Vegetarian Food in Phuket

There is plenty of vegetarian food to enjoy in Phuket, which is most evident during the annual Vegetarian Festival when the streets are lined with stalls selling entirely meatless dishes. Yellow signs and flags outside restaurants, which declare them to be a meat-free zone, are a regular sight across the island.

Known as mungsawirat, vegetarianism is practiced by most Thais from time to time, sometimes to cleanse the body after illness, or to improve one’s karma. Thai people of Chinese descent often practice gin jay which is closer to veganism. As a result, the range of vegetarian food available is broad and delicious. Check out our guide to must-try Thai vegetarian dishes and where to find them in Phuket.

1. Vegetarian ingredients in Thai cooking

Delicious vegetarian food with health benefits

Good for: Families, Food, History

Thai cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients and herbs, including chilis, basil, and turmeric. When visiting the country, be sure to try some of the most delicious and well-known dishes, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. You’re probably already familiar with pad thai, stir fried rice noodles with peanuts, but even that is bound to taste better prepared by a local.

Other dishes we love include pad krapao tau-hu, yellow tofu fried with basil and chili, and tom yam hed, a sour and spicy mushroom soup. If it’s all getting too wholesome for you order some pak thod, these battered and deep-fried veggies are similar to Japanese tempura.

2. Recommended Thai vegetarian dishes

Good for: Food

1. Pad tau-hu priew waan (sweet-and-sour fried tofu)
2. Tom yam hed (sour-and-spicy mushroom soup)
3. Pad Thai (Thai fried rice noodles)
4. Pad pak ruam (mixed fried vegetables such as baby corn, carrot and snow peas)
5. Po pia thod (fried spring rolls)
6. Pad krapao tau-hu (yellow tofu fried with basil and chilli)
7. Pak thod (deep-fried vegetables in batter – similar to Japanese tempura)

3. Where to eat vegetarian food in Phuket

Fresh ingredients and reasonable prices

Good for: Couples, Food, Shoppers

You can find several vegetarian restaurants on Yaowarat and Ranong Roads in Phuket Town. Restaurants along here usually offer extensive menus, sometimes well over 30 dishes that range from curries to deep-fried foods. Some dishes include faux meats made from vegetables for those who prefer a meaty taste. Prices are also very reasonable, though some venues are cash-only so make sure you have some local currency on hand.

The 2 big shopping malls in Phuket, Central Festival Phuket and Jungceylon in Patong, also have vegetarian food outlets, so check them out if you’re having a shopping day. If you want to eat at your hotel, any 4- or 5-star hotel should be able produce vegetarian dishes on request.

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