The Krabi restaurant guide - October 2005

• Back to Flyer Restaurants (current issue)

This month, we visit some restaurants for those with big appetites

THERE are certain times - ask any foreign ex-pat here - when a small plate of rice and curry just won’t do. Whether you’re a naturally big eater, or all the fresh and salty sea air has whipped up your appetite, here we present three places where you can eat to your heart - and stomach’s - content.

All have an ‘all-you-can-eat’ element to them, and represent great value for money for what they offer - even more so if you skip lunch beforehand!

Bernie’s Place
For big eaters on a budget, this all-you-can eat buffet cannot be beaten. Admittedly, it’s far from gourmet fare, but it’s tasty and filling, with a good variety of dishes on offer.

There’s a nightly barbecue with grilled meats; potatoes in all shapes and forms - from baked, to sauteed with bacon, and french fries; various salads with a choice of dressings; pasta dishes; vegetables; Thai food and rice; and even dessert in the form of fresh fruit and unlimited ice-cream. All for the price of 190 Baht per person (100 Baht for vegetarians and 75 Baht for small children).

The dining room itself is quite dingy, but that does not stop the punters from coming in; the atmosphere can get quite lively and, as there’s a happy hour on drinks on either side of the main dinner rush, many people stay and make a night of it.

Bernie’s Place, Ao Nang Beach, opposite the police station. Open daily, buffet served from 6pm until around 10pm.

Carnivore
There’s nothing like a big hunk of red meat to satisfy a hungry stomach. Widely regarded as serving the best steak in Krabi, Carnivore also excels in its portion sizes.

A must for big eaters is the giant T-Bone steak, which weighs in at 400g of tender imported beef - in addition to the generous side dishes of potatoes and salad.

If the steak’s not your thing, try a platter of Carnivore’s ‘unlimited’ spare ribs. Like coffee in America, once you’re finished, they’ll simply top you up. You can fill your plate again and again with these tasty hunks of smoked pork until you are fit to burst - and all for a mere 395 Baht, including side dishes [update 30/06/06 - unfortunately no longer available].

Carnivore has both indoor seating - in a theatrically themed dining room, framed by lavish red curtains, as well as an outdoor area. As befits a good steakhouse, the wine list is impressive (for Thailand) and service is excellent.

Carnivore, Ao Nang, Klong Haeng Rd (opposite Thai Village Resort). Open daily from 4pm until around 10pm (no fixed last orders).

Mangosteen’s @ Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort
If you’re more of a morning eater (as nutritionists tell us we should be), then here’s the place for the most important meal of the day. To breakfast like a king, Mangosteen’s is the only option in Krabi.

At 620 Baht a head, the enormous buffet at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort in Klong Muang is not cheap, but it is excellent value as you’ll find the biggest range of breakfast items anywhere in the province.

There’s a fruit and juice bar, with different fresh juices daily; a mouthwatering bread and pastry section with fantastic muffins, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, banana cake and endless savoury buns and breadsticks; cold cuts and cheese with crackers; cereals; and cooked breakfast items including eggs, sausages, waffles and pancakes.

Asian guests are catered for with dim sum, noodles, fried rice and spicy omelettes. And of course there’s unlimited coffee and a whole range of teas. Just remember to starve yourself for two days first!

Mangosteen’s, in Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort in Klong Muang. Breakfast is served until 10.30am daily in an air-conditioned dining room.