Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town

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5/5 - (2 votes)

An excellent restaurant on Dibuk Road

Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town is a newly opened local Thai restaurant located on Dibuk Road in Phuket Town. It is the new, smaller sister restaurant to the main Toh Daeng restaurant at the historic Baan Ao Jor mansion in Mai Khao, situated in the north of Phuket Island. The Toh Daeng at Baan Aor Ja has been listed in the Phuket Michelin Guide for several years.

Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town has transformed from an unremarkable café into a standout dining destination with its striking new look. The restaurant features a prominent red color theme with matching red tables—a fitting choice, as “Toh Daeng” means “Red Table” in Thai. The dining room is small, adorned with vintage items and family photos that tell captivating stories. Additionally, a colorful dragon face is painted on one wall, creating a great photo opportunity for visitors.

In the inviting backyard, lush green plants flourish, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures. Among them stands a traditional cooking station, reminiscent of the charming old Phuket shophouses. This station, crafted from weathered wood and adorned with intricate carvings, features a rustic stove and hanging pots, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the culinary practices of yesteryear. It is a delightful fusion of history and modernity, as the details of this outdoor setup bridge the rich heritage of the past with the lively energy of contemporary life.

Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town boasts a design that reflects the vision and creativity of Khun Todd, the owner’s grandson. With a deep commitment to preserving the family’s rich heritage, Khun Todd and Khun Joom, the aunt, poured countless hours into meticulously restoring the restaurant, ensuring that every detail pays homage to its roots. From the carefully chosen color palette to the intricate decor, every aspect of the design tells a story of tradition and familial pride. So, the next time you step into Toh Daeng and admire its inviting atmosphere, remember that this beautifully crafted space is a testament to Khun Todd’s dedication and passion for honoring his family’s legacy.

I realized that Toh Daeng is just right next to the heritage mansion I know as the Luang Amnart Nararak Mansion (Dibuk Mansion). I took some photos of this old mansion during my photography session in the very early morning of September 2017. Surprisingly, this stunning old mansion belongs to the Todds’ family. What a surprise!

The food of Toh Daeng

Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town Restaurant offers authentic traditional Thai cuisine, specializing in Phuket-style dishes crafted from secret family recipes and made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The well-illustrated menu highlights the best Thai dishes, including several signature options, all at affordable prices. We indulged in three dishes:

Andaman prawns with homemade tamarind sauce, 280 Baht.

Tamarind shrimp, or (Goong Pad Makaam) in Thai, is a simple dish that truly highlights the brilliant flavor balance Thai cuisine is famous for. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a luscious sauce that is sweet, salty, and sour in equal measure.

Stir-fried Andaman crab with fresh chili, 550 Baht.

Stir-fried Andaman crab with fresh chili is a fragrant-flavored Thai dish featuring tender crab meat stir-fried kaffir lime leaves, often combined with ingredients like garlic and chilies.

Two centuries Phuket-Peranakan fish curry, 280 Baht.

Two centuries Phuket-Peranakan fish curry is a distinctive dish with Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) influences, characterized by a vibrant red color, a spicy and sometimes sour profile, and the use of local ingredients like Phuket fish and a blend of Chinese and Malay flavors.

The excellent food is expertly cooked and beautifully presented, with attention to detail. The delicate flavors maintain the traditional taste, making it immediately stand out as one of the best local Thai restaurants in Phuket. Besides all, the setting offers a charming, vintage atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. A portion of the profits is dedicated to supporting children in-need Phuket.

Summary

On Sunday, the location is very convenient as it is not far from some of the best night markets, such as the vibrant Phuket Walking Street Night Market and Chartered Walking Street Night Market. Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town restaurant is ideal for a nice dinner before a visit to the old streets of Phuket. Also great for a break after an exploration day of Phuket Town. If you drive a car, be aware that the parking space around the restaurant is limited.