Amongst the Malia-esque party scene of Koh Phi Phi Don’s numerous tattoo parlours, fire shows, Irish bars and “trap music” clubs, is an authentic Thai food restaurant; the needle in the haystack of Western restaurants.  

Garlic 1992 Restaurant is THE best restaurant in Phi Phi.  

We first came across Garlic 1992 Restaurant as we walked past on arrival.  Hit by the sumptuous smell of spices and of course, garlic, we thought this restaurant would be one to look out for.  Our suspicions were confirmed upon seeing it was packed that evening.  We quickly decided to join the queue for a table and see if the food lived up to our own hype.  Within ten minutes, we sat down and within another ten, had ordered our food.  Because of the sheer amount of customers, the wait time for our food was 5 or so minutes too long, made to feel longer by the mouth watering smells coming from every plate that passed our table.  However, the first bite of our meals made this a distant memory and after a single glance, Ruby’s food was gone.  Once we had eaten here, we only wanted to eat here for the rest of our stay.     

Garlic’s staff are lovely and remain attentive despite how busy it is.  They show clear appreciation towards anyone who attempts to converse in Thai, even handing out Thai language sheets with useful phrases, such as “Keb-tang”, meaning bill please.  You should expect a queue at busier times, but usually no longer than 15 minutes and is worth the wait.  The wait time for food can also be long, but is to be expected from a restaurant with such a tiny kitchen.  These wait times however, are nullified by the great price.  2 mains, a starter and 2 drinks costing around £8 is hard to turn down.  

From Roti’s to salads and fresh grilled fish to cocktails, the restaurant's variety is a major plus.  Nonetheless I would recommend sticking to what I believe is the restaurant's speciality: currys and soups.  The Penang and Massaman provide brilliant spice and nutty flavours and contain a healthy portion of your chosen meat (I recommend prawns).  However, Garlic's best dish has to be the Khao Soi Kai.  Creamy noodle soup with chicken that falls off the bone and a side of dried noodles, pickles, onion, nuts and chilli, was the first meal I tried and the best.   

If, like me, you're in Thailand for Thai food and don’t want to be reminded of the lads holiday you had in Magaluf when you were 18; avoid the copious Western food restaurants on offer in Phi Phi and head to Garlic 1992 Restaurant: the best restaurant in Phi Phi.