Mu Kratha Heals Everything

My family has a long-standing tradition that’s been going strong for two decades: a Sunday family gathering. Even in food-loving Thailand, our commitment to hosting a weekly feast for 20 long years is something of a wonder. Last Sunday’s headcount was a whopping 15, a sizable gathering that rivals a New Year celebration! Feeding an army week after week is not always easy, and we host at a restaurant when we need a break from our kitchen. But for most meals hosted at home, we have one secret weapon in our arsenal: mu kratha.


Mu kratha is a way of cooking meat and vegetables on a domed pan. When it entered the Thai culinary scene 25-30 years ago and grew in popularity, it was often mislabeled as a “Korean-style barbeque” due to some presumed similarities. But mu kratha is deeply rooted in Thai culinary heritage, and people learned to differentiate between mu kratha and Korean barbeque and appreciate each for its distinct, authentic flavors. Today, from cozy eateries in small neighborhoods and scenic travel spots to upscale malls and food stalls on bustling streets, mu kratha restaurants are ubiquitous throughout Thailand. The rich flavors and cultural insights into local life that mu kratha offers make it a must-try experience for all visitors to the Land of Smiles.


In Thai, “mu” means pork and “kratha” means pan. Although pork slices can be swapped out for other meats like beef, seafood or bacon, the domed pan is a nonnegotiable part of the term. It’s an all-star player that grills all kinds of meat to perfection. And that’s not even the best part! Hearty soup nestled in the moat of the round pan serves up simmering delights such as fish balls, noodles, mushrooms and other veggies. The possibilities are endless. And “suki” sauce makes the flavor even better. Although the word comes from the Japanese dish sukiyaki, our sweet and spicy suki sauce leans more toward a Cantonese-style sauce. And the seafood sauce is an absolute necessity for seafood aficionados like myself.

With mu kratha, laughter and lively conversations take place over the tantalizing scent of sizzling meat. The dining experience becomes a celebration of community as well as individuality, which is why it’s such a favorite menu for our family get-togethers. You share good food and joy while customizing the sauce to your heart’s content. Trust me, in Thailand, mixing your own secret sauce or noodle soup just the way you like it is an art form we take quite seriously.

Thai people have a special place in our hearts and growling stomachs for mu kratha. This love runs so deep that we have a common saying: “mu kratha heals everything.” It’s the ultimate comfort food for the soul. When our family gets together, we’re not just having a meal. With every savory bite of mu kratha, we’re sharing a special moment in our lives and strengthening our bond.

Indonesian Translation: cultureflipper.com/blog/mu-kratha-menyembuhkan-segalanya