China Inn Café & Restaurant
Cuisine for Epicureans
By
Sam Wilkinson - Photos by Stephan Audiger
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If you enter the front room at 20 Thalang Road in Phuket
you may be tempted to sit down in the lovely red sofa there
and stare in wonder at the beautiful Chinese artifacts, figurines,
lacquer work, textiles and fabrics… but don’t. This
is because the sofa, a ‘Thairalia’ seasoned hardwood
goose and duck feather-filled marvel, is for sale.
Still, you’re more than welcome to walk through this
long shop-house to the backyard restaurant, where there are
several table-and-chair sets, and take a pew.
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| Sino-Portugese architecture
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Welcome to China Inn Café & Restaurant, a beautifully
restored example of what people can do with a rundown old building
if they possess dedication, patience and an unswervable vision.
The restaurant stands in the heart of Phuket’s old town; a
place brimming with history and tradition. This is where Phuket’s
heart of commerce beat over 100 years ago when tin was in great
demand and Chinese labourers flooded in from both north and south
to fill the labour shortage on the island.
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Where is it?
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| Signs in style |
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As mentioned, at 20 Thalang Road, Phuket old town.
Thalang Road is a one-way western-heading thoroughfare and it is
never easy finding a parking space there so it’s perhaps best
to park wherever you can in the area and walk the rest of the way.
View China
Inn Café & Restaurant location map.
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Décor
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| Antique Laos Buddha |
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It took Supat "Noi" Promchan, the owner, and her husband
two-and-a-half years to renovate and refurbish China Inn and by
golly they did a good job. (Read more about Old
Phuket Town and China Inn's renovation)
The inside features tastefully distributed classic memorabilia;
a stone tile varnished floor adds a classic feel and in the corner
by the bar stands a sensational antique Laos Buddha.
However, diners sit outside at China Inn and there it’s no
less tastefully fitted out with antique fans, old framed Chinese
advertising posters and ‘before and after’ photos of the
building.
Half of the Feng Shui-inspired backyard is comprised of spectacularly
tall plants and it’s obvious that someone has green fingers
around here.
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Atmosphere
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| "A place to
enjoy food at a leisurely pace" |
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The clientele at China Inn tend to be Caucasian and appreciative
of what in effect is a huge labour of love. China Inn doesn’t
have a touristy atmosphere – more one of epicurean concentration
and with the background music at little more than a murmur, it’s
a place to enjoy good company and food at a leisurely pace.
During the high season China Inn is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday
nights but for the most part it is a day dining eatery and closes
at 7pm unless you book beforehand for an evening group.
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Wine
There is a 13-label wine list evenly distributed between Old World
and New World. Prices are reasonable and there is also a cocktail
list. Soft drinks are also sensibly priced at 40 baht each and in
addition you can order various fresh juices and smoothies.
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Food
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| Red duck curry |
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China Inn has an extensive Thai menu featuring all the classic
dishes as well as an eclectic western menu. There are lovely touches
to the presentation such as a vivid flower that comes with the spanking
fresh prawn-based spring rolls (more like spring sticks) and dipping
sauce.
The red duck curry is tasty and extremely colourful while a whole
fish in a specially prepared tamarind sauce is prepared to perfection.
An all-in breakfast costs 220 baht while spaghetti and penne plates
go for 280 baht. China Inn’s fare is reminiscent of home cooking
(never a bad thing) and with the lovely décor and interesting
atmosphere it really is a place with an individual feel to it.
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Service
Very respectful and more than willing to help diners in every little
way; Khun Noi is a very gracious host and, in keeping with the nature
of China Inn, you will be made welcome.
China Inn Café & Restaurant. 20 Thalang Road,
Phuket Old Town. Tel: 076-356239
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