Food, must-try dishes, Phuket, Three Monkeys

5 Irresistible Dishes of Southern Thai

must-try dishes at Three Monkeys

Three Monkeys offers the original southern Thai cuisines and fusions of international dishes, set in an enchanting atmosphere amidst the lush greenery of Phuket. Southern Thai cuisines are unique, spicy, and bold in flavors and aroma, making them must-try for food enthusiasts. If you feel overwhelmed with the various choices on Three Monkeys’ menu, here are some standout dishes to guide your Southern Thai culinary adventure.

Spicy Fresh Salmon and Lemongrass Salad

When the freshness of the salmon and the spicy taste of the salad are combined, it creates a mouthwatering dish, packed with flavor. It is a nice selection for those who are looking for both a healthy and delicious salad. You can eat it as an appetizer or a main course. The rich and buttery flavor of the salmon stands out in this dish, balancing the spices while enhancing the overall flavors. We guarantee the freshness and quality of the ingredients as we source directly from local fishermen’s fresh catches to serve you flavorful dishes.

Sour & Spicy Fresh Salmon and Lemongrass Salad

Coconut Milk Soup with Shrimp and local vegetables 

It is a staple dish in southern Thai households. You will probably notice that coconut milk is mainly used in southern Thai dishes as it adds richness and depth to the cuisine. It also reveals the rich resources of coconut in southern Thailand. You will feel like a Phuketian after trying this meal.  Local vegetables and shrimp are boiled in coconut milk making the curry to give out the natural sweetness.

The dish is served with the popular Southern Thai shrimp chili paste “Num Choop Yum” which is made from boiled shrimp and fish that is spicy and has a little bit of sourness because of the lime. It is also served fresh local vegetables. It is the restaurant’s signature and extremely popular menu. Anyone coming to Three Monkeys should try it.

Local Vegetables Boiled in Coconut milk served with minced prawn dip

Wanon Green Papaya and Banana blossom spicy salad

For those who love papaya salad with fermented fish and crab, you must love this dish. It masterfully blends papaya salad, banana blossom, southern Thai shrimp paste, and Jew’s ears, all pounded together with shrimp for a tantalizing aroma and flavor. The freshness of the papaya and banana complements the dried shrimp, adding texture and depth to the plate. With the special flavors and texture, this menu will give you a unique taste distinguishing from other Thai dishes you might ever try. 

Wanon Green Papaya and Banana blossom spicy salad

Stew Belly Pork Slices Served With Preserved Radish 

It is also called the local stewed pork belly with Hokkien spices. It is a special menu which is inspired by Chinese Hokkien’s top dish. The restaurant has refined the recipe to establish a distinct essence of southern thai, giving it an original and trademark taste. The meat is carefully marinated in Three Monkeys’ special recipes to blend with the spices. Slices of pork belly cooked with very strong Hokkien Influences. It is slow-cooked until it becomes juicy and tender. It is served with side dishes such as chili, garlic, and preserved white radish. You can also buy it in “ready-to-eat” travel-sized packaging from a line shop or Shopee.

Stir-fried Minced Chicken with yellow curry paste 

It is also known as“Khua Kling” which is the original Southern Thai’s main dish. In Thai language, “khua” means “to dry roast”. Dry roasting the meat helps the aromas come out while keeping it dry and tender. The Primary components are Meat and Southern Thai-style red or yellow curry paste. You can choose the meat between chicken or pork as your preference. Chicken or pork meat is stir-fired with southern Thai curry paste, finely sliced lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

The taste is pretty hot and spicy which is the result of a mixture of southern spices from curry paste and hot-flavor herbs. This dish is served with local fresh vegetables that can lower the spiciness while eating it. It is perfectly paired with steamed rice. It is ideal for those who love hot and spicy southern Thai cuisine. 

Stir-fried Minced Chicken with yellow curry paste

Whether you are local or a traveler, these mouth-watering southern Thai dishes will amaze you with their flavor and aroma. The entire experience at Three Monkeys, from the delicious food to the beautiful setting, will be memorable and remarkable. So, don’t forget to come to Three Monkeys and try these dishes if you are traveling around Phuket.