During my stay in Phuket, I stumbled upon Parichart Restaurant, a charming family-owned establishment nestled in the serene town of Thalang. While the location is slightly secluded, the restaurant’s food offerings made it well worth the visit.
Parichart Restaurant
Parichart Restaurant is situated along the popular Mai Khao beach, but it’s tucked away in a quiet area that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist spots. The restaurant’s rustic kampung-style setting, housed in a wooden hut, adds to its rustic charm.
It’s about a 10-minute walk from Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket. Parichart Restaurant can be reached either by strolling along the road or by taking a leisurely walk along the Mai Khao beach. However, it’s important to note that the path leading to the restaurant is not well-lit at night, so do exercise caution when walking after dark. It is also rather hard to get a cab / Grab at that area too.
Stepping into Parichart Restaurant, I was instantly captivated by its kampung-style ambiance. The wooden hut structure, with its tables and chairs crafted from wood, exuded a traditional and homely vibe. This simple and unassuming setup added to the restaurant’s charm, creating a cozy atmosphere that made me feel like I had discovered a hidden gem. The restaurant is also surrounded by lush vegetation, which provides a pleasant backdrop for your meal.
One of the highlights of dining at Parichart Restaurant was the enticing display of fresh live seafood. The sight of live crabs, lobsters, and prawns showcased near the entrance was a visual feast and a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to serving quality seafood dishes. This display piqued my curiosity and enticed me to explore their seafood menu further.
The staff at Parichart Restaurant were friendly and welcoming, providing excellent hospitality from the moment I arrived. Their warm demeanour and attentive service contributed to a positive dining experience. Their knowledge about the menu and willingness to offer recommendations added a personal touch, making me feel well taken care of throughout my visit.
One intriguing aspect of Parichart Restaurant’s location is its placement within a tsunami hazard zone. While Phuket was last affected by a tsunami in 2004, it’s important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings and follow any local safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
| Fun Fact: The tsunami that hit Phuket on December 26, 2004, was triggered by a massive undersea earthquake. The earthquake occurred off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, in the Indian Ocean. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, with a magnitude of 9.1 to 9.3 on the Richter scale. |
The Food
The menu at Parichart Restaurant features a wide variety of Thai dishes, including seafood, curries, stir-fries, and salads.
Spicy Lobster Soup (“Tom Yum Goong”) – 605 baht
At Parichart Restaurant, the Tom Yum Goong with lobster offers a delightful twist on the classic dish by featuring fresh lobster as the main protein instead of the usual shrimp. The addition of lobster elevates the soup to a new level of indulgence.
When the dish arrives at your table, you’ll be greeted by a striking sight. The lobster, adorned with its vibrant shell, is nestled within the broth alongside other traditional ingredients. Serving the whole lobster in the Tom Yum Goong provides several benefits. Firstly, it allows the lobster to infuse its natural flavors into the broth, enhancing the overall taste profile of the soup. The rich essence from the shell subtly permeates the broth, imparting a hint of brininess and a deeper seafood flavor.
Secondly, serving the whole lobster maintains the lobster’s juiciness and tenderness. The shell acts as a protective barrier, preserving the lobster meat’s moisture and preventing it from becoming overcooked during the preparation process.
The lobster used was exceptionally fresh. It was caught straight from the display of live seafood. The freshness of the lobster is evident as it lacks any fishy smell, which is a testament to its high quality and optimal handling.
Stuffed Omelette Chicken – 150 baht
I was initially disappointed to discover that they did not have Khai Jiao on their menu. Khai Jiao, a popular Thai dish known for its crispy and fluffy texture, is a favorite of mine, and I had been looking forward to savoring it at the restaurant. However, since it was not available, I decided to give the stuffed omelette with chicken a try instead.
The chicken filling added a savoury element to the dish, providing a satisfying and substantial component.
Fried Rice with Pineapple – 150 baht
The pineapple fried rice at Parichart Restaurant is a delightful and generous rendition of this classic Thai dish. It stands out from the typical versions found elsewhere, including the ones I have had in Malaysia. The star of the show is undoubtedly the pineapple itself, which is hollowed out and used as a serving vessel.
The dish is generously loaded with a variety of ingredients that contribute to its deliciousness. Cashew nuts are sprinkled generously throughout, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to each bite. The fried shrimp and squid provide a seafood element, further enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. To add an additional touch of sweetness, raisins are incorporated into the dish, providing occasional bursts of subtle sweetness that complement the other flavours.
The combination of the sweet pineapple, seafood, crunchy cashew nuts, and tender raisins creates a symphony of flavours that is sure to tantalise your taste buds.
What sets the pineapple fried rice at Parichart Restaurant apart is their generosity in the use of ingredients.
Orange & Mango Shake – 80 baht each
Parichart offers a wide variety of fruit shakes. We decided to try their orange and mango shakes.
While the mango component of the shake delighted my taste buds with its signature Thai mango sweetness, I found the orange shake to be somewhat disappointing as it didn’t quite capture the true essence of orange flavour.
Verdict
Overall, Parichart Restaurant is a great option for anyone looking for delicious Thai food at Thalang, Phuket. The restaurant’s location, tucked away in a quiet area near Mai Khao beach, provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist spots. The wooden hut setting adds a charming touch, creating a kampung-like ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience.
Parichart Restaurant shines in its seafood offerings. The food is fresh, the prices are affordable (total meal came to 1,140 baht, after taxes), and the service is friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Phuket.
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My Rating
80%: Ambiance
85%: Price (value for money)
80%: Taste
70%: Location
85%: Service
80%: Overall Rating
Opening Hours
Open daily from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Address / Contact Information
+66 63 637 5797Parichart Restaurant
82/7 ไม้ขาว
Thalang District
Phuket 83110
Thailand
