When it comes to authentic Southern Thai cuisine, Nam Yoi Restaurant in Phuket is a must-visit. Recognised in the Michelin Guide, this hidden gem is beloved by both locals and tourists for its fresh seafood, bold flavors, and homely atmosphere. Nestled away from the main street, Nam Yoi offers an authentic dining experience that showcases the richness of Southern Thai flavors. Is it Naam Yoi as listed in the Michelin Guide or Nam Yoi as listed everywhere else? Do let us know if you have confirmation.
One could easily miss this restaurant as it does not have a clear signage along the roadside. It is located close to Phuket Town, the traffic can be quite congested and it took us around 45 minutes to reach Nam Yoi Restaurant from our hotel in Karon.
A Local Favorite with a Michelin Stamp of Approval
Nam Yoi is a casual family restaurant that looks like it is stuck in the 1980s. A no frills restaurant but the service was warm, friendly and the staff were attentive. Unlike the flashy beachfront restaurants in Patong, Nam Yoi is tucked away in a more tranquil part of Phuket, making it a true local secret. The ambience is simple yet inviting, with rustic wooden furniture and a relaxed, family-friendly setting. As we arrived for lunch, we noticed that the place was already bustling—always a good sign that the food is worth the wait.
The time was 1.30pm when we reached and the place was 90% full, probably due to the festive Chinese New Year period where families, friends and colleagues would gather for a celebratory meal.
We were seated in 10 minutes, the place is open-air but was sufficiently cool and pleasant enough. They had a fairly extensive menu of southern Thai food and we simply ordered the recommended dishes stated in it since it was our first time there. We ordered mainly non-spicy dishes to cater for the young children.
First up was Stirred Fried Melinjo Leaves with Egg (a local vegetable), we have seen this in almost every Thai menu in Phuket. And I must say this was the version I had in Phuket as the egg was not dry and the dish had a smoky flavour.
Second was Som Tam, also the best version we had in Phuket but it had a real spicy kick, the spiciest we had.
The Deep Fried Squid with Garlic had pockets of roe in most chunks. Fried with plenty of small garlic cloves, this was a crowd pleaser for the kids.
We didn’t enjoy the Deep Fried Pork with Garlic as much as the squid. Reason was the thin slices of pork was over fried and were tough and dry.
The Minced Pork Omelette was a great accompaniment with rice, the savoury eggy dish was not too greasy.
The final dish is the Sour Soup with Sea Bass, this was delicious and we finished every drop of soup. It is like clear tom yum soup without the spice, but they did provide some cut chili in a small bowl. They were generous with the ingredients as there was a good portion of sea bass and pork in it.
Final Thoughts: A Southern Thai Restaurant Worth the Hype
Naam Yoi is not just another Thai restaurant—it is a true culinary experience that showcases the best of Southern Thai flavors. From the fresh seafood to the bold spices and well-executed traditional dishes, every bite transported us deeper into the rich gastronomic heritage of Phuket.
If you’re visiting Phuket and looking for an authentic, local dining experience, Naam Yoi is an excellent choice. With its Michelin Guide recognition, reasonable prices, and consistently delicious food, it is a place that deserves a spot on every food lover’s itinerary.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Nam Yoi Restaurant
63, 250 Rumpattana Rd, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8TBGtYs5WASQihgT7
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