat and BBQ Restaurant located in Kuchai Lama (right opposite Wisma FGA). 

From far, you would notice the brightly-lit red signage with two Thai restaurants located side by side. Both are under the same owner, serving a wide variety of Thai street food which means you don't have to travel to Bangkok for the authentic Thai flavours! 

*There are plenty of parking lots here. Soi 19 customers can enjoy RM4 flat parking rate upon ticket validation. 

The interior of Soi 19 is pretty simple and cosy, suitable for friends' gathering and family dining.

Soi 19 Lifestyle Moo-Kata has been recently awarded with the World Top Gourmet Award 2017, so how can we not try the food here right? Just a little background about Soi 19 -- Unlike other Thai eateries, Soi 19 focuses on serving the Central-Southern authentic Thai menu including the famous Jim-Jom (Thai Steamboat) and Mookata (Thai BBQ + Steamboat).  

Jim Jom (Pork Set) @ RM39.00

For first timers, you must try this Thai hot pot set that comes with 300g of sliced pork and mixed vegetables. Served boiling in the hot pot, the clear broth exudes a very fresh herbal aroma as it is cooked using several herbs such as galangal, sweet basil, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. 

When added with meat and other ingredients such as seafood, the flavour of the soup develops into something sweeter and deeper in taste. Despite of using only simple, staple ingredients, it actually tastes very good and comforting in the stomach. 

Remember to mix the pork slices with egg before putting into the hot pot, for a smoother meat texture.

Personally, I find that the broth tastes incredibly good with vegetables and pork alone.

But if you want to enhance the sweetness in it, you may add some seafood too.

I am surprised that Chang beer actually makes the broth more flavourful, sweeter and smoother.

Highly recommended!

Don't forget to dip the condiments with the 3 homemade chilli sauces too.

My favourite is the green one, which is extra spicy with a bursting tang form the lime zest.

Pork Bone Soup @ RM19.90

Fans of hot pot may also try this Pork Bone Broth, infused with equally great amount of Thai fresh herbs i.e. the basil leaves.

For richer flavours, you can add more herbs, chilli for an extra fiery kick,

or lime to add sweetness and tone down the spiciness.

Cockles @ RM16.90

Apart from the signature hot pots, Soi 19 also serves a huge variety of authentic Thai snacks, salad, rice and noodles. I don't usually take raw cockles but this is really juicy especially when dipped into the fiery hot chilli lime sauce. 

Thai Spring Roll @ RM9.90

The spring roll kinda reminds me of the homemade ones I had in Vietnam. But this is well-loaded with minced meat and fresh herbs that give a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness. Glad that the meat is very moist inside and pairs well with the condiments. 

Moo Sam Chan Tod @ RM9.90

Hog lovers must try this spicy 3-layer roasted pork! Unlike our traditional Chinese roast pork, this Thai version exudes an interesting sourish salty flavour that gets us hooked and keeps us reaching for more. Very addictive! 

Fried Pork Ribs @ RM9.90

My personal favourite is the deep-fried pork ribs that tastes similar to the Chinese style Nam Yu pork ribs. It tastes good on its own, but if you prefer a more balanced flavour, try wrapping the pork with lettuce, chilli, garlic and sauce. This way, it cuts through the saltiness perfectly well. 

Pad Thai @ RM12.90

After plates of snacks / finger food, here comes the remaining carb-loaded dishes. I am always a huge fan of traditional Thai-style fried noodles and I am glad that this actually hits the mark although it leans towards the sweeter side. Just mix the peanut, chilli flakes, beansprout and chives together and it is good to go. Simple but delicious! 

MAMA NOODLE SERIES

Do you know that Mama Noodle is another famous street food in Thailand especially during late nights? Whereas in Soi 19, you can enjoy the hearty Mama Noodles for lunch and dinner. Using the chewy Mama instant noodle as the base, there are several types of toppings and soup bases for you to choose from.

Mama Big Prawn Noodles @ RM10.90

In this large bowl of noodles, there is an abundance of solid chunks of fresh prawn, minced meat, hard boiled egg, fish ball and more. The spicy-savoury soup base tastes rather heavy for me, but overall it is a very hearty combination that can easily fuel the rest of your day.

Mama Seafood Noodles @ RM10.90

Mama BBQ Spicy Chicken Noodles @ RM8.90

Among the 5 types of Mama noodles, my personal favourite is the spicy BBQ chicken. The BBQ chicken is crisp at the edges and lean inside, exuding deliciously charred aroma. Taste wise, it is slightly sweet, reminding me of Thai Moo Ping. If you are going adventurous on your taste buds, try this! 

Mama Special Pork Noodles @ RM8.90

 Mama Bittergourd with Minced Pork Noodles @ RM8.90

For those who can't take spicy food, they also have original soup base to pair with the noodles. Interestingly, the bittergourd is stuffed with minced pork and glass noodles like our local Yong Tau Fu. Again, the soup falls on the more savoury side. 

Thai Sang @ RM39.90 

Last but not least, we have our very first Thai-style Lou Sang to usher the auspicious year of 2018! Composed of colorful condiments such as fresh vegetables, pork, crispy crackers, peanut and chilli, the prosperity toss tastes refreshing especially when drizzled with the special homemade sweet spicy sauce. Great for sharing for 6-8 pax. 

Here's the map to Soi 19 Kuchai Lama outlet.

If you find that Kuchai Lama is a little far for you, you can visit Nong Mai by Soi 19

located in Damansara Uptown to enjoy the same authentic Thai cuisine too.

Soi 19
15, Jalan 1A/114,
Off Jalan Kuchai Lama,
58200 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 017-699 0889
Facebook: fb.com/19.SOI

Business Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 5pm - 2.30am
Fri - Sun: 5pm - 3am

Nong Mai by Soi 19
54, Jalan SS21/58,
Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 017-888 6619
Facebook: fb.com/Nong-Mai-by-Soi-19

Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 5.30pm - 1am
Sat - Sun: 5pm - 1.30am