Thailand Phuket Part 2 – Thai Zhi Char

Busy busy busy bee. That’s what I am for the past few weeks. From events to meetings to school work… they just seem endless! During my only free time for the past few weeks, I will simply watch a couple of shows just to relax. Hence this explains the lack of posts here. But, not wanting this blog to become dusty, I shall upload a post today… about food! (:

Read about Part 1 here (Chao Fah Variety Market)!

Disclaimer: The information provided are based on my personal experience and hence the prices and details are true at that time I experienced them. Therefore I cannot guarantee that they are 100% complete, comprehensive, accurate or updated. Also, everyone have differing views and opinions so what I like may not be what you fancy, be adventurous and give everything a try, and share with me whether you like/dislike them as much as I do! (:

Our friends brought us to this Zhi Char place when we were in Phuket. Also spelled as “zhi cha”, “zi char”, “zi cha”, “cze char”, “tze char”, in Mandarin, 煮炒 (pinyin: zhu2 chao3) literally means “cook and fry”. This is with reference to the rigorous use of frying (most of time with woks) in preparing the dishes. This place serves a wide variety of a la carte Thai dishes and a lot of them are extremely yummy! It’s definitely not a “tourist trap” because a lot of locals visit there as well.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Pork/chicken/beef – THB50; shrimp/squid/seafood – THB60

Pineapple fried rice is a famous Thai dish. Though I’ve tasted better ones before, this is still worth a try if you haven’t tried it before.

Fried Glass Noodles (aka Pad Thai)

Pork/chicken/beef – THB50; shrimp/squid/seafood – THB60

I’ve tasted a better Pad Thai in Bangkok, so this is not a big favourite of mine, but it’s a good alternative if you don’t want to eat rice (:

Green Curry

Pork/chicken – THB100; Shrimp/squid/seafood – THB120

We tried the chicken green curry. Fantastic! A lot, a lot of ingredients, must-try!

Tomyam Soup

Pork/chicken – THB100; Shrimp/squid/seafood – THB120

This is the seafood version, leaves a very lingering spicy taste. The more we drank, the spicier it got. Still a must-try, even if you don’t like spicy food!

Fried Basil with…

Pork/chicken/beef – THB80; shrimp/squid/seafood – THB120

We always, always order this when we went there, and we always order the one with pork, so we don’t know how the other versions taste like. The slight spiciness of the dish complements that basil taste and brings the whole dish to a whole new level. Fantastic, and must-try!

Boiled Internal Organs

Beef/pork – THB70

This is the beef one… don’t really appreciate beef internal organs so I can’t say much. Try if you dare!

Grilled Pork – THB70

It has an intense, smoky flavour. The pork, however, it’s a bit tough for me to chew on, but nevertheless, it tastes good.

Omelette

Plain – THB50; pork/chicken/shrimp – THB60

Sinfully fried in a lot of oil, this omelette is fluffy and soft. Simple, yet delicious with white/plain rice. We ordered the plain one everytime.

Fried Squid Tempura – THB120

Very crispy, but there seems to be more flour than squid. However, the dipping sauce (sweet chilli sauce) is yummy.

Fried Fish – THB120

Yes, literally fried fish. Plain, no garnish, no special flavourings, nothing. Just some salt to enhance the taste of the fish. Skin is crispy, yet the flesh remains soft. Fish is also very fresh and good.

Fried Fish with Sweet and Sour Sauce – THB? (didn’t note down the price!)

Similarly, the fish is fried to perfection. However, the sauce is not fantastic. Overall okay.

Steam Fish with Lemon Sauce – THB160

Fish is fresh and the flesh is sweet. However, the sauce is so-so only. Not very fantastic.

Papaya Salad – THB40

A spicy dish that can be eaten as appetiser. X and I find it too spicy (we have low spicy tolerance) but the feeling is very shiok.

Papaya Salad – THB40