The Complete Guide to Supermarkets in Phuket
When we first got stuck in Phuket two and a half years ago, one of the biggest adjustments was grocery shopping. After living in China for 15 years—where everything was online, instant, and delivered—I hadn’t set foot in a supermarket in years. I once ran out of coarse salt at 12:15 AM and had it in the pot by 12:30.
That world disappeared when we landed in Phuket.
Yes, it’s possible to order groceries online here too, but the quality of what arrives isn’t always great.
So now, two and a half years later, I have a dedicated shopping day: Wednesday.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. No single supermarket in Phuket has everything.
2. I shop at three different supermarkets, plus Lazada (more on that in a separate post), and Protea (also covered separately).
3. For anything special—baking, hard-to-find spices—I drive to Tops (more on that coming too).
Supermarket Rundown
Super Cheap
The name says it all. It’s a huge warehouse, divided into sections, with rock-bottom prices. But that applies to quality too.
What I buy here:
- Cleaning supplies
- Toiletries
- Disposables
- Soft drinks & beer
- Pet food
What I don’t buy here:
Absolutely no food, no produce, no meat, no fish.
Makro
This is where the restaurants shop, and for good reason: bulk sizes, good quality, and great prices.
What I buy here:
- Fruits & vegetables
- Dairy
- Fish & meat
- Kitchen supplies (aluminum foil, baking needs, cling film, bags)
- Dry goods (pasta, flour, couscous, baking powder, spices, nuts)
- Frozen products
Makro is a love story.
Villa Market
More expensive, but perfect for the extras and what I can’t find elsewhere.
What I buy here:
- Breakfast cereals (great variety)
- Milk alternatives (almond, pistachio, soy—sweetened, unsweetened, full-fat)
- Cherry tomatoes (yes, only here—they’re the best)
Things to keep in mind:
- Some schools offer sibling discounts.
- Schools are nearly full—if you have more than one child, check availability in all relevant age groups.
- Yes, people try to negotiate tuition. It usually doesn’t work, but feel free to ask.
Bottom Line
Each supermarket fills a different gap.
Check out the individual posts and highlights for detailed product recommendations and prices.
Here if you have questions.
