What are the best buffets in Chiang Mai?

It depends on the type. For shabu (hotpot), Wow Shabu, Im Mee Shabu, and Shabu Thep are popular; for Korean BBQ, KOBQ and Sugoi BBQ; for hotpot, Shaun Hotpot and Chinda Hotpot; for dim sum, Tim Sum Buffet; and for suki, Suki Hang. Chiang Mai is full of all-you-can-eat options across these styles, most at very reasonable fixed prices. Choose by the style of buffet you want.

What is shabu and mookata in Chiang Mai?

Shabu is a Thai-Japanese hotpot where you cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a simmering broth at your table; mookata is Thai-style barbecue where you grill meat on a domed hotplate with a moat of broth around it for vegetables. Both are usually all-you-can-eat for a fixed price, social, interactive, and great value. They are among the most popular ways to eat out with friends in Chiang Mai.

How much do buffets cost in Chiang Mai?

Most all-you-can-eat buffets run roughly 200 to 500 baht per person, with budget shabu and mookata at the lower end and premium Korean BBQ or buffets with better cuts higher. Hotel and international buffets cost more (500 to 1,500 baht). For the price of a single Western main, you can eat unlimited grilled meat and hotpot at a Thai buffet. It is some of the best-value eating in the city for big appetites.

Where is the best Korean BBQ in Chiang Mai?

KOBQ Korean BBQ, Sugoi BBQ, and Kogi Korea BBQ are among the popular Korean barbecue spots, where you grill marinated meats at the table, often all-you-can-eat with banchan side dishes. Korean BBQ has a strong following in Chiang Mai, reflecting the popularity of Korean food. Expect tabletop grills, marinated beef and pork, and a social, hands-on meal. Buffet deals make it good value.

Are there vegetarian options at Chiang Mai buffets?

Shabu and hotpot buffets are vegetarian-friendly, since you choose what to cook in the broth, with plenty of vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and noodles available (ask for a vegetarian broth). Grill buffets are trickier for vegetarians but usually have vegetables and tofu. For dedicated plant-based dining, see our vegetarian and vegan guide. At a shabu buffet, a vegetarian can eat very well by sticking to the vegetable and tofu sides.

What is suki in Chiang Mai?

Suki (or sukiyaki, though different from the Japanese dish) is a Thai hotpot style where you cook meat, seafood, vegetables, and glass noodles in a broth, served with a distinctive sweet-spicy suki dipping sauce. Suki Hang and other suki restaurants are popular and often offer all-you-can-eat. It is a comforting, social, and affordable meal, a Thai take on hotpot that locals love. Try it for a different buffet experience.

Do I need to book a buffet in Chiang Mai?

For popular shabu, Korean BBQ, and hotpot buffets, especially on weekend evenings, booking or arriving early is wise, as they fill with groups. Many are walk-in and turn tables quickly, but the best-rated spots get busy. Larger groups should call ahead. Hotel and international buffets, particularly weekend brunches, often require reservations. For a casual weekday buffet, walking in is usually fine.

Are buffets good value in Chiang Mai?

Excellent value, which is why they are so popular. For a fixed 200 to 500 baht, you get unlimited grilled meat, hotpot, or barbecue, a full and social meal for the price of a single Western dish. They are ideal for groups, big appetites, and a fun night out. The main caution is pacing yourself and not over-ordering, since some charge for excessive waste. Otherwise, buffets are one of the best-value ways to eat in the city.

The Best Buffets in Chiang Mai (2026): Shabu, Korean BBQ & Hotpot

All-you-can-eat shabu and mookata, Korean BBQ, hotpot, dim sum, and steak buffets: Chiang Mai is a buffet city, and most cost less than a Western main. The best buffets in town, by type, with what to expect and what they cost.

Chiang Mai loves a buffet. All-you-can-eat shabu and mookata, sizzling Korean BBQ, bubbling hotpot, dim sum, and even steak buffets are everywhere, and most cost less than a single Western main. They are social, interactive, and superb value, the default way groups eat out here. This guide covers the best, by type, with what to expect and what they cost.

For the wider food scene, see our food guide hub and the best restaurants guide. For the local specialties, our northern Thai food guide.

Shabu and hotpot

Cook thin-sliced meat and vegetables in a simmering broth at your table, usually all-you-can-eat:

Wow Shabu: A popular, well-rated shabu buffet.
Im Mee Shabu: A favourite for value all-you-can-eat shabu.
Shabu Thep and Shabugu: Two more solid shabu spots.
Shaun Hotpot and Chinda Hotpot: Popular hotpot buffets for a bubbling, communal meal.

Korean BBQ

Grill marinated meats at the table with banchan sides:

KOBQ Korean BBQ: A popular Korean barbecue spot.
Sugoi BBQ and Dinky BBQ: Well-rated grill buffets.
Kogi Korea BBQ: Korean BBQ with a sashimi twist.

Suki

Suki Hang is a popular spot for Thai-style suki: hotpot with the distinctive sweet-spicy suki sauce, often all-you-can-eat. A comforting, social, affordable meal and a different take on the hotpot theme.

Dim sum and other buffets

Tim Sum Buffet: All-you-can-eat dim sum, great for a group brunch or lunch.
Steak Buffet Pa Mei: All-you-can-eat Thai-style steak (see our steaks guide).
Thai breakfast buffet: A popular morning buffet option.

The quick picks

For	Go to	Rough price
Shabu / hotpot	Wow Shabu, Shaun Hotpot	฿200 to ฿400
Korean BBQ	KOBQ, Sugoi BBQ	฿250 to ฿500
Suki	Suki Hang	฿200 to ฿400
Dim sum	Tim Sum Buffet	฿200 to ฿350
Steak buffet	Steak Buffet Pa Mei	฿200 to ฿400

Tips

Book or arrive early at popular spots on weekend evenings.
Pace yourself, and don't over-order; some buffets charge for excessive waste.
Vegetarians do well at shabu, choosing vegetables, tofu, and a veg broth.
Go with a group; buffets are most fun, and best value, shared.

For grill-your-own Japanese, see our Japanese food guide (yakiniku); for steak buffets, the steaks guide; and the food hub for everything else.

The best buffets in Chiang Mai (2026): shabu, Korean BBQ, hotpot and more