‘Mookata’ is a term derived from the Thai language which signifying ‘pork’ and ‘skillet’. Its roots trace back to Northern Thailand and there’s an interesting tale regarding the creation of its signature ‘dome-shaped hotpot’. As per a favorite version of the story, soldiers in Chiang Mai would grill meat using their helmets which led to the inception of the unique metal dome-shaped hotpot we see today.
Mookata is cherished for its blend of barbecue and steamboat elements that presenting the finest of both culinary methods. It’s a casual yet fun way to forge connections with loved ones while partaking in a shared mookata pot. We’ve managed to track down 10 spots for you to try them! Engaging in a mookata meal begins with greasing the metal skillet using the provided pork lard before grilling the meat. Here are the top 10 best Mookata in Penang.
What Are the Ingredients Commonly Found in a Mookata Dish?
Although Mookata traditionally features pork and prawns as the main ingredients in Thailand, the Mookata eateries in Penang provide a wider selection which including various poultry, red meat, and seafood options. You can expect to find a diverse range from hot dogs and luncheon meat to scallops, sea urchin balls and even slices of abalone!
What Is The Difference Between A Mookata And Steamboat?
A key distinction between Mookata and the typical Chinese BBQ Steamboat lies in the arrangement of the grill and soup. With Mookata, the grill occupies the central position while the soup encircles it!
10 Best Mookata in Penang 2025
1. Tem Xim Charcoal Mookata
Tem Xim Charcoal Mookata delivers on quick and excellent service to ensure the customers’ needs are always prioritized. The attentive staff member notably offers a selection of complimentary ice creams post-meal. While the food is satisfactory, the homemade dipping sauces ranging from spicy to sweet are also stand out. The set meal offers unlimited refills on certain items.
Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 93, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 016-463 2317
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TemXimCharcoalMookata/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temximcharcoalmookata/
2. the pink elephant THAI BBQ & STEAMBOAT (Karpal Singh Branch)
Pink Elephant stands as the preferred spot for exemplary service and delectable dishes. This eatery boasts a buffet-style offering that lets diners personally grill their selection of meats and veggies to their liking. The exceptional quality of the meats and seafood combined with the taste-packed vegetables are truly what sets this place apart.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: No 8,Ground Floor,Lebuh Sungai Pinang 5,Persiaran Karpal Singh 2 Georgetown, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 013-512 5688
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepinkelephantbbq/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinkelephantbbq_official/
3. Prik Ki Nu
The Thai restaurant “Prik Ki Nu” offers a value-for-money single person hotpot alongside other hotpot sets. Their Thai cuisine is highly recommended and they offer unlimited free ice cream. Their “Volcano Ribs” require pre-ordering and are a standout dish. They masterfully fuse Chinese and Thai styles that offering Chinese hotpot, dry pot, barbecue and Thai Mookata!
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: 29a, Jln Trengganu, Taman Kampar, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 012-410 8158
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/88prikkinu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prikkinu88/
4. Mookata NT
Mookata NT is celebrated for its scrumptious steamboat that making it a popular rendezvous point in the Nibong Tebal region. They impress with a wide array of fresh ingredients at affordable price. An endless refill policy for glass noodles and vegetables is an added bonus. The restaurant’s ambiance complements the Mookata dining experience further enhancing its reputation as a top-notch culinary destination.
Operating Hours:
6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Friday – Wednesday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang
Phone No: 016-511 2822
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054236270598
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mookatant/
5. Siamloh Mookata
Siamloh Mookata is celebrated for its welcoming and attentive personnel with their youthful proprietor earning special commendation. Their set menu designed for 2-3 diners boasts a trio of meats along with fish balls, meatballs and crab sticks. Guests can enjoy infinite refills of kangkung, cabbage and glass noodles. A selection of Thai beverages such as beer, milk tea and green tea in jumbo sizes is also available.
Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 4:00 am (Daily)
Address: No. 412-1-1, Jalan Bukit Dumbar Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 010-566 5753
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063549851498
6. Tao Kae Noi@ The One Bayan Baru
Tao Kae Noi@ The One Bayan Baru is an ideal spot for Thai Mookata that features speedy and friendly service and reasonable pricing. It’s recommended to try the clear soup rather than the tomyam as the sour and spicy sauce steals the show. Dip any of the food items into this sauce and it instantly transforms into a delicious treat.
Operating Hours:
5:00 pm – 12:00 am (Wednesday – Monday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 1-1-15 tingkat, Pesara Mahsuri 5, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 012-523 3652
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
7. Thaitanic BBQ & Steamboat
Thaitanic at Elit Avenue, Bayan Baru provides an all-you-can-eat Thai BBQ & steamboat buffet. From Moo Ping (Thai pork satay), scallops, abalone slices, bacon, sotong and smoked duck to minced pork, fish balls, otak-otak balls, vegetables, noodles and ice cream – the variety is immense. With a choice between flavorful tom yam soup and clear corn soup, it offers an indulgent dining experience.
Operating Hours:
4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Tuesday – Friday)
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 1-1-43A, Elit Avenue, Jln Mayang Pasir 3, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 017-918 7400
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaitanicbbq/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaitanicbbq/
8. The Alley House
With commendable staff particularly the accommodating boss, The Alley House guarantees a satisfying dining experience with its delightful and fresh food. The ambiance is ideal for dates or gatherings as it remains open till late. The recommendation goes to grilling the pork bellies which are uniquely seasoned with their own chili powder.
Operating Hours:
7:00 pm – 3:00 am (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 21, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 011-2834 1927
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thealleyhousepg/
9. The Top Siamloh Mookata
Enjoying a satisfying dinner with family and friends is a given at The Top Siamloh Mookata. The set menu offers a variety of ingredients that sufficient for 2-4 people and priced reasonably. Particularly noteworthy are the garlic pork belly and teriyaki pork. The open-air environment enhances the dining experience.
Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 6:00 am (Daily)
Address: 1, Komtar Parking Lot, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone No: 011-5855 0520
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Siamlohkomtar/
10. Bangkok Garden BBQ
Bangkok Garden BBQ offers a unique dining experience that relying on the sea breeze rather than air conditioning which making it an ideal evening destination. While the serving portions may not be extravagant, it serves well as a supper alternative to a full meal. The hotpot is lit with charcoal and the good view from the place adds to the overall experience.
Operating Hours: 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 7, Karpal Singh Dr, Georgetown, 11600 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 012-406 9688
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BangkokGardenBBQ/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
