Southern Thai cuisine, and Phuket in general, has gotten a lot of press this year in the culinary world, and among the region’s most respected restaurants for fiery Southern fare is also one of its most innovative: Tamarind Restaurant Phuket. Helmed by Phuket native Chef Thunnanat “Nok” Pankaew, the venue has long been known for its resolute commitment to locally sourced ingredients, including the area’s world-class seafood, while twisting the known traditionalist formula when it comes to compiling them on the plate. 

Dishes like the Phuket rock lobster paella show this in practice well. A mainstay on the seasonal menu, the dish blends the fiery, zesty flavors of tom yum stock, Thai chili paste, and local herbs, with the same multi-textured short grain rice and steaming seafood bites of the Spanish classic. Another is the beef tenderloin and foie gras with a side of nam jim jaew. While the sauce is a traditional accompaniment to grilled meats, it’s rarely seen alongside the likes of foie gras, red wine sauce, and earthy morel mushrooms—creating a dish that is uniquely familiar yet distinct. It’s a theme that carries its way through the entire menu, often twisting traditional Southern flavors on their heads or approaching a well known classic through a different lens. 

The venue itself also offers some of the best dinnertime ambiance you could want during a stay in Phuket: breezy beachside vibes. It’s tucked away on the side of the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort, where a wide open elevated terrace offers pristine views of the surrounding Andaman Sea. 

44/5 Moo 8 Sakdidesh Road, Vichit, Pullman Phuket Panwa, 076-602-500. Open daily 6-10pm.

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WEB: tamarindrestaurantphuket.com  

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IG: @tamarindphuket