Phuket Noodles: A Delicious Taste of Thai Culture

Phuket is a beautiful island in Thailand that is known for its delicious cuisine. One of the most popular dishes on the island is Phuket noodles, which are also known as Mee Sapam. These noodles are made with Hokkien-style egg noodles, which are thick and yellow in color. They are stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and meat or seafood of your choice. Let’s learn detail about Phuket Noodle in this article. 

What are Phuket Noodles?

Phuket noodles are a type of fried egg noodles that come from the beautiful island of Phuket in Thailand. They’re quite similar to Chinese chow mein or lo mein, but they have a slightly firmer texture. These noodles are prepared by stir-frying them with a delightful mix of ingredients such as seafood (prawns, squid, mussels), as well as options like chicken, pork, beef, tofu, and a lovely assortment of vegetables like cabbage, chives, bean sprouts, and carrots.

 To enhance their flavors, the noodles are seasoned with delicious sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, a touch of sugar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. This combination gives them a delectable taste, bringing together savory, sweet, and nutty notes. The dish is often topped with garnishes like peanuts, crispy fried shallots, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Phuket noodles are different from other Thai noodle dishes, such as pad thai or pad see ew, in several ways: 

• Phuket noodles use egg noodles, while other Thai noodle dishes typically use rice noodles.
• They have a sweeter flavor profile compared to the spicier and more tangy dishes like pad thai and pad see ew.
• Chinese culinary influences are more prominent in Phuket noodles due to the history of Chinese immigrants in the region.

The History of Phuket Noodles

Phuket noodles have a long and interesting history that dates back to the 19th century. During that time, Phuket was a bustling trading port that drew many Chinese immigrants, particularly from the Fujian province. These immigrants brought along their culinary customs, including the famous Hokkien noodles. They cleverly adjusted these noodles to incorporate local ingredients and preferences. 

As a result, Phuket noodles quickly gained popularity as a beloved street food, sold by friendly hawkers and vendors. Eventually, restaurants and stalls also began offering these delicious noodles. Even today, Phuket noodles remain a key part of the local cuisine, symbolizing the richness of cultural diversity and fusion in Phuket.

How to Make Phuket Noodles at Home:

If you want to make phuket noodles at home, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

– 200 grams of Hokkien-style egg noodles (you can find them at Asian grocery stores or online)

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

– 4 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 shallots, thinly sliced

– 200 grams of prawns, peeled and deveined (you can also use chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or any protein of your choice)

– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

– 2 cups of cabbage, shredded

– 1/4 cup of chives, cut into 2-inch pieces

– 1/4 cup of bean sprouts

– 2 tablespoons of black sweet soy sauce (you can also use regular soy sauce with some sugar)

– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce

– 1 teaspoon of sugar

– 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

– 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts, chopped

– 2 tablespoons of fried shallots (you can also make your own by frying thinly sliced shallots in oil until golden and crispy)

– 2 tablespoons of cilantro, chopped

– 1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step instructions

• Boil a pot of water and cook the noodles for about 3 minutes, or until soft but not mushy. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the pork and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until browned. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for another 3 minutes, or until pink and cooked through. Push the meat and seafood to one side of the wok, and pour the eggs on the other side. Scramble the eggs and then mix with the meat and seafood.
• Add the cabbage, bean sprouts, chives, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted and the sauce is well combined. Add the noodles and toss to coat with the sauce and the ingredients.
• Transfer the noodles to a large platter and serve with lime wedges, chili flakes, and sambal sauce. Enjoy your homemade Phuket noodles!

Where to Find Phuket Noodles in Phuket

Phuket noodles are widely available in Phuket, especially in the old town area, where many Chinese descendants live and work.. Here are some of the best places to eat phuket noodles in Phuket, according to my personal experience and online reviews:

Phuket noodles are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something more elaborate, Phuket noodles are sure to satisfy your cravings. So why not give them a try today?