THE BESTPLANT-BASEDIN PHUKET

Best by Lauren may earn a commission when you shop through certain links. Every product here was bought with my own money or tested for at least six weeks. No brand has paid to be included, and nothing is ranked higher because it pays more.

Phuket is genuinely easy for plant-based eating, partly because there is a real scene for it and partly because Thai food accommodates it better than almost any cuisine.

This guide is scaffolded on the places I want to name properly — tell me which ones and I will fill them in. The practical part below stands on its own.

How to eat plant-based at ordinary Thai restaurants

The word is "jay" — strictly vegetarian, no animal products, no pungent vegetables. It is widely understood and shops displaying a yellow and red jay sign are entirely plant-based.

Fish sauce and oyster sauce are the two things to ask about explicitly, because both are used as background seasoning in dishes that otherwise contain no meat. "Mai sai nam pla" — no fish sauce — is the other phrase worth learning.

Curry pastes frequently contain shrimp paste. Green curry at a tourist restaurant is usually made without it; at a local place, ask.

What to skip

Anywhere marketing itself primarily as a wellness concept with a Western price and small portions. Phuket has genuinely good plant-based food at local prices and there is no reason to pay resort rates for a bowl.