Since September 1st, a culinary gem has opened its doors within the Courtyard By Marriott Phuket Town Hotel. Yue Restaurant & Bar, the newest Cantonese restaurant, invites you into a modern and elegant setting, all while treating your taste buds to the timeless delights of traditional Cantonese cuisine. Yue, which translates to “happiness” in Chinese, pays homage to this rich legacy by offering an authentic Cantonese dining experience right in the heart of Phuket’s historic old town.
Just last Thursday, I had the delightful opportunity to reunite with my foodie tribe, The Phuket Collective, for yet another unforgettable culinary escapade here in Phuket. This time around, our culinary aficionado, Holly, took the reins in organizing our dinner expedition. Being Chinese, Holly was eager to introduce us to a slice of her culture, and within our close-knit group, our love for sharing food extends beyond our plates to encompass our personal stories.
In our world, food is not merely sustenance; it’s a vessel that carries with it memories of far-flung lands and diverse cultures. So, when Holly mentioned this enticing new Cantonese restaurant, my heart leaped with excitement, and I couldn’t resist the allure of embarking on a Chinese culinary adventure with my fellow epicureans. Joining me at the table were Alena, Kelly, and her husband David, all kindred spirits who, like myself, eagerly succumbed to the enchantment of Chinese gastronomy.
The mood
Step into Yue Restaurant & Bar, and you’ll find yourself transported into a world where the aesthetics of Chinese culture are seamlessly blended with the modernity of Phuket. The decor at Yue reminds us of the cinematic masterpieces of Hong Kongese director Wong Kar-Wai, with its sophisticated Chinese imprint.
The restaurant’s interiors are nothing short of captivating. Here, the dragon, a symbol of fortune in Chinese folklore, takes center stage. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic dragon dances witnessed at Phuket’s vibrant festivals, Yue’s decor is a true spectacle. You’ll discover winding round seating arrangements that evoke a sense of movement, mimicking the dragon’s graceful dance. The artistically designed ceiling adds to the overall charm, creating an ambiance that is both enchanting and contemporary.
But Yue’s decor isn’t limited to aesthetics alone. The decor also pays tribute to Phuket’s industrial heritage, thoughtfully incorporating materials like rock and tin. This unique fusion of elements paints a picture of the island’s rich history while embracing the elegance of Cantonese culture.
Yue caters to various dining preferences, offering a range of seating arrangements. Whether you’re seeking an intimate table for two, the conviviality of a booth-style setting, or the exclusivity of a private dining room for a special occasion, Yue’s diverse seating options ensure that your dining experience harmonizes perfectly with the restaurant’s ambiance and aesthetics. The three private dining rooms are a nod to Phuket’s unique history and contemporary Cantonese sophistication.
The food
The menu is curated by Head Chef Kenny Chang, a master with over a decade of experience, ensuring that each dish is a masterpiece. Yue Restaurant & Bar invites you to savor Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant promises an authentic culinary voyage.
Prepare your palate for an extraordinary experience as you delve into signature dishes like the Peking Duck. Immerse yourself in the exquisite Sichuan-style wok-fried eggplant, where the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine meet the subtlety of Cantonese fare.
Accompanied by fellow food enthusiasts from The Phuket Collective, namely Holly, Alena, Kelly, and David, we embarked on an enthralling journey through the realm of Cantonese cuisine. With Holly leading the culinary expedition, we entrusted her to curate our meal, and she certainly made excellent choices.
The evening commenced with a selection of delectable dim sum dishes, each more tantalizing than the last. The fresh, plump, and sweet prawn har gow (3 pcs) priced at THB 120 are the best in Phuket without an hesitation, the creamy and soft Chinese turnip cake (3 pcs) at THB 90, and the irresistible Chinese Creme Lava Salted Egg Bun (2 pcs) for THB 80 set the stage for what was to come. Yue also offers Shu Mei, which prompts me for a return visit.
As we delved further into our culinary adventure, our main courses arrived one by one, revealing a symphony of flavors. Highlights included the wok-fried eggplant Sichuan style at THB 220, the Fried rice with crab meat and shrimp roe at THB 320, the refreshing jellyfish salad with cucumber, sesame oil, and goji berry at THB 320 that had some crispy texture to the other dishes.
The true star of our dining experience at Yue Restaurant & Bar was undoubtedly the Peking Duck (THB 1,200)—an absolute masterpiece that left an indelible mark on our taste buds. Although we missed the customary tableside carving, the essence of this beloved dish remained intact. As the Peking Duck made its grand entrance to our table, its skin showcased the epitome of perfection—crispy, golden, and tantalizing. For the duck meat, our wise guide, Holly, suggested it be deep-fried and served with a mountain of crispy garlic and Chinese preserved black bean, drizzled with oyster sauce.
With every bite, it was evident that this dish had been expertly prepared, showcasing an explosion of rich, savory notes that transported us straight to the heart of Cantonese cuisine. The duck skin with its delightful lacquer, provided a satisfying crunch that harmonized impeccably with the succulent meat. As we savored each morsel, we marveled at the delicate interplay of textures and tastes—a testament to the culinary prowess of Yue Restaurant & Bar.
While we eagerly look forward to the day when we can witness the live carving, this experience underscored the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to upholding tradition and presenting authentic Chinese cuisine in the heart of Phuket’s historic old town
How to get there & operating Hours
Yue Restaurant & Bar at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
located on 2nd floor of Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
1 Soi Surin, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xDhH4Xnwx9gnD7qr9
Opening hours
- Breakfast: 07:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Lunch: 11:00 AM – 02:30 PM
- Dinner: 06:30 PM – 10:30 PM
