The walls of this unique restaurant--café in the heart of the architecturally quaint Sino-Colonial Old Town are lined with vintage black-and-white images of Phuket, which pretty much reflect the kind of food served here—old-school Thai-Chinese fare. Signature dishes are inspired by family recipes, and include bak kut teh (a pungent shiitake-mushroom-and-pork soup), mee sua pad (noodles with seafood and spices), and the crispy noodle and egg salad. Ice teas like Butterfly Pea Flower and lime are especially good for cooling your insides on a hot day, while a variety of smoothies and good coffee strained in a cloth bag are also worth a try.

Kopitiam by Wilai serves authentic green curry, vegetable stir fries and spring rolls. You'll find more locals than tourists dining here, which is always a good sign of where to eat. The newer Khun Nai Sam Tea House and Restaurant has baroque interiors and a lovely garden seating in the back.

| The Boathouse Restaurant | Mom Tri's Kitchen | On The Rock Restaurant | Dee Plee | Pan Yaah Seaview Cafe Restaurant & Bar | PRU | La Gritta | Song Pee Nong 2 | Raya Restaurant | Seafood at Trisara | TA KHAI | Black Ginger | Thai Restaurant | The Slate, Phuket | Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket | Natural Restaurant | One Chun Cafe & Restaurant | Coast Beach Club & Bistro Phuket | Kopitiam by Wilai | boat seafood 船海鲜 | Pan Bistro | Sabaijai cafe | Three Monkeys Restaurant | Baan Rim Pa | Kaab Gluay | Go Benz Rice Porridge Phuket | La Sala | Kata On Fire Bar and Grill

One of those places to eat in Phuket that you shouldn’t miss is Kopitiam by Wilai, an unassuming, fan-cooled eatery with reasonably priced Thai and Chinese food. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, Kopitiam creates that Old Phuket feel with simple wood chairs, decades-old island photography, and pops of crimson and Chinese-inspired gold hues. Kopitiam’s Chinese and Thai cuisine includes noodles sautéed with egg, sea bass, and prawns, as well as the Phuket-style salad with tofu, boiled egg, crispy noodles, and a sweet-and-spicy sauce.

For coffee lovers, you need to try the traditional kopi (coffee) at Kopitiam, a kopitiam-style cafe that reminisces the old Chinese-inspired tea houses you often find in Singapore and Malaysia. The coffee menu costs between 60 - 100 THB and you can order it with all kinds of traditional snacks that go really well with the traditional coffee. Since it is located right on the main street of Phuket Old Town, it is a great place to drop by if you are looking to replenish your energy after a hot day exploring the Old Town.

At the heart of the Old Town’s multicultural mix is the Peranakan (known locally as Baba-Nyonya) community – descendants of the Chinese workers who arrived in the early 20th century to find work, and ended up staying on and marrying Thais. While they have now been integrated into the local community, you can still sample nostalgic Nyonya fare at the vintage-style Kopitiam by Wilai. Try the bak kut teh (pork ribs in a peppery broth) and slow-cooked massaman curry (a rich but mild coconut curry).

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Whether patrons enjoy a hearty breakfast, a heavy lunch or a slow dinner, Kopitiam by Wilai offers diners an authentic 1960s experience with its simplistic no-frills layout. Parents from the Southeast Asian region will be able to associate with the retro designs reminding them of their childhood as they reminisce and recall many childhood stories to tell their children.

Renowned for having some of the best value in town, Kopiriam By Wilai has a very big choice of foods on the menu in general with a curry soup being notably good. However, it makes our list for the amazing Dim Sum and this also extends to the wide variety of vegetarian options on offer. Perfectly located for travelers and easy to find, the chef’s attention to detail and decoration will leave a very nice taste long after you leave here.

Kopitiam by Wilai blends Sino-Portuguese and Malay influences to create the charm of an old-style café with a nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere, making it a local favorite. Renowned for its bold flavors and authentic Phuket specialties, it offers a dining experience rich in history and tradition. Recommended Dishes: Massaman Curry, Mee Hokian, Bak Kut Teh, and their refreshing drink menu.

Located on the historic Thalang road in Phuket’s old town, Kopitam by Wilai is the perfect dining place for retro lovers. ‘Kopitam’ which translates is a coffee shop is the perfect word to describe the old-coffee shop vibes of this restaurant. While some locals here visit for a quick tea break between work, the other types of crowds here include retired personnel and tourists.

The menu at this definitive old quarter cafe is all about pocket-friendly traditional dishes like mee Hokkien (Phuket-style noodles, B105 / $4.30) and bak kut teh (pork bone herbal soup, B125 / $5.20). The classic tiles, Chinese lanterns and clientele of local old boys are as charming as the recipes. 18 Thalang Rd., Phuket Town, +66 (0) 83-606-9776.

The Wilai restaurant has a secret passage through the kitchen that leads to the Shrine of the Serene Light. Another hidden treasure, although the main entrance to that shrine on Phang Nga Road is being widened.... Anyway, Kopitiam - nice place, and I was glad to see a table full of locals sitting there already - a sure sign of good food!

Right on Thalang Road (Purple line), there are famous restaurants like Wilai and Kopitiam that offer tasty local food. Moreover, if you love indie art and design,Room 2521 is the place that you should not miss. If you are looking for a place to lay your head down,Phuket 346 Guesthouse on Rommanee Street is a nice place to check out.

Despite the name, Phuket Old Town is filled with modern cafes with AC and international desserts. But you’re not making the most of your time in Phuket if you don’t step into a cafe that’ll whisk you to a bygone era. Kopitiam by Wilai is a retro-style Chinese shophouse that’s come right out of an old-school Jackie Chan film.

Kopitiam by Wilai is a recently renovated restaurant serves classic Thai food in an old-style Chinese shop on the most popular street in Phuket Town. Thalang Road changed from just an old busy street to a full-scale tourist attraction, bars and restaurants have started to appear like flies on honey.

.Kopitiam by Wilai is on the more expensive side when it comes to cheap eats in Phuket, however the prices are still considerably low while portions are quite big, which make for an excellent combination when travelling on a budget!. Kopitiam’s specialty is Pad Thai and their own special Red Curry.

I stumbled upon Kopitiam by Wilai when looking for dinner on Thalang Road. It retains the shophouse-style from the early 20th century and serves a variety of southern Thai food along with fresh fruit shakes. I had the shrimp with a local southern sauce and it was spicy and delicious.

Pop into Kopitiam by Wilai, and you may feel as if you’ve travelled back in time. Soak up the old-world vibes of this atmospheric eatery, which comes fitted with Chinese signboards, wooden furniture and traditional cabinets. The look of the cafe is charming and distinctly Chinese.

Kopitiam by Wilai is a Malaysian-style cafe in Phuket Old Town that serves a range of delicious breakfast dishes, including noodle soup, fried noodles, and soft-boiled eggs with toast. Prices here are very reasonable, with most dishes costing around 50-80 baht.

Located in Old Town Phuket, Kopitiam by Wilai is a must-visit dinner spot in Phuket Town. It is a local restaurant with a casual and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place for both tourists and locals. The food is simple yet flavorful.

Location: Phuket Town Address: 18 Thalang Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000 Open: 11 am to 10 pm Phone: 083 606 9776 Prices: around 70 – 120 Baht Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kopitiambywilai/

Kopitam , filled with nostalgic photos from the island’s past is a lovely place to dine, serving classic Peranakan dishes-Massaman curry is a winner but their best dish is their Hokkien Mee.

Stepping into Kopitiam by Wilai, you will be transported back in time, surrounded by charming traditional Chinese decor, contributing to its popularity among tourists.

Head to the centre of Phuket Town and visit Wilai which does an excellent version of this street food in Phuket.