Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket
Restaurants & Food
Phuket

Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket

4.2(4,353 reviews)$$$$

Housed in a century-old building on Phangnga Road in the heart of Phuket Old Town, Tu Kab Khao is a well-regarded destination for travellers seeking genuine Phuketian cooking in an atmospheric setting. The restored heritage interior adds considerable character to the dining experience, making it a natural stop for those already exploring the historic quarter on foot. The menu leans into regional Thai specialities, with dishes like crab fried rice, Phuket pork stew, mango salad with fried fish, and tamarind prawns appearing frequently in visitor accounts. The kitchen draws on local culinary traditions rather than a generic Thai menu, and the restaurant also offers wine and cocktails for those looking for more than just a meal. Prices sit in the mid-range bracket, considered reasonable given the location and setting. Good to know: Tu Kab Khao is open every day from 11:00 to 20:30, making it a practical choice for lunch or an early dinner during a day trip to Old Town. The restaurant has a strong presence on Google and tends to attract steady foot traffic, so arriving earlier in the service window may mean shorter waits. A small number of reviews have noted occasional inconsistencies with service pace during busy periods, so those with time constraints may want to factor this in. The restaurant maintains an active Facebook page at facebook.com/tukabkhao for the latest updates.

Experience hints

Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

We had a half-day shore leave from our cruise in Phuket and decided to spend it exploring Phuket Old Town. While searching for a place to eat, this restaurant consistently came up on Google, so we decided to give it a try. We didn’t realise it was Michelin-recognised at first, but it certainly lived up to its reputation. Every dish was beautifully executed and full of flavour, clearly reflecting the care and thought behind the cooking. The pricing was very reasonable for the quality delivered — excellent value overall. Our server did ask us about tipping (which we noticed wasn’t asked of neighbouring local tables), but we were more than happy to tip in appreciation of the attentive service and outstanding food. Highly recommended. Don’t be too quick to believe the one-star reviews — this place is well worth a visit. Every dish we ordered is a 10/10 to me.

I’ve had a lot of fried rice in Japan, but the crab fried rice here was honestly the best in the world—perfectly balanced and full of flavor. The Phuket pork stew was incredibly tender, with the meat falling apart and the seasoning rich and satisfying. The fried tofu had a strong aroma, similar to stinky tofu, so it may be a love-it-or-hate-it dish. Overall, the food was memorable and full of character. Highly recommended if you want to try bold and authentic flavors.

A stunning representation of Thai cuisine in Phuket. Prices were reasonable for a tourist area. We really enjoyed the mango salad fried fish and tamarind prawns. We also ordered mango sticky rice (not pictured), which was very very delicious and the best mango sticky rice I had throughout my trip. There is an art to cooking sticky rice and this restaurant has perfected it.

Location Info

8 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand+66 76 608 888www.facebook.com/tukabkhao/
Opening Hours
Monday11:00-20:30
Tuesday11:00-20:30
Wednesday11:00-20:30
Thursday11:00-20:30
Friday11:00-20:30
Saturday11:00-20:30
Sunday11:00-20:30

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

Very High

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 Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket

Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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.

Also Popular in Phuket

Patong Beach
Featured

Patong Beach

4.3(45,000)
Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Mu Ko Similan National Park
Featured

Mu Ko Similan National Park

4.7(4,574)
MJ4X+XH2, Tambon Lam Kaen, Amphoe Thai Mueang

A remote national park archipelago off Phuket's coast, famed for turquoise waters, white sand, and world-class diving.

Ko Racha Yai
Featured

Ko Racha Yai

4.6(502)
Rawai

A car-free island near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and resorts for all budgets.

Ko Yao Yai
Featured

Ko Yao Yai

4.6(437)
Ko Yao District

A largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay offering secluded beaches, dive sites, and peaceful rural scenery.

Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

4.9(44,430)$$$$
11, 3 Soi Charoen Krung 58, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand

Riverfront seafood buffet in Sathorn with fresh grilled prawns, wide variety, and open-air Chao Phraya views.

Central Pattaya

Central Pattaya

4.5(36,230)
333/102 Thanon Pattayasaisong, ตำบล หนองปรือ, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand

A large, modern mall on Pattaya Beach Road with an extensive food court and broad shopping options.

The Village Farm To Café

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(30,594)$$$$
ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

A deceptively spacious farm-to-café on Highway 323 that opens into a lush, village-like retreat.

Pier 21

Pier 21

4.5(23,947)
ชั้น 5, 88 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

A bustling food court on level 5 of Terminal 21, serving affordable Thai classics daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.