Latest news with #Sino-Portuguese
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Accor's TRIBE Hotels debuts in Phuket, Thailand
Accor's design-driven brand TRIBE Hotels has made its debut in Phuket, Thailand, marking the brand's fourth property in Asia. Situated in Patong, the 187-key property is a short walk from the beach and local attractions. The new TRIBE hotel is a homage to the region's Sino-Portuguese heritage, incorporating local craftsmanship into its design. Accommodation options include five room categories, ranging from the compact TRIBE Essential to the expansive TRIBE Max Suites, which offer guests a separate living and sleeping area. Each room is equipped with amenities, including floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony, a sofa, a 55in smart television, a Nespresso machine, and a rain shower. The hotel features various dining venues, a Technogym fitness centre, and a retail area with TRIBE-branded items and regional products. Accor Asia premium, midscale and economy chief operating officer Garth Simmons said: 'Across Asia, lifestyle hospitality is booming. Modern travellers seek design-led, functional spaces and vibrant social energy, while still valuing comfort and fair prices. This creates the perfect environment for the expansion of a brand with a bold personality like TRIBE. 'TRIBE Phuket Patong is our fourth TRIBE hotel in Asia and a powerful step forward in redefining what modern hospitality can be. Bringing a new kind of experience to a high-impact destination like Phuket, a place where culture, vibrancy, and community converge, is truly exciting. We are confident that TRIBE's concept will stand out, creating spaces that resonate with today's savvy, design-conscious travellers.' With a focus on cost-effectiveness, the TRIBE brand has properties in more than ten countries, encompassing flagships in Belo Horizonte and Auckland, while parent company Accor has a portfolio of more than 5,600 properties throughout over 110 countries. In November 2024, TRIBE reached a significant milestone with the expansion of its portfolio to 20 properties worldwide, marking a growth for the Accor brand. "Accor's TRIBE Hotels debuts in Phuket, Thailand" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Nikkei Asia
20-07-2025
- Nikkei Asia
Breakfast in Phuket: Five must-visit early morning eateries
A mural marks the alley-side entrance to Rong Kopi, a favorite morning hangout for locals. (All photos by Zinara Rathnayake) ZINARA RATHNAYAKE PHUKET, Thailand -- The town of Phuket is the small commercial center of Thailand's Phuket Island, an internationally famous beach and party destination that welcomed more than 8.65 million visitors in 2024. But I came for something different: the food. The town is home to a vibrant historic district, lined with Sino-Portuguese residences and shophouses, many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels, cafes and fine dining venues, and it was here that I met Narumon Kwanmuni, a native of Thailand's far south who has called Phuket home for the past 25 years.
West Australian
24-05-2025
- West Australian
Italian flavours add to Penang's famed street food variety
What can you tell me, an Italian, about our street food, that's not the typical square cuts of pizza you may have enjoyed at any of the panettieri (bread shops) you found while travelling to Rome, Florence, Venice or Milan? That's all good — it's delicious. But let me tell you, as a northern man from Lombardy, that the yummiest street food in my native Italy is found south of Rome — for example in Apulia, a beautiful region of cerulean seas and white-tinged cities like Lecce and Bari, which however still remains incredibly under the radar. I wouldn't be surprised if you admitted that you know nothing about its yummiest quick bite, the panzerotto. A bit like a mini calzone but deep-fried, not baked, panzerotti are divinely fried half moons that may remind you of an Argentinian empanada, but softer and filled with delights ranging from a classic pizza-like tomato and mozzarella to more elaborated concoctions spanning anything from seafood to sliced nuts and boiled eggplant. Dismissed in the gourmet menus of Italy, the panzerotto decided to travel to shores that are oceans away from mamma Apulia: believe it or not, you can now taste this southern Italian treat in Penang, Malaysia, thanks to Gianluca (Luca) De Biasi, a long-time resident and former restaurant manager at Java Tree, the classy bistro of the island's historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel opened in 1884. 'The panzerotto is new to Malaysians, but they appreciate it,' says Luca as I meet him inside Luca's Panzerotti, his new venture on the northern end of Carnarvon Street, set right on the busy corner of George Town's main tourist thoroughfare, Chulia Street. 'In Malaysia, roti means bread, and I tell my customers that this is simply a bread with a panza, which is Italian for a belly,' quips Luca. Assisted by his Penang-born wife Phoebe, after taking a much-deserved break to travel back to Italy and southern Europe to check out the local street foods, Gianluca and wife decided to return to the local hospitality game by opening this mom-and-pop store on the ground floor of a central Sino-Portuguese shophouse. Compared to his lush former employer Eastern & Oriental Hotel, small Luca's Panzerotti is a homey bistro with a shiny red Vespa parked out front and only a handful of wooden tables and stools set against the walls — a very casual and different set-up from the rest of Penang's Italian restaurants such as Il Bacaro, Via Pre and Nero Nero, which focus on the gourmet, high-end spectrum of Italian cuisine. 'Let's say that Penang is famous for street food — Chulia Street's hawker stalls are right in front of our door — and I wanted to do something different on my own terms, not be the umpteenth typical Italian running yet another general Italian restaurant,' says Luca as he passes a hot Panzerotto Classico — the Apulian staple fried pouch filled with melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella and fresh, lava-like tomato — from the frying pan onto the plate in front of me. I know better, but a poster on the wall candidly instructs how to best enjoy the Apulian fried dough: by biting off the top corner, letting the steam come out and inclining the head and torso forward to avoid spilling the hot insides of the belly bread on yourself. An technique born standing on the street, stuffing the mouth with panzerotti while traipsing down an alley. Luca's Panzerotti has a simple yet varied menu on offer. Besides closed staple panzerotti like the Classico — priced at a very affordable $3.60, 'cheaper than Italy,' says Luca — there's mushrooms and potatoes, the tuna and eggplant-based taras and the Luca, a deliciousness of smoked tomato, mozzarella, fried eggplant, basil and aged goat cheese. There are also gourmet panzerotti prepared open on one side like a fried sandwich, or a Belizean fry jack. I try the smoked salmon, garnished with Atlantic salmon, melted mozzarella burrata (a creamy specialty of Apulia) and sprinkled with fresh arugula. It's as authentic as those I tried on the sunny streets of southern Italy. I top my lunch with a slice of focaccia with dried tomatoes, a thick yet soft slab of bread that Luca prepares with masterful skills. Luca Panzerotti's also has a few sweet-tooth treats that go down especially well with their homemade, slow pressed juices that infuse tropical fruit like mango, coconut and nutmeg, a local spice. Besides sweet panzerotti filled with chocolate and a homemade dried fig jam, 80 per cent dark chocolate and nut crumble, there are hearty little boxes of Italian-style tiramisu. It's served either halal style for local Muslims, or drenched in a thick layer of rum, which you will really feel. 'In my region, if you take tiramisu with rum, then there must be rum, not drops,' says Luca, as I feel the heat of the alcohol mixing with the spongy chocolate and coffee-based sweetness in every spoonful. For having opened only six months ago, Luca's Panzerotti has already rounded up a tight-knit following of local Malaysians and higher-profile international Chinese and Indian tourists who want to go for something simple and street-savvy, but are still afraid of trying the local Penang street food that's often cooked and served out in the open. 'We give them the street food they crave for in a little more refined space, yet right in the thick of George Town's central food offerings,' says Luca, who takes care of everything himself and, following his past managerial acumen, anticipates that he may consider expanding into a little franchise after at least another year. 'I'll teach them everything, how to make panzerotti from scratch — but as these are some of my grandmother's original recipes, they'll have to love them as I do, or the magic of the best bread with belly won't happen.' For now, the best place to have authentic panzerotti on this side of the world is from Luca's hands, here in George Town, Penang.
Listly
20-05-2025
- Listly
5 Must-See Landmarks in Phuket You Can't Miss: A Highlight Reel
Far removed from the tourist-heavy beaches lies Old Phuket Town, a district that offers a window into the island's Sino-Portuguese heritage. Characterised by ornate shophouses, quaint cafes, and street art that narrates untold stories, this area embodies Phuket's cultural heart. Strolling along Thalang Road, one can observe the architectural blend of Eastern and Western influences, a remnant of the island's past as a major tin trading port. On Sundays, the Lard Yai Market brings the streets alive with artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and live performances. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the island's evolution, the Thai Hua Museum offers compelling exhibits on Chinese migration and community development in southern Thailand.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
Where To Eat And Drink In Old Town Phuket, According Hotel Verdigris' Owner
Pichakorn "Peach" Phanichwong, owner of Hotel Vrerdigris. In 2023, I passed by Hotel Verdigris in Old Town Phuket—a Mr & Mrs Smith-vetted boutique stay (my personal trusted source for cool hotels) that looked like the perfect place to hole up for a long weekend. I flagged it for my return, and earlier this year, I finally made it back. This soulful part of Phuket is dotted with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden temples, a vibrant art scene, and plenty of amazing restaurants and bars. Hotel Verdigris feels like stepping into an 18th-century dreamscape—an ode to Martina Rozells, Penang's enigmatic Thai-Portuguese First Lady. Its owner, Pichakorn 'Peach' Phanichwong, describes the vibe as 'contemporary Eurasian with hints of old-world opulence.' I opted for the Billon Room, designed with solo travelers in mind (and Peach's personal favorite), featuring herringbone parquet floors, brightly colored kimono-style robes, and my favorite amenity: a balcony with a built-in terrazzo bathtub that looks up to the sky and down onto a koi pond. Hotel Verdigris The next day, Peach took me on a walk around town that included ร้านขนมแม่หงวด (Mae Nguad), where she handed me a bag of fried meatballs so I could walk, talk, and dip simultaneously. 'Delicious,' I screeched. Over snacks, we talked food, travel, and how she got into the hotel world. 'For me, travel isn't about checking off landmarks—it's about discovering how people live,' she said. 'I'm drawn to the rhythm of local life: what people eat, how they go about their day, and the small, everyday details that reveal the soul of a place.' Billon Room at Hotel Verdigris If you're a boutique hotel person like me, you'll appreciate the charm and personality of Hotel Verdigris. 'Boutique hotels reflect the spirit of their surroundings in a way that feels authentic and personal—through design, food, and hospitality,' says Phanichwong. 'Creating one here felt like a way to celebrate my roots and share that experience with others.' 'This part of town is still very much alive—we locals come here for dinner, drinks, coffee, and slow evening strolls,' she adds. 'I wanted to create a space where guests could be part of that rhythm. Not just a visitor, but a part of Phuket Town, even if only for a little while.' Hotel Verdigris. One of my favorite things? Breakfast. 'When I travel, I skip the standard hotel breakfast and search for those hidden local gems—the real flavor,' says Peach. 'So this is the kind of experience I've always wanted to offer guests: a chance to taste the city the way I do.' Dim sum at breakfast; Hotel Verdigris. Guests can go classic—croissants, eggs, the usual comforts—or take Peach's advice and order from her personal 'Peach-elin Guide,' a selection of beloved local spots where Phuketians actually eat. Think dim sum, rice soup, rice salad, noodles with curry—dishes that reflect Phuket's unique culinary identity. The most popular is Siu Boi, Phuket-style dim sum. 'Even Thai guests from other regions ask for it,' she says. The secret is in the Nam Chor dipping sauce: not as spicy as it looks, but rich with dried chilies, tamarind juice, and a blend of seasonings—totally different from the usual vinegar dip. The dim sum comes from a local institution that opens at 5 a.m. and usually sells out by 8. 'Our team picks it up fresh, reheats it for hygiene, and serves it when guests wake up,' Peach explains. 'So yes, you can have a 7 a.m. breakfast at 10, right here in the sunroom.' A local snack shop with no written menu, serving daily desserts, fried meatballs, and authentic Phuket coconut milk fried rice-noodles. 'My favorite, though, is Hoo Chae, a classic Phuket-style salad made with a mix of fresh and boiled vegetables, egg, and crispy noodles, all topped with Nam Chor, a signature dressing that brings sweet, salty, sour, and spicy together in one bite.' The Charm Dining Gallery. Go here with friends and order the entire menu. It's traditional Phuket food reminiscent of home-cooked meals. 'This place will always be at the top of my list, simply because they make food exactly like lunch at my grandma's. I always order the Pla Tau Eu, fried fish braised in soy sauce with garlic. And it's not just the taste they get right, they also never compromise on the freshness of their ingredients.' Phanichwong spent a few years in Melbourne and still thinks often of its distinct, multicultural food scene. 'Having a taste of that here in Phuket, especially from Chef Nattaphon 'Oat' Othanawathakij—who also lived in Melbourne—feels extra meaningful. With fresh local ingredients and Australian-inspired touches, it's just nice to have a little bit of Melbourne at home once in a while.' Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen. I cut my flight close, wrapping up Old Town Phuket with a final dinner from Chef Tom Köffers and Peach. Originally from Germany, Köffers infuses Thai flavors with a European touch. 'He cooks every dish himself, so he's always there. In Phuket Town, even the architecture reflects our history as a Eurasian crossroads, and this place captures that spirit beautifully. One great example is his take on Hor Mok, the classic Phuket fish curry cake, reimagined to reflect East meets West. Or the prawn carpaccio with a subtle hint of Laab—chef's kiss.' A-Pong is a heavenly Phuket-style coconut pancake, cooked over charcoal with coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar. Phanichwong describes it as 'light, slightly chewy in the center, and crisp around the edges—all in one bite.' The recipe traces back to Indian appam, brought to Phuket through old trading routes. 'Locals made it thinner, sweeter, and uniquely ours. I love introducing it to my friends from Bangkok—not just because they can't find it there, but because most have never even heard of it.' Restaurant Royd. A creative reinterpretations of classic Southern Thai dishes made with local produce by way of the talented Chef Mond Suwijak Kunghae in an imtinamte but unpretentious space .'He celebrates Southern Thai cuisine with pride, and modern thoughtful approach. Sometimes fine dining can get so experimental that you lose sight of the original dish, but he manages to preserve the true flavors, even when the presentation looks nothing like the traditional version. This is a personal favorite for Phanichwong. 'I make it a point to visit local markets whenever I travel—they tell me the most about how people really live and eat. You can see what's in season, what people cook at home, and get a feel for the rhythm of daily life. In Phuket, the Downtown Market is that place. Locals have gone there for fresh fruits, vegetables, and everyday ingredients for as long as I can remember.' There are no shortages of great afés in Phuket. 'I have to give a special shoutout to Dou Brew. It's been there for me since the beginning, before the café scene really blew up in Phuket Town. Whether I'm craving a solid espresso, a clean filter brew, or feeling funky with their flavored dirty coffee inspired by local desserts, Dou Brew always hits the spot.' Coolies Club. 'Phuket has lived through many eras, and the tin mining period was especially important—it's what turned the area into a hub for trade. My grandfather even owned a tin mine, so that history feels personal, and Coolies Club captures the heritage well. The concept is inspired by a place where miners would unwind after work, with food and cocktails that focus on smoky flavors, which I absolutely love. The space has so much character with its eclectic interior.' 'Torry's has become synonymous with ice cream in Phuket and plays a big role in keeping our sweet traditions alive. I always come back to their Si Tau So, a local spin on cookies and cream. If you've stayed at my hotel, you might recognize the cookie from the minibar jar—Phuket's take on the classic Chinese walnut cookie. Torry's also serves flavors inspired by other local desserts like O-Aew jelly and Bi Ko Moi black glutinous rice.' 'I'm drawn to places that are a little obsessed with what they do—and it shows. Ryn is one of those spots where you instantly feel the care behind everything, from the wide variety of teas and brewing methods to the really great sweet treats that go with it.'
