Fortunately, whether you’re vegan, on a ketogenic diet, or simply subject to feeling homesick and needing a bit of comfort food from time to time, Phuket’s got you covered. Such is the beauty of this island where we have a big enough population, both expat and Thai, and a strong enough economy where specialty goods are in sufficient demand for businesses to cater to those needs.
Villa Market
Villa market | Credit: Wen neng lee
Villa Market has been around for quite a while and likely has the biggest selection of imported and specialty foods. They bill themselves as Thailand’s original international supermarket and seeing as they first opened their doors in 1973, that statement is likely accurate. Either way, with 34 locations (three in Phuket) they are certainly the current reigning champion.
Villa market food | Credit: brandbuffet
You’ll find foods from all over the globe like lamb from New Zealand, beef and Vegemite from Australia, candies and beer from Germany, cheese and wine from France, and potato chips and bourbon from the United States. They also have a bakery, butcher offering imported and local meats and seafood, regular and organic veggies, kitchenware, and a respectable beer, liquor, and wine selection.
Villa Markets can be found just north of Chalong circle beside Homepro, at the entrance to Boat Lagoon in Koh Kaew, and in the Boat Avenue shopping area in Cherng Talay.
Central Festival Floresta Food Hall
Central Festival Floresta Food Hall | Credit: www.whitesp-ce.com
Now open for a few years, Central Festival Floresta went all out with the fanciest name-brand shops, a giant aquarium, and a formidable food court of eateries and the grocery store section which is our focus.
Central Floresta Food | Credit: FB CentralPhuketFanpage
The Food Hall is larger and has a broader selection overall. However, a large part of the selection is dedicated to fresh produce. You’ll find plenty of comfort foods from all sorts of western countries, but they also stock more Asian food options from Korea, Japan, etc. Beyond food, they offer plenty of household goods and toiletries, a liquor and wine section, and a very extensive beer selection – probably the best on the island.
Makro
Makro | Credit: workpointTODAY
While Makro aims to be a restaurant supplier offering only large packages of certain things, it is open to us civilians as well. Perusing Makro you’ll find a balance more towards domestic foods, but they do offer imported items such as some fruits and veggies, meats, Italian ingredients like pasta and olive oil, Indian goodies like basmati rice and curries, and Mexican fixings like salsas and tortillas. They have five locations spread across the island so there’s probably one nearby.
Food For Foreigners
Food For Foreigners| Credit: Tamara Berry
Our British friends will be happy because although It might be called Food For Foreigners, they focus on items imported from the UK. It’s a small shop, but they have quite a good selection of frozen foods like sausages, bacon, beef, lamb, black pudding, and a ton of pre-made frozen meals. They also have things like meat pies, Russian dumplings, and a well-stocked cheese cooler. You’ll certainly find many things that can’t be found elsewhere and they will deliver anywhere in Thailand, and around Phuket for free on certain days with a minimum order.
Natural Efe Macrobiotic World
Natural Efe Macrobiotic World| Credit: HappyCow
This spot in Rawai near Nai Harn lake is half vegan restaurant and half co-op style shop. While it’s not really a one-stop-shop, they have a good selection of natural, organic foods and eco-friendly products. A solid selection of vitamins and health supplements line the shelves, some of which are made in-house. It’s a unique shop and a good spot for healthy living or to shop for a gift.