Fine Dining Etiquette in Phuket: Top Tips for Wining and Dining at High-End Restaurants

Phuket isn’t just about stunning beaches and lively markets—it’s also home to some of Thailand’s finest dining spots.

From elegant clifftop restaurants to beachfront gourmet venues, the island offers unforgettable culinary experiences for travelers with a taste for luxury.

But enjoying these upscale meals goes beyond ordering the right dish.

Thai dining culture comes with its own set of customs and etiquette. Whether you’re invited by locals or dining with fellow travelers, knowing a few key manners can make the experience smoother and more respectful.

Here are some essential Thai dining etiquette tips for navigating Phuket’s poshest restaurants.

Consider the Occasion

Travellers heading to the best fine dining establishments in Phuket should consider the nature of the dinner or meal to follow the correct behavioural rules or social norms.

This is due to the fact that dining at a restaurant with Thai colleagues, friends or families demands a completely different approach than if one were to dine at such a venue alone or with a foreign companion.

If you have been invited to a meal at a certain restaurant by a Thai friend or business associate, it is necessary to allow them to sit in the middle of the table as a gesture of respect.

Eating together and sharing meals is also a common facet of Thai dining etiquette, and this means that the host will typically order a set of side dishes with jasmine rice or noodles serving as the mains if you are dining at a traditional Thai restaurant in Phuket.

Here’s how to navigate social seating arrangements:

• Let elders or hosts choose their seats first.
• If seated at a round table, the most respected person usually takes the central spot facing the entrance.
• Do not start eating until the host invites everyone to begin

What to Order

If you are dining alone or with your travelling companions at a Phuket restaurant, it’s important to balance out the side dishes when placing the order so as to sample different textures and flavours.

When dining at a restaurant that serves Thai cuisine, for example, it’s crucial to have one fried dish and one grilled dish along with a hearty soup.

It’s equally important to consider the spiciness of the dishes you have selected, as one spicy dish is more than enough when balanced with sweet or sour dishes.

Beverage Options

Although fine dining venues and luxury restaurants in Phuket that serve foreign cuisines and imported wines do not add ice to their alcoholic beverages, don’t be surprised to find ice cubes in your beer at most Thai eateries.

Some restaurants will go so far as to serve soft drinks with a bucket of ice and a mixer due to the heat and tropical weather that leaves most diners wanting a cool beverage at all hours of the day.

What you need to know about local drink customs:

• Beer with ice is not considered odd—locals enjoy it that way.
• Iced tea and sodas are often served pre-mixed with sugar and lime.
• Ask for “mai ao nam khaeng” (no ice) if you prefer drinks without ice.

A Leisurely Approach to Dining

As food is a highly social feature of Thai culture, it’s important to take your time when dining at Dara Cuisine Phuket and similar Phuket restaurants that specialise in providing a culinary experience rather than an ordinary meal.

There’s no need to rush as taking time to savour all the dishes placed around the table is one of the true delights of wining and dining in renowned restaurants on the island.

Most Thai restaurants will serve dishes in the order of preparation, with grilled meats and fried foods arriving first at the table.

This is why patience and a relaxed approach to dining are essential when enjoying a meal in the beach capital.

Using Condiments Like a Pro

Although diners will not find a selection of condiments at their table in non-Thai dining establishments, Thai restaurants are more than happy to supply extra spices and condiments to their clientele.

If a basket of condiments has not been placed on the table, don’t hesitate to request what you need from the wait staff as this is part and parcel of Thai food culture.

Common Thai condiments to ask for include:

• Prik nam pla (chilies in fish sauce)
• Prik pon (dry chili powder)
• Nam som (vinegar with chilies)
• Sugar and ground peanuts (especially for noodle dishes)

Cutlery 101

Keep in mind that the chopsticks placed on the dining table are for the exclusive use of individual noodle dishes.

A fork and spoon are usually what’s placed on the table during a meal, with the fork serving as the main utensil for consuming food unless steamed rice is also part of the meal.

• Use the fork to push food onto your spoon – not to eat directly.
• Hold the spoon in your right hand and fork in your left.
• Chopsticks are only used for certain noodle dishes, not rice-based meals.

Those who are dining in Isaan restaurants in Phuket will find that using one’s hands is also permissible, although it is best to observe fellow diners before following suit.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a knife or extra utensils if needed.

Dining Attire: What to Wear at Upscale Phuket Restaurants

While Phuket is known for its beach casual vibe, high-end restaurants expect more refined attire.

Dress tips for upscale dining:

• Avoid flip-flops, beachwear, or sleeveless shirts for men.
• Smart casual is a safe and respected choice.
• Ladies can opt for dresses or neat blouses with skirts or trousers.

Some venues may require collared shirts or long trousers, especially in resorts or beachfront fine dining spots.

Footing the Bill

In dinner outings with Thai counterparts and friends, it is customary for the host to foot the bill for the meal, while in a family, it would fall to the most senior member of the party. It is not uncommon to split the bill afterwards even if a single person paid the bill at the conclusion of the meal, although this is highly unlikely if you were invited for a meal by a local.

It is not customary to tip as a 10% service charge is added to the bill in most restaurants. If you would like to show your appreciation for a server, however, it is prudent to offer it to the staff member yourself or leave it on the table.