Mookata, Mu kratha, Moo Kata, Mukata, or Mokata—you've got this! It's seriously one of the coolest ways to dig into Thai food! This DIY dinner—basically a fusion of Korean barbecue and Chinese hot pot—is super popular because it’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience! Cooking your own meal invites conversations, brings people together, and cuts down on screen time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly with a fixed price for all-you-can-eat! It’s hands-down one of the best value meals you can enjoy in Thailand with your loved ones!
In Thai, “moo kata” literally means “pork pan”—but if pork isn’t your thing, no worries! This style of cooking is super flexible, letting you sizzle up your choice of meats like chicken, beef, or seafood. You can cook a mix of raw ingredients right at your table, including clams, mussels, crabs, mushrooms, fishballs, and more. The grill has a raised dome for meats and a surrounding area for veggies, noddles and soup. The meats are usually pre-marinated, and the broth is lightly flavored, so you just toss everything in and let it cook. Plus, you get a variety of dipping sauces, from sweet and spicy to garlicky.
There’s nothing better after a day of diving in Koh Tao than hanging out with friends at Mookata—chilling, chatting, laughing, and slowly cooking and eating. It’s always a fantastic night out. If you’re visiting Thailand, you definitely have to try Mookata. It’s cheap, delicious, and a blast!
Psst, if you want to experience the best Mookata in Koh Tao, you’ll love Buffets Seafood & Grilled! Located between Mae Haad and Chalok, this spot offers super fresh ingredients, a huge variety of options, an unbeatable vibe, and a lovely owner—who also happens to be our awesome Dive Office Front Desk Manager! You’ll definitely run into the Coral Grand Divers team there!
How to Enjoy Mookata
Step 1: Pick Your Favorites
Moo Kata offers a buffet of meats, seafood, veggies and more. Choose from chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, and other goodies. Enjoy as much as you can, but be mindful not to waste food!
Step 2: Soup First
Add your veggies and other ingredients to the broth first. They need a bit more time to cook in the soup.
Step 3: Grill the Meat
While the soup simmers, roast your chosen meats on the grill. Melt lard on the grill for better flavor and even cooking.
Step 4: Dip and Enjoy
When your food is cooked you can eat it as a soup, or off a plate, with the dipping sauces that are provided for a burst of flavor.
Yummy! Enjoy every bite!
