Nestled in the bustle of Salmiya, PHET PHET is an unassuming Thai eatery that packs an outsized punch of flavor and warmth. This travelogue-style review follows my repeated visits with a colleague, Fatima, as we eat our way through PHET PHET’s menu and fall in love with its charm. Expect a sensory journey: the creamy heat of Tom Yum Nam Khon, the crunch of sesame Prawn Toast, wok-tossed noodles slicked with holy basil, and sweet sips of Thai iced tea. Alongside vivid culinary storytelling, I share personal anecdotes and cultural tidbits – from Thai proverbs to the tale behind PHET PHET’s name – all to paint a picture of why this small restaurant has such a big place in our hearts.
Salmiya is known for its energetic streets, where the scent of shawarma mingles with the breeze off the Gulf. PHET PHET sits just off Salem Al Mubarak Street, modest in size and easy to miss if not for its quirky name. Our first visit had been planned ever since Fatima heard about PHET PHET and suggested we check it out. We stepped inside, leaving the honking traffic and dusty heat behind. Despite being only about 54 square meters, it feels intimate rather than cramped. The decor blends tiled floors, Thai posters, and bright accents with a cozy glow from Edison bulbs. There’s a QR code on the table that leads us to the menu, which we browse on our phones, listing dishes in both English and Thai script. The air is rich with lemongrass, garlic, and chili. We’re walk-in regulars now. From day one, the staff were attentive and kind, and the owner often stopped by our table to chat. It quickly became our go-to post-work sanctuary.
“Mai phet, mai aroi,” goes a popular Thai saying – if it’s not spicy, it’s not delicious. In a country where chili is a love language, it’s a fitting mantra for a restaurant bold enough to name itself “PHET PHET,” meaning “spicy spicy” or “very spicy” in Thai. And it’s in this spirit of fiery flavor that our story begins. PHET PHET is a little Thai kitchen tucked in Kuwait’s Salmiya district – a modern-retro nook that proves big taste can thrive in small places. Before I ever set foot inside, Fatima had heard about it through foodie circles and invited me to join her to check it out. What began as a casual food exploration turned into a weekly ritual and a shared discovery. After all, PHET PHET was born from homesickness: two friends who frequently traveled to Thailand found themselves longing for familiar flavors during the pandemic, so they started cooking Thai meals at home. Eventually their passion project bloomed into this restaurant, lovingly named for Thailand’s spiciness itself. With that backstory in mind – and Fatima’s tip-off in hand – we walked through PHET PHET’s doors, not knowing we were about to find our own cozy refuge amid the neon chaos of Kuwait’s streets.
No matter how many times we go, the menu still reads like a promise of adventure. Fatima and I always start with appetizers. The Tom Yum Nam Khon – hot, sour, rich with coconut milk – arrives steaming, aromatic with lime and chili, and packed with tender shrimp. The Sesame Prawn Toast is addictive: golden, crispy, and served with homemade sweet chili sauce. We fight over the last piece every time. The Chili Wontons, swimming in garlic chili oil, are my personal favorite, and the Green Mango Salad has that sharp, fruity tang that keeps you coming back for another bite even through the heat.
We often split the Veg Spring Rolls too – a crunchy, golden shell filled with soft, savory vegetables. It’s a perfect prelude to the explosion of spice and umami to follow. And when the Corn Salad is available, we order it without fail – there’s something about the sweetness of corn paired with tamarind and chili that resets your palate for more. These small dishes set the tone: fresh, fast, and full of flair. We talk and eat, eat and talk, and somehow everything tastes better when shared at PHET PHET.
Of course, there’s the Som Tam – the iconic papaya salad – shredded, pounded, and fiery. Fatima says it reminds her of Bangkok. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a national treasure. The Corn Salad is milder but refreshing, dotted with lime, tamarind, and peanuts. Then come the mains. Pad Krapao Beef, spicy and fragrant with holy basil, is my favorite. Topped with a fried egg and served with rice, it’s pure comfort. Fatima loves the Shrimp Cashew – stir-fried shrimp with toasted cashews and chili, sweet and savory in all the right ways. The Garlic Pepper Shrimp is full of bold, toasty garlic flavor with a hit of lime leaves, while the Pad Ki Mao, with yellow noodles and Thai basil, delivers serious wok-hei and chili warmth.
Sometimes we balance things out with Morning Glory – wok-tossed water spinach, crisp and garlicky – or a gentle bowl of Vegetable Fried Rice to catch all the flavorful sauces. Every dish is generous, vibrant, and clearly made with care. We sip on Cha Yen (Thai iced tea) or Cha Manao (iced lemon tea), the former creamy and sweet, the latter brisk and refreshing. When we feel extra fancy, we get the Lemongrass Lemonade, a fizzy, floral showstopper colored by butterfly pea flower.
On several occasions, we’ve noticed the efficiency of service. Food seems to arrive almost magically fast, but never rushed. It’s hot, fresh, and plated with care. The kitchen might not be open, but you can sense the energy from the back as aromas trail to your table. It’s a dance of discipline and timing. During one particularly busy evening, we marveled at how not a single table waited long. And yet, the servers never faltered in warmth – greeting customers, topping up water, even offering helpful suggestions. That night, we tried the Garlic Pepper Shrimp only because the staff recommended it. Now it’s among our go-to favorites.
The charm of PHET PHET also lies in the community it quietly builds. We’ve started recognizing familiar faces. Some diners are clearly regulars, trading laughs with the staff. It creates a sense of belonging. You’re not just a guest here; you’re part of a small but vibrant circle of people who know a good secret when they taste it. The owner herself often moves from table to table with grace and generosity.
Despite all this, we’ve yet to try dessert. Mango Sticky Rice, Rose Ice Cream, and Lychee Sorbet tempt us every time, but we’re always too full. Still, they give us a reason to return – as if we needed one. We’ve vowed to visit one evening and just have tea and dessert. We’re particularly curious about the rose ice cream – homemade, lightly floral, and topped with fruit? It sounds like the perfect finale to a PHET PHET feast.
PHET PHET has become more than a place to eat. It’s where Fatima and I meet, unwind, and share something we both love. In the sea of dining options, this little Thai haven has anchored itself in our routines and affections. It’s not flashy or grand, but it’s sincere, delicious, and full of heart. And that, for us, is more than enough reason to keep coming back. And come back we do – often debating if we should try something new, but always finding ourselves leaning into the comfort of our favorites. It’s a cycle of spice and satisfaction that we’re happily stuck in.
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Photographer Credit: Mohammed Ashkanani
Designer : Danah Abdal
