Kan Eang translates as ‘relaxed’ in English and this is definitely an apt name for this large beachside restaurant just north of Chalong on Phuket’s east coast. Breezy and shady, most of Kan Eang’s seating is outdoors, set under tropical almond trees, although there is an indoors section.
Very popular with groups and families, the restaurant can get busy in the evenings but at lunchtime and during the afternoon it’s a veritable haven of peace and quiet.
In case you’re wondering, there are two Kan Eangs in Chalong: The other version is Kan Eang @ Pier and is… you’ve guessed it, by Chalong Pier. Both serve predominately seafood dishes and, if anything, Kan Eang 2 is a tad more traditional in its cuisine.
Open since 1973 and with over 100 staff members, the sprawling garden restaurant enjoys great views over Chalong Bay and nearby Koh Lone Island, as well as of dozens of neighbouring yachts bobbing and straining at their anchors in this naturally sheltered inlet.
Kids love Kan Eang 2 because of the wide open spaces to run around in and the shallow-water beach that flanks it. The place has an innate sense of fun that most restaurants aspire to but relatively few achieve. The menu is wide ranging and all manner of fish and seafood features on it along with favourite Thai dishes such as chicken fried rice and phad thai along with salad choices including Thai spicy salad.
Try one of the set menus here to catch the best of what’s on offer; recommended dishes are pla nueng manow – steamed whole fish in lemon and chilis, Thai spicy soup, and deep-fried shrimp cakes. Beef, chicken, pork and duck are also served in various forms although you’ll have a hard time finding western food on the menu but who cares? This is a unique Thai experience and all the better for it. Typically, diners will order several dishes and share them by placing them in the centre of the table and helping themselves accordingly.
The only blemish to this otherwise excellent experience is that Kan Eang 2 doesn’t always have the best wine choices and does not store its labels that well, so if you’re after a drink with your meal perhaps ordering beer is best; it certainly goes better with the spicy fare on offer here.
Kan Eang 2 Seafood Restaurant
- Opening Hours: Seven days a week 10:00 – 24:00
- Address: /3 Moo 9 Chao Fah Tawan Aok Road (North of Chalong Pier)
- Tel: +66 (0)76 381 323
