The best way to embrace our recent sweater weather is to indulge in a hot and hearty meal. Think steamboats, BBQs or better yet, both! OpenRice recently hosted a tasting session with our members at Charcoal Thai, a restaurant renowned for its Charcoal Mookata.

What is Mookata?

Best described as a cross between Korean BBQ and Chinese steamboat, Mookata originates from Thailand. Instead of oil, you put pork lard onto the skillet to grill the meat. The lard will then flow into the soup base surrounding the skillet, thus intensifying flavours.

At Charcoal Thai, the interior is spacious and well-lit. Each table comes installed with a buzzer that allows customers to call for waitstaff conveniently.

Most places serving Mookata in Singapore adopt the electric stove. However, at Charcoal Thai, diners have the choice of using the electric stove or the traditional charcoal stove. We recommend the latter as it gives the meat a slightly smokier taste. The crowd favourite, Thai Mookata BBQ Steamboat Set ($39.95 for 2 pax, pictured above), comes with meat, seafood, vegetables and three homemade dipping sauces. For those who prefer a light soup base, go for the Chicken Soup. For those who'd like more complex flavours, opt for the Tom Yum Soup base.

Charcoal Thai also serves the Beauty Collagen Set ($48.95, pictured). A whole chicken is stewed for hours and then cooled, resulting in a smooth and rich collagen pudding. The pudding will then melt to form a rich, thick broth.

Concocted using fermented beans, Hua Diao wine and other ingredients, the Thai Chicken Hotpot ($15.95/$19.95, pictured) reminds us of the Mala Hotpot. If you find it too spicy, quench the heat with a glass of refreshing Lemongrass Drink ($3.95) to end off your meal. Charcoal Thai, 23 Serangoon Central, Nex, #B1-30/31, Singapore 556083 Opening Hours Mon-Sun: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

Written by Jescelin Poh. All images are writer’s own except for second image. Second image belongs to OpenRice user mag.teoyong.