TOH DAENG at Phuket Old Town: An Excellent Local Restaurant
A Heritage Thai Kitchen in the Heart of Old Phuket
TOH DAENG at Phuket Old Town is a recently opened local Thai restaurant located on Dibuk Road in Phuket Town. It operates as the new, smaller sister restaurant to the main Toh Daeng establishment at the historic Baan Ar Jor mansion in Mai Khao, situated in the north of Phuket Island. While the original Toh Daeng at Baan Ar Jor has been proudly listed in the Phuket Michelin Guide for several years, this new Phuket Old Town location has quickly followed in its footsteps, officially earning its own place in the guide with a prestigious Bib Gourmand award—a recognition reserved exclusively for establishments that offer exceptionally high-quality food at an excellent value for money.
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.
The design 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. The beautifully crafted space stands as a testament to Khun Todd’s dedication and passion for honoring his family’s legacy.
An interesting discovery adds to the charm of the location: Toh Daeng sits right next to a stunning heritage property known as the Luang Amnart Nararak Mansion (Dibuk Mansion). Having photographed this historic mansion with my Canon camera during an early morning session back in September 2017, it was a wonderful surprise to learn that this magnificent estate actually belongs to Khun Todd’s family.
The Authentic Flavors 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. A portion of the profits is also dedicated to supporting local communities. The well-illustrated menu highlights the best Thai dishes, including several signature options, all at affordable prices.
During our visit, we indulged in three distinct dishes, starting with the Andaman prawns with homemade tamarind sauce, priced at 280 Baht. Known as Goong Pad Makaam in Thai, this simple dish truly highlights the brilliant flavor balance Thai cuisine is famous for, featuring juicy shrimp tossed in a luscious sauce that is sweet, salty, and sour in equal measure.
We also selected the stir-fried Andaman crab with fresh chili for 550 Baht. This fragrant Thai dish features tender crab meat stir-fried with aromatic kaffir lime leaves, garlic, and chilies.
To experience the deep local roots of the region, they tried the Two Centuries Phuket-Peranakan fish curry, priced at 280 Baht. This is a distinctive dish with Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) influences, characterized by a vibrant red color, a spicy and sour profile, and a beautiful blend of Chinese and Malay flavors using fresh local Phuket fish.
The excellent food is expertly cooked and beautifully presented with meticulous 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. Beyond the plate, the setting offers a charming, vintage atmosphere that enhances the entire dining experience. With such high culinary standards, it is no surprise that Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town has so quickly secured its well-deserved Bib Gourmand recognition in the Phuket Michelin Guide.
Planning a Visit to Toh Daeng
On Sunday, the location is incredibly convenient as it sits just a short distance from the vibrant Phuket Walking Street Night Market and the Chartered Walking Street Night Market. Toh Daeng restaurant is ideal for a wonderful dinner before exploring the historic streets of Phuket, and it serves equally well as a relaxing break after a day of discovery in Phuket Town. Due to its growing popularity and limited seating, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot for an unforgettable dining experience. For those driving a car, it is worth noting that parking spaces around the restaurant on Dibuk Road can be limited.
Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town photos
Toh Daeng Contact and Info
Price: Affordable
Location: Phuket Old Town – Dibuk Road
Address: 97 Dibuk Rd, Phuket 83000
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm, closed on Thursday
Phone: +66 (0) 88 959 4949
Facebook: Toh Daeng at Phuket Old Town
Toh Daeng Map
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