Favorites: Smokin' Fish by Chef Playim

Located downtown Phuket on Soi Phang Nga, Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim is the type of establishment you go to when you want to feel exactly like you would if you were eating at home. With the motto “Homemade Style Meal - Best & Freshest,” Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim delivers innovative meals at affordable prices.

Utilizing fresh, local ingredients and produce from Phuket’s abundant markets, Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim creates a unique, flavorful menu that presents a new twist on fusion food. Popular menu favorites include the Jack Russell Burger, the Tomahawk Steak, Grilled Andaman Prawn Pasta, and the Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab Salad served with a spicy dressing. Depending upon what is available at the market in the morning, a variety of daily specials are also offered in addition to the restaurant’s set menu. A popular special that I always recommend is the Beef Lasagna.

Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim also serves up a variety of Italian sodas, juices, wines, soft drinks and exotic, refreshing cocktails. The beer fridge is fully stocked at the restaurant, and although most local labels are available, it’s one of the craft beers, gaining popularity in Phuket, that you will want to try.

In addition the great food and excellent service, another selling point of Smokin’ Fish by Playim is the inviting atmosphere. The interior of the restaurant is unique in its own right. The walls are painted with chalkboard paint, and doodles scattered across them represent a handful of the loyal customers and friends who have frequented the restaurant since its inception.

The owners of the restaurant, affectionately known by their nicknames Beaver and Bim, are a young friendly couple that are as popular as their restaurant on the Phuket scene. The couple are thankful for their regular customers, but also excited when new customers come into the restaurant. Eager to please, Chef Beaver has been known to whip up a special meal upon request. The kind demeanor, easy conversation and silly jokes of both Beaver and Bim tend to bring the new customers continually back for more.

Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim is a rare gem in Phuket town, and it is highly recommended that you stop by for a homemade style meal. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 – 10:00pm, and the last order is at 9:00pm.