Kopitiam by Wilai
Go for the gai pad ka prao. That's the dish reviewers keep circling back to, along with the braised pork over rice and the signature grilled pork rice, and all of it comes out fresh rather than sitting in a tray. This is Thai-Chinese cooking of the kind Phuket Old Town was built on, done in a Sino-Portuguese shophouse on Thanon Talang that still looks the part. Old shop fittings, worn in, faintly 1970s. People photograph it as much as they eat in it.
Seating is limited and it gets crowded, so a queue at lunch or dinner is normal. Turn up either side of the rush and you'll walk straight in. There's outdoor seating with the Talang Street scene going past, which I'd take over indoors on a decent evening. Prices sit firmly at the budget end and portions are generous, so it's an easy stop mid-afternoon when you're walking the Old Town anyway. Beyond the pork dishes, the tom yum, the green curry and the homemade fruit sodas get named often.
Taste more of Phuket
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Kopitiam by Wilai — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kopitiam by Wilai, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
An amazing restaurant in Phuket Old Town and easily one of our favorite meals there. The food, service, and ambiance all came together beautifully. Kopitiam by Wilai is located in a Sino-Portuguese heritage building, which is such a big part of Phuket Old Town’s identity and adds a lot of character to the experience. The term “kopitiam” historically refers to Chinese-Thai coffee houses that served simple meals, drinks, and desserts, and Kopitiam by Wilai really keeps that spirit alive while serving classic Thai dishes, Southern Thai flavors, traditional desserts, and old-style drinks. We ordered the chicken satay, pad kra pao, and panang curry, and every dish was excellent. The flavors were rich, well balanced, and tasted freshly made. The panang curry was especially comforting and aromatic, while the pad kra pao was flavorful without being overpowering. The chicken satay was tender, well marinated, and paired perfectly with the sauce. The mango sticky rice was a standout dessert. It was not only beautifully presented but also warm, creamy, and just the right level of sweet. It clearly felt freshly prepared rather than pre-made, which made a big difference. I also really enjoyed their drinks selection. I tried the roasted soya milk (nam tao hoo), which was unique and surprisingly comforting, and the lychee soda was refreshing and well balanced without being overly sweet. It’s nice to see such thoughtful and less common drink options on the menu. The ambiance fits perfectly with Phuket Old Town, charming, relaxed, and welcoming. The staff were incredibly friendly and lovely, and service was prompt without ever feeling rushed. Overall, it’s a place I would happily return to and confidently recommend to anyone visiting Phuket Old Town.
The old feel of Phuket Town and the charm of Chinese and Thai fusion food. Simple and extremely delicious fresh foods. The selection is amazing and the dishes are all prepared fresh. Must try the home made fruit soda drinks, Pad Thai, Green Curry. So much to choose. Great staff, excellent service and food. Don't miss this one. Like and follow for more amazing places to see and visit around the World.
The signature grilled pork rice is nice. But do expect a wait since the place is quite crowded with limited seats. Service is good and food is delicious. And the ambience is great too. Looks like in the 70-80s shop. Like any other Chinatown old shop.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,635 reviews on Google.
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Kopitiam by Wilai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kopitiam by Wilai worth visiting?
Kopitiam by Wilai holds a 4.6★ rating from 1,635 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Phuket.
What are the opening hours of Kopitiam by Wilai?
Kopitiam by Wilai is typically open 11:00-20:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is Kopitiam by Wilai?
Kopitiam by Wilai is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Kopitiam by Wilai?
The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).
Where is Kopitiam by Wilai located?
Kopitiam by Wilai is at 18 Thanon Talang, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).
Location Info
18 Thanon Talang, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand+66 81 895 4278www.facebook.com/kopitiambywilaiVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Kopitiam by Wilai
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places

Lao Pa Sat Phuket Town
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Daily Dose Phuket Old Town
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KANTA PHUKET
A charming Phuket Town café-restaurant serving southern Thai dishes, dumplings, buns, and specialty coffee.

Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket
Phuketian cooking in a restored century-old shophouse, and the crab fried rice is what people come back for.
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Where to stay near Kopitiam by Wilai
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands