Dinner Review – May 24th, 2025
Phuket’s rainy season presents an existential dilemma: curl up in bed with cats, tea and Netflix, or venture out in pursuit of something truly comforting, rich, and soul-warming. Last Saturday my choice was noodles—and that’s how I found myself inside the quietly ambitious Alchemy.
Alchemy is the latest brainchild of Chef Tammasak “Noi” Chootong—yes, that Chef Noi, the visionary behind the renowned SUAY. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a multi-faceted culinary concept: part ramen laboratory, part sun-drenched daytime café, part lifestyle statement. Located just off Srisoonthorn Road, this unassuming address is poised to become a local haunt for gourmands, gastro-tourists, and culinary voyeurs alike.
THE DECOR
Step inside and the mood hits you before the menu catches your eye. Muted forest greens, brushed golds, and exquisite Thai handwoven ceiling panels ( a cheeky wink deja-vu from Waggyu steakhouse in Surin) mirror a chef’s philosophy—locally rooted, globally aware. A whimsical chandelier dangles above the counter, a playful nod to the Instagram generation. The chairs are chic, the lighting curated, and every corner feels thoughfully considered. You don’t just eat here—you observe, sip, linger.
Only the Daily Dose café is open for now, but soon the space will also house a new SUAY dining concept and an in-house bakery. Judging by the setup, it’s shaping up to be the kind of all-day venue you accidentally or intentionally spend your entire Sunday.
THE FOOD
As mentioned, it was a typical rainy day in Phuket, and there’s truly nothing that rivals a piping hot bowl of ramen for ultimate comfort. Here’s what I savored, what delighted, and what perhaps didn’t quite hit the mark.
Croissants & pastries
Like any self-respecting Francophile and pastry snob,I approached the pastry display with a critical eye. It looked, dare I say, less than perfectly laminated. However, after a delightful chat with the co-owner and a leap of culinary faith 🤞, I decided to try the chocolate croissant (THB 150).
Visually, it was Instagram gold—gorgeous layers, begging for a flat-lay shoot. Unfortunately, the flavor and texture didn’t quite live up to its photogenic appeal. It lacked that essential crisp-to-butter ratio, and the chocolate custard felt surprisingly dense rather than decadently molten. A pretty face, perhaps, but with a somewhat hollow soul.
But then came a sweet redemption: the classic croissant (THB 85) arrived, fresh from the oven, flaky in all the right ways, with butter that left my fingers deliciously (and unapologetically) greasy. That, my friends, was a triumph. Warm, flaky, unapologetically rich. Merci, Chef Noi.
Ramen
Forget the usual pork-laden clichés. I opted for the Sake Kasu Ramen (THB 350)—one of six signature bowls—and it was nothing short of a revelation. This isn’t ramen for purists; this is ramen for chefs, for thinkers, for those who understand that cuisine is a living, evolving art form.
Chef Noi’s masterful rendition marries a delicate salmon bone broth with perfectly handmade noodles, earthy black jelly mushrooms, a flirtatiously jammy egg, and delightful, umami-laced pops of salmon roe. The flavor profile is exquisitely layered—sake kasu (the lees from sake production) imparts a subtle, fermented sweetness that is quietly addictive. This broth has soul. It’s fusion, certainly, but executed by someone who intimately understands both culinary cultures. You’re not being tricked into liking it; you’re being utterly seduced.
Each of Alchemy’s six signature bowls promises SASSY, UNIQUE, AUTHENTIC, YUMMY flavors (get it? SUAY!). And for once, a tagline truly lives up to its hype. I’m already planning my return to explore the other bowls, eagerly anticipating another mind-blowing experience.
THE DRINKS
I paired my ramen with a Passion Fruit Ginger Spritzer (THB 110)—a clever, tart, and wonderfully refreshing concoction that expertly reset my palate between slurps.
The Matcha Latte (THB 100), however, didn’t fare quite as well. It was slightly gritty and lacked the velvety finesse one might expect from a perfectly prepared matcha. If you’re a matcha purist, I’d suggest opting for the ceremonial-grade upgrade (+THB 50) or perhaps exploring other beverage options.
THE SERVICE
While the food was undoubtedly a highlight, the true standout was Niloo, the Sales Manager who effortlessly moonlights as a front-of-house extraordinaire. Her Iranian charm, genuine warmth, and innate knack for making solo diners feel like VIPs are exactly what Phuket’s dining scene needs. This is service with soul, not just a practiced smile. Her professionalism and playful demeanor elevate the entire dining experience.
WHY YOU SHOULD GO AND RETURN
Alchemy is still in its soft-launch phase, but its foundations are undeniably solid. This is far from a mere vanity project for a celebrity chef; it’s a thoughtfully conceived culinary playground. Expect the unexpected. And expect it to be exceptionally good.
Who Should Go:
- Expats yearning for Tokyo-grade noodles and a reprieve from overpriced hotel brunches.
- Food travelers seeking hidden gems beyond the typical beach clubs and burgers.
- Chefs hungry for modern Asian fusion executed with unparalleled finesse.
- Locals desiring Bangkok-level bites without the commute.
Alchemy embodies the essence of a “Sunday kind of place”—the sort of establishment you arrive at for a morning coffee and, quite by accident, find yourself staying for ramen and engaging discourse. It offers a captivating peek into Chef Noi’s creative process, and trust me, you’ll want a front-row seat.
Follow me for more brutally honest, butter-loving bites in Phuket!
HOW TO GET THERE AND BOOK
Alchemy Phuket
189/1 Srisoonthorn Rd, Si Sunthon, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Directions & Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4uPuGneKT9MMEeqq6
Phone: 081 159 8845
Open daily: 7:00 to 17:00
Expect to spend: THB 200–750/person
Parking: Available
Disclaimer: I was a paying guest. Opinions are my own, butter bias included.
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