We sat and the caboose and it was so freakin cute in there and such a vibe. The tom yum was so lovely on a rainy night and the massaman curry flavor was so good I poured the rest of the rice into the sauce after all the chicken was gone! Def make a reservation for the caboose. For starters the pickled plate was pretty good, the cauliflower was the best part.
Overview
When you’re in the mood for a great meal in Portland, Phuket Cafe is a must-visit spot. Nestled at 1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210, this cozy eatery serves up authentic Thai flavors in a way that’ll have you coming back for more. Whether you're a local or just passing through, the atmosphere here is welcoming, the menu is diverse, and the food is always fresh and flavorful.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk into Phuket Cafe is the casual, yet inviting vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can relax after a busy day or celebrate a special occasion with friends and family. The décor is simple but charming, with touches that transport you to Thailand, making it the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable meal.
The menu at Phuket Cafe is packed with all the Thai classics you crave. From pad Thai and green curry to red curry and spicy basil stir fry, there’s something for everyone. The best part? The dishes are made to order, so they’re always fresh. For those who like their food with a bit of a kick, the level of spiciness can be adjusted to your liking-whether you’re a mild-mannered eater or someone who loves to bring the heat.
On a recent visit, I had the opportunity to try the Massaman curry, and it did not disappoint. The rich, creamy coconut sauce was perfectly balanced with the tender pieces of chicken and a subtle kick from the spices. Paired with a side of jasmine rice, it was the kind of comforting dish you’ll crave on cold, rainy days. I also tried their pad Thai, which had just the right amount of crunch from the peanuts and the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors.
For appetizers, the Thai spring rolls are a crowd favorite. They’re crispy, light, and filled with fresh veggies and herbs. Dipped in a tangy sweet chili sauce, they set the stage for the main course. If you’re looking for something a bit more filling to start with, the crispy fish cakes are another excellent choice.
Service at Phuket Cafe is friendly and attentive. The staff is always happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions you might have about the menu. They’re knowledgeable about the ingredients and preparation methods, which is always a good sign of quality. The restaurant doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal-you're able to enjoy your meal at your own pace, which adds to the overall positive experience.
The location at 1818 NW 23rd Pl is convenient and easy to find, making it a great spot for lunch breaks or dinner with friends. It’s also close to several other popular attractions, so it works as a great pit stop while exploring the area. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, Phuket Cafe has you covered.
Many reviews highlight the consistent quality of the food, with a few praising the Thai iced tea, which is the perfect complement to the spicier dishes. People also love how accommodating the restaurant is for different dietary needs, offering options like gluten-free and vegetarian dishes without compromising on taste.
What makes Phuket Cafe stand out in Portland is its authentic take on Thai cuisine. Unlike some other Thai spots that tend to adapt their dishes to suit American palates, this café stays true to traditional recipes. If you’re a fan of bold, fresh flavors, this is definitely a place to add to your list.
In a city known for its diverse food scene, Phuket Cafe holds its own by consistently delivering delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you can always expect a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. So next time you're in the area, don’t miss out on this hidden gem-you won’t regret it!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 362 reviews
Just around the way, stones throw to the 405 on-ramp sits the quaintest Thai joint named Phuket Cafe. The staff tude is a mildy spicy dry rub a la Vanderpump-ish but definitely the Portland edition. A simmering brew of young talent. A tasty feast accompanies the "show" - plump, fresh, a mad flavor palette. The drinks are off the chain. We sat at the semi-bar window rack, and I watched the mixologist single-handedly sling and swing and stir massively delicious cocktails. First sip, all the ingredients listed on the menu pass across the tongue (10). Fried chicken bites - the name of the dish escapes me, but the memory of the dipping sauce is forever. Pad Thai. Here's the thing. It's the gold standard - the one that erases other versions I've tried at comparably-priced Thai restaurants. At Phuket Cafe, you mix the ingredients together, contolling the spice count. Get it with fried egg. Palatable brilliance. Phuket's is a pick-your-own-adventure Pad Thai. Worth ordering for the table so everyone can try a curry or eat their way through all the small plates. We'll be back! Chicharrones - find out for yourself Update! Dinner last week was da
Visiting from out of town and so glad we stopped here! Sat outside with our pups and enjoyed the 55555 drink, Thai iced tea, Thai fried chicken, crispy potatoes & pad see ew. Delicious food, great service — we’ll definitely be back!
Loved Langbaan, so I had to try Phuket. It was everything I thought it would be and more. We ordered a little bit of everything: Crying Tiger - 10/10 perfection Moo-Ping - 8/10 was good Thai pickled veggies - 10/10 loved, want the receipt Mon Tod - 5/10, feels like it was mission something Pad See Ew - 10/10 best pad see ew I’ve ever had Pork Fried Rice - 9/10 really good And both of their desserts which was a toasted sesame banana ice cream and the rose panna cotta - not a big rose fan so I didn’t fully love it. I’d put this place on my top 5 must hits when going to Seattle.
This place nails it every time. Service is friendly and efficient. Cocktails are creative and delicious, as you’d expect from a Ninsom operation, his spots always have a great bar setup. Photo here of the prawn curry. Damn was that amazing! Also got the tom yum noodles which ruled.