This house believes Singapore is a country of soup and barbecue lovers. Just look at the vast number of steamboat joints, Korean barbecue spots, and that old-school stalwart Seoul Garden. It’s no surprise then, that mookata, a Thai amalgamation of Korean barbecue and Chinese hotpot, has found tons of fans here.
Originating from Thailand, the term ‘mookata’ is actually ‘mu kratha’, with “mu” meaning pig or pork and “kratha” referring to a skillet or pan. The pan in question typically comes with a dome top surrounded by a trench for the soup. It all sounds pretty average until you see the cooking in action. Scores of meat and seafood plaster the top of that dome (stuck down by a generous layer of pork lard), bubbling and sizzling away as fat and umami goodness drip down into the moat to create some delicious, delicious soup.
Stomach rumbling and mouth watering yet? Perfect, then you’re ready to embrace these mookata must-tries. Be warned, though, fancy clothes not advised here because the smells will linger.
Cr: 1_345 Secrets
1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste
With their location in the spacious food court at The Elitist building coupled with their late opening hours, 1_345 Secrets ensures a table for those late-night owls. Their menus are pretty straightforward, no fancy twists here, but their classics, deep soup pit, and MSG-less stock are popular enough to warrant a new outlet at Seng Kang Square, cheekily named 12_45 Secrets of Thai Taste. Why the blank? Here’s a hint: future number of outlets.
Find it at 25 Bukit Batok Crescent, The Elitist, Singapore 658066
Click here for more information on 1_345 Secrets of Thai Taste.
Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ
If you’re serious about chowing down in fine clothes, here’s a restaurant that’s decided to add a dedicated exhaust system to combat that smell problem. One of the pioneers of Mookata in Singapore, Mookata Traditional Thai BBQ now has 3 branches in Bugis, Katong, and Yishun to cater to their growing crowd of fans. They have a great selection of meats including streaky bacon and pork collar, 3 levels of spice, and change up their menus on occasion to keep diners coming back for more.
Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Cr: SethLui.com
Mookalicious
Being one of the few mookata locations in Bukit Timah doesn’t mean that Mookalicious slacks on the competition! With MSG-free soup and one of the freshest prawns and fish slices in town, it’s no wonder that there’s always a crowd.
Find it at Chicken House, 17 Lorong Kilat, Singapore (598139)
Click here for more information on Mookalicious.
Cr: Tom Yum Kungfu
Tom Yum Kungfu
We love that this mookata spot fire their pans with actual charcoal. Besides the clear and light broth which is better for those avoiding too much rich foods, their offerings also include uncommon protein options like venison and a homemade fish paste. Personally, we like to pair our bubbling soups with yummy Thai dishes off their a la carte menu.
Find it at 56 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore (555952) or 16 Circular Rd, Singapore (049372)
Click here for more information on Tom Yum Kungfu.
Cr: Ladyboy
Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese
We’ve had traditional mookata, we’ve had kungfu mookata, now here’s something a little (or a lot) cheesier. Besides your usual soup selections, Ladyboy Moo-ka-Cheese turns the typical mookata on its head by offering you a choice of decadent cheese dips with names as cheeky as the restaurant moniker. Try Ladyboy Cheese and Golden Salted Egg Cheese for starters, but if you’re looking to sample every type they have, prepare to stay past midnight for sure.
Find it at 644 Geylang Lorong 40, Singapore (389574)
Book a table at Ladyboy Moo-ka-cheese and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Siam Square Mookata
Here’s another old hand at this hotpot delicacy, Siam Square Mookata. This chain restaurant has grown greatly since the first outlet at Siam Square and bears the coveted title as one of the largest, if not the largest, mookata chains in Singapore, with a whopping 9 outlets in total. In keeping with its tradition, it has maintained a no-frills style and continues to wow fans with a secret chilli sauce recipe (practically magic words to a Singaporean).
Book a table at these outlets and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
- Siam Square Mookata (Ang Mo Kio)
- Siam Square Mookata (Boon Lay)
- Siam Square Mookata (Bukit Batok)
- Siam Square Mookata (Clementi)
- Siam Square Mookata (Golden Mile Tower)
- Siam Square Mookata (Havelock Road)
- Siam Square Mookata (Jurong East)
- Siam Square Mookata (Punggol)
- Siam Square Mookata (Woodlands)
Cr: Huay Kwang Thai
Huay Kwang Thai Mookata
Sure, service here isn’t Michelin-level but with an affordable buffet that leaves your wallet feeling comfortable, does it really matter? With fresh seafood and a good selection of meats, Huay Kwang Thai is popular and gaining fans every day. Open until 2am, this place is perfect for supper seekers.
Find it at 244R Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 574369
Click here for more information on Huay Kwang Thai.
Cr: Happy Mookata
Happy Mookata
Golden Mile Tower is a haven of Thai delights and mookata is no exception. For your standard, no-frills mookata buffet paired with some of the most affordable prices in Singapore, Happy Mookata is great. Drinks are not included in the buffet, but they’re not expensive either, plus the Thai Milk Tea here is of the less sweet variety, perfect for avoiding an early death. The seafood is frozen, so depending on your luck you could get fresh ones or not so fresh ones, but the meats are usually dependable.
Find it at Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road #01-55D, Singapore 199589
Click here for more information on Happy Mookata.