Cheap Eats in Phuket — Budget Guide in 2025
Phuket is not only luxury resorts, but also a great place for budget travelers, where you can eat deliciously for very little money. From street stalls with cheap and tasty food to local restaurants — Phuket offers many options for those who want to save without sacrificing taste. In this article, we'll tell you about the best places for cheap food in Phuket, share money-saving tips, and help you navigate the variety of offers on the island.
Where to Find Cheap Food
Street Stalls
Street stalls are the best place for cheap food in Phuket. Here you can find delicious dishes for 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD), and often the street version is tastier than the restaurant version.
Popular dishes:
- Khao Man Gai — 50-80 baht
- Pad Thai — 50-80 baht
- Khao Pad — 50-80 baht
- Pad Kra Pao — 50-80 baht
Best places:
- Night markets (Weekend Market, Chillva Market)
- Patong area
- Phuket Old Town
- Beach areas
Night Markets
Night markets offer diverse food at affordable prices (50-100 baht). Here you can find both ready-made food and fresh seafood.
Popular markets:
- Weekend Market (Naka Market)
- Chillva Market
- Malin Plaza
Local Restaurants
Local restaurants offer traditional Thai food at affordable prices (80-150 baht). These restaurants are especially popular among locals.
Advantages:
- Authentic taste
- Affordable prices
- Traditional recipes
Food Courts in Shopping Malls
Food courts in shopping malls offer diverse food at affordable prices (60-120 baht). Here you can find both Thai and international cuisine.
Popular shopping malls:
- Central Festival Phuket
- Jungceylon Shopping Center
Cheapest Dishes
Khao Man Gai (Chicken and Rice)
Khao Man Gai is one of the cheapest and safest dishes. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Specialized Khao Man Gai restaurants
- Night markets
Pad Thai (Fried Noodles)
Pad Thai is a popular and cheap dish. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Night markets
- Local restaurants
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Khao Pad is a simple and cheap dish. Price: 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD).
Where to find:
- Street stalls
- Night markets
- Local restaurants
Grilled Seafood
Grilled seafood can be affordable if you choose the right places. Price: 100-200 baht (3-6 USD).
Where to find:
- Night markets
- Street stalls on beaches
- Local restaurants
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at Street Stalls
Street stalls are usually cheaper than restaurants and often tastier. Choose stalls with many customers.
Use Night Markets
Night markets offer diverse food at affordable prices. This is a good option for those who want to save and try different dishes.
Avoid Tourist Areas
Tourist areas, such as Patong, are usually more expensive. Try to find stalls in less touristy areas.
Eat at Lunch Time
Lunch time (11:00-14:00) is the best time for cheap food, as many restaurants offer special lunch menus.
Buy at Markets
Markets offer fresh products and ready-made food at affordable prices. This is a good option for those who want to save.
Budget Routes
Breakfast
Option 1: Street Stall
- Khao Man Gai = 50-80 baht (1.5-2.5 USD)
Option 2: Night Market
- Dish + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Lunch
Option 1: Street Stall
- Pad Thai + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Option 2: Local Restaurant
- Dish + Drink = 100-180 baht (3-5.4 USD)
Dinner
Option 1: Night Market
- Seafood + Drink = 120-250 baht (3.6-7.5 USD)
Option 2: Street Stall
- Khao Pad + Drink = 70-110 baht (2.1-3.3 USD)
Where to Find Cheap Food
Night Markets
Night markets offer diverse food at affordable prices. Weekend Market and Chillva Market are especially popular.
Patong Area
Patong area offers many street stalls and restaurants, but prices may be slightly higher than in other areas.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town offers many local restaurants with traditional Thai food at affordable prices.
Beach Areas
Beach areas offer street stalls with seafood and Thai dishes, but prices may be higher than in other places.
Using FoodSensAI
Use FoodSensAI — our bot will help you find the best places for cheap food near you, taking into account your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
Phuket offers many options for cheap food, from street stalls to night markets. Choose stalls with many customers, use night markets for variety, and don't be afraid to experiment. With the right approach, you can eat deliciously in Phuket for very little money. Use our recommendations as a starting point, but don't be afraid to explore on your own — the best discoveries are often made by accident! Use FoodSensAI to find the best places for cheap food near you!
