
🧍♂️Traveller: I can’t get enough of Mookata! The first one was amazing.



🧍♀️Local Friend: Haha, told you! Wanna try a place where the locals go?



🧍♂️Traveller: Of course! But please—somewhere tasty and affordable!



🧍♀️Local Friend: No problem. I know a super lively spot — families love it, and it’s real Thai-style fun.
Good food, loud laughter, and smoky grills — this is where real Pattaya life happens.
🏠 Location & Basics
Phaa Nong Mookata Buffet (ป๋าหน่อง หมูกระทะบุฟเฟ่ต์) is one of the most beloved local Thai BBQ spots in Pattaya.
It’s a wide, roofed open-air restaurant filled with local families and groups of friends every night.
If you’re looking for a truly local Mookata experience — this is where you should go.
📍 Google Map
Phaa Nong Mookata Buffet (ป๋าหน่อง หมูกระทะบุฟเฟ่ต์):Chalerm Phrakiat 18, Pattaya City, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand
🕒 Opening hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💸 Price range: From 169 THB per person
💰 Atmosphere & Price System
The charm of Phaa Nong lies in its friendly pricing and lively local vibe.
Here, dinner feels more like a neighborhood gathering — smoky, cheerful, and full of flavor.
🧾 Family-Friendly Pricing
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | 169 THB per person |
| Children (under 90 cm) | Free |
| Children (91–130 cm) | 89 THB |


Extra options:
- Additional grill set: 59 THB
- Charcoal refill: 20 THB each time
It’s hard to find another buffet in Pattaya that combines value, taste, and atmosphere like this one.
🥩 Food & Highlights
🍖 Fresh and Balanced Ingredients
You’ll find a wide range of pork, beef, seafood, and vegetables — all fresh and neatly prepared.
The buffet layout makes it easy to build a balanced meal with meats, greens, and noodles.


🥗 Self-Service Som Tum Corner – A Must-Try!
One of Phaa Nong’s biggest highlights is the DIY Som Tum (Papaya Salad) Corner.
You can mix and match your own ingredients, adjusting the spiciness to your liking — just like a local!
This is a fun, unique experience for travelers who want to dive deeper into Thai food culture.
✨ My Experience at Phaa Nong
When I visited, the place was already buzzing with energy — laughter, sizzling sounds, and Thai pop music filling the air.
Most customers were locals, chatting happily while grilling their food.
I tried making my own Som Tum for the first time — it turned out surprisingly tasty!
Being able to control the flavor and heat made it even more enjoyable, especially with the juicy grilled pork.
And the dipping sauce here? Absolutely amazing.
Sweet, spicy, and tangy — it elevates the meat to another level.
🌆 Atmosphere at Night
At night, the restaurant glows under warm yellow lights and the air fills with the smell of charcoal.
It’s relaxed but vibrant — a truly local dining experience that captures the spirit of Pattaya.
Even if you don’t speak Thai, you’ll feel right at home among the locals.


✅ Summary – Why Phaa Nong Is Worth Visiting
Phaa Nong isn’t just a cheap buffet — it’s a local gem where you can enjoy authentic Thai BBQ, family vibes, and fun food experiences.
Recommended for:
- Families and groups seeking affordable, quality Thai BBQ
- Travelers who love local dining experiences
- Anyone curious to make their own Som Tum
⚠️ Notes:
- Leftover raw food will be charged at 30 THB per 100g.
- Bringing outside food or drinks is not allowed.
🍲 Explore More Pattaya Food Spots
If you liked this place, don’t miss:




On this map, you can find the locations of all three recommended Mookata spots in Pattaya, including the one we’ve just explored.
Use it to easily find the closest restaurant to your hotel or plan your next stop along your Pattaya travel route!
✍️ Editor’s Note
There’s something special about Phaa Nong — it’s not fancy, but it captures the real warmth and rhythm of Thai daily life.
Come hungry, bring friends, and get ready for smoky grills, spicy Som Tum, and big smiles.



