8 Michelin recommended restaurants to try in Phang Nga

Wherever you travel in Thailand, it’s worth following your nose when it comes to food and use your own intuition. If you walk past a no-name restaurant that is filled with local people, it’s likely to be good. At the same time, it’s also helpful when you know in advance a restaurant already has an excellent reputation. 

If you’re travelling in Khao Lak or the wider Phang Nga region, try these restaurants that all appear in the Michelin Guide for Thailand. We’ve picked a cross-section that features southern Thai favourites like satay and crab curry in addition to international dishes. We’ve also included eateries that cover a range of budgets and are suitable for either an informal lunch or a celebratory evening meal. Shown here in alphabetical order is our pick of Michelin recommended restaurants to try in Phang Nga.

1) Devasom Beach Grill and Bar

Located within the grounds of the luxurious Devasom resort, the Beach Grill and Bar serves up quality food in a beachfront location. Choose your favourites from an expansive menu incorporating freshly grilled seafood and Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant also features an impressive beverage list so whether your tipple of choice is a sundowner, craft beer or a glass of red, there is plenty of choice here.
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2) Gop Phochana

Gop Phochana is a simple open-air restaurant located approximately halfway between Phuket airport and central Khao Lak. At first glance there is nothing unique about this venue, but the family-run restaurant must be doing something right to keep locals and tourists alike coming back. Seafood dishes like stir-fried shrimp with coconut curry are amongst the favourites here with dishes cooked local style so they can pack a punch with the spices. 
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3) Juumpo Family Recipes

The unusual name is inspired by the owner’s grandfather who was a ‘juumpo’ (chef) on a Chinese boat. The cuisine reflects the family history and Baba heritage with a host of speciality local dishes including shrimps in coconut milk and moo hong. The mother and son team at the helm of the kitchen serve up good-value food using quality ingredients. The open-air restaurant is located inside Hotel Gahn in the Bang Niang area of Khao Lak.
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Baba culture in Phang Nga and Phuket
During the 1800s, there was a steady stream of migrants from China arriving in Phang Nga and Phuket to work in the tin mining industry. Although some of the men subsequently returned to China, some settled in Thailand and married local women. Generations later, the descendants of those marriages are proudly Thai but have not forgotten their roots. They refer to themselves as Baba (Baba-Nyona and Perakan are also used) and their heritage is reflected in the local festivals, decor and traditional clothing. It can also be seen in the food of the region with the classic mee Hokkien (stir-fried Hokkien noodles) a fine example. 

4) Khun Tip’s Satay

This simple and inexpensive roadside restaurant in the middle of Phang Nga town has been going strong for six decades with locals flocking here for the signature satay. Coming in chicken, pork or shrimp varieties, the charcoal-grilled satay is served with a super-tasty coconut and peanut sauce with a side of fresh cucumber relish and toast.
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5) Mon Phochana

The large size of this restaurant makes this a popular spot for groups while proximity to Thap Lamu pier also makes it convenient for travellers coming back from the Similan Islands. Mon Phochana is a no-frills restaurant, but does serve up a wide variety of dishes with the emphasis on seafood. Soft-shell crab curry, gaeng som, and fried squid are all popular choices here.
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6) Nai Mueang

Wherever you are staying in the Khao Lak area, a trip to the award-winning Nai Mueang restaurant is worth the effort. You won’t go far wrong with whatever food you order here, but the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is renowned for its seafood dishes. The photogenic gardens and outdoor dining area are filled with bric-a-brac from days gone by including an old songthaew and reminders of the time when tin mining was the mainstay of the local economy.  
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7) Takola Thai Restaurant

As a testimony to the consistent quality of Takola, the restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand over multiple years. With indoor and outdoor seating and a picturesque garden setting by Khuk Kaak Beach, Takola is the ideal place for a romantic meal. The emphasis here is on local food and sustainability. Authentic Thai recipes use ingredients sourced from communities in Phang Nga. Seafood is caught in the Andaman Sea by local fishermen while herbs and vegetables are either grown on site or supplied by a nearby village. 
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8) The Sarojin

The Sarojin has been recognised by the Michelin guide for the Ficus restaurant which sits below the canopy of an old ficus tree in the grounds of the hotel. The Sarojin also hosts the Edge restaurant serving fresh seafood in a beachside setting.  And for that extra special occasion, guests can choose a private dining experience on the beach, on a yacht or at a candlelit jungle waterfall.

Along with Devasom and a number of other hotels in Thailand, it’s encouraging to see The Sarojin supporting local farmers, fishermen and producers when sourcing their ingredients and creating their menus. This support has been recognised by the Responsible Thailand Awards with The Sarojin honoured in the hotel category.
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