Phet / Mai Phet
Reviewed by the Samui Local Hub team ·
Pronunciation
pet / my-pet
Thai script
เผ็ด / ไม่เผ็ด
Meaning
Spicy / not spicy. 'Mai phet' is the phrase that saves sensitive palates; 'phet mak' = very spicy.
When to use it
Ordering food: say 'mai phet krap/ka' when you order if you cannot handle chilli. Southern Thai food is among Thailand's spiciest.
Summary
Phet means spicy; mai phet means not spicy. Warn the kitchen when ordering - 'spicy' in southern Thailand is serious.
Details
Phet means spicy; mai phet means not spicy. Warn the kitchen when ordering - 'spicy' in southern Thailand is serious.
Local tips
- Say 'mai phet' when ordering; Samui/southern food runs hot
Frequently asked questions
How do I say 'not spicy' in Thai?
'Mai phet' (ไม่เผ็ด), politely 'mai phet krap/ka'. 'Phet' (เผ็ด) alone means spicy; 'phet mak' means very spicy.
Sources
Plus local research.
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