ระย้า (Raya)

This is certainly an attraction for you in Phuket Old Town.

ระย้า (Raya) restaurant is adjacent to a klong in Phuket Town (no smell) and it is in one of the old Sino-Portugese houses that we read so much about.

There is not a lot of room to sit and when we visited one lunch hour it was nearly full of what looked like the 'bank manager taking out their staff' - well there were two tables full of people wearing polo shirts with the emblem of the bank on (just to indicate that I was not being rude).

We were able to park the car behind the restaurant which made this easy to visit for us and it was interesting walking through the back door because you were able to see into the kitchen.

The ground floor (where the food is served) is a historical draw - there seems to be old framed photographs on the walls all around you.

The furniture also seems to be from the same period and the cupboards seem to be an interesting place - but it was busy so we were put in the corner next to a vintage turntable!

The food was ordered and I took a number of photographs of what we were given and what struck me first was the very low quality of the table clothes - small holes and not square - call me a nerd but that is what i saw.

The food arrived and it was pretty normal - the dishes that we had were okay and that is all that I can think off to describe the food, oh yes - it was expensive compared to the foods that you can buy in other restaurants in Phuket Town.

It was a place which drew the Social Media crowd - this was the number of people from foursquare!

It was a wonderful building and it was obviously of importance but it seemed that the building was better than the food - even if it needed a little care.

But it is on a lot of lists... the Yum list, Phuket.com, Phuket101, Travel and Leisure - maybe we went on the wrong day - we shall have to go back?

 

Email: rayarestaurant@gmail.com 

Phone Number:  076 218 155

Approximate price: $$$$$ 

Address: 48 New Debuk Cross Road, Phuket Town

Hours: 10:00 - 22:00 (Sunday: 8:00 - 18:00)

ตำแหลก - Tam Leak

This was a delightful find - by the side of the road, just South of the Chalong Circle.

This does not seem to be a place that one would stop in but it certainly is!

There are a number of tables at the front, adjacent to the cook and the traditional show case for the noodle packages. But then take a second look!

On the side of the building towards the back are 4-6 wooden salas which are the place to position yourself - here you cannot see or hear any traffic on the adjacent road!

It is at this point that you may need help because all I saw of a menu was an old laminated card and it was all written in Thai - try the Thai Talking Food Menu App or simply point at the pictures!

The food was fabulous.

The grilled chicken (Gai Yang) was good enough to rival Big Chicken.

The Papaya Salad (Som Tam) was pretty good.

The deep fried catfish and Som Tam (Pa Duk Foo) was great.

The Pork salad (Nam Took Moo) was just right - full of flavour and bursting with spices but the pork was not toooo fatty.

And then the sticky rice was fabulous for Jemma and mummy and i dipped it in the juices of any of the above dishes!

We liked the Bodhi trees and the birds nests which were all part of the occasion.

Delicious

 

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Approximate price: $$$$$ 

Address: Chaofa East Rd, Phuket Town

Hours: 8:00 - 22:00?

Keng-tin Traditional Phuket Snack Shop

I think that I entered here for the first time in 2011 and I swiftly became addicted to their Bubble Tea - I think it was after a Vegetarian Festival when I was so exhausted I needed something more than just a cold drink.

Since then I have returned and learnt a little more about the place. There does seem to be a degree of history surrounding the place - this text is from Phuket-E magazine.

Tao So or Chinese Pastry one of the local snacks of Phuket is well-known of its good taste among local Thai, Chinese and the tourists. Keng Tin Snack Shop on Phuket Road, near Bang Neow inter section has been a famous producer of Tao So and many kinds of local snack (Hokkien style) for over 65 years.

Inside the shop, the array of local snacks are on offer.  All are delectable with tasty flavor.

Tao So served with hot Chinese tea, Khanom Koh (ancient style) is not easy to find and buy but we can have it here.

  Either hot or cold drink with Khanom Koh will make us fresh and full.

Khanom Pang Pia or Khanom Dae Manda is good for the mother’s health after maternity. Khanom Ba Koh (stuffed with sesame and nuts) will be more tasteful when being served with morning hot coffee or afternoon tea.

Beside this, Khanom Na Taek, Khanom Kong Yun, Khanom Mo Lao(or Nha Phong) ,  Khanom Pui Khwai (in the heart shape with white sesame) including Khanom Kong Thueng made of cracked nuts, wrapped with dried bamboo leaves are at your choice and shopping at the cheap price.

The special Khanom Tao for Phor Tor event in the shape of turtle with red color are also produced from this shop.  Be assured that all kinds of snack for sales are without baking powder and preservative, they are good for the health.

So the Bubble Tea is a must and always try the snacks - but for me the winner are the Tao  Sa - a traditional snack - every time!

Approximate price: $$$$$ 
Address: opposite Ichisushi Phuket Town
Hours: Closed on Sunday

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Mango and Sticky Rice

This must be the thing you eat whilst you are here in Phuket - but where do you go to find it?

On the side of the road is easily the best place!

Freshly sliced mango, sticky rice, coconut cream and toasted sesame seeds.

Not expensive either - but this lady has a iPad, there is money to be made!

(if you do not like the roadside the best restaurant for this dish is Rimtang)

Le Cafe

Le Cafe is a small coffee shop and restaurant - just off the Rasada Road in Phuket Old Town, it proves that it is worth walking down the small roads which are scattered throughout.

Here is a coffee shop and restaurant which has so much character that it did not really matter about the iced coffee that I had! (Maybe this is what some coffee shops are trying?).

The Iced coffee that I was was pleasantly sweet and strong so I drank it quickly, a little too quickly as i had another one!

Take your time here and let your eyes wander over all the interesting items.

This is clearly something which is of interest - but where do all these bits come from?

Mick and Lesley (who are staying at the Kantary Bay) come here for the Tempura Prawns because they are cooked in breadcrumbs and they tell me that they are the bect in Phuket - next time...

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Phone Number:   

Approximate price: $$$$$ 

Address: Phuket Town

Hours: 8:00 - 22:00?