50 baht all-you-can-eat Thai cai fan buffet for your next Bangkok trip?

On your annual Bangkok trips, do you stick to familiar eateries but secretly crave new culinary experiences? Well, I recommend you visit this humble eatery with a big heart called Uncle Sert – Auntie Urai Curry and Rice Buffet along 702/1 Nikhom Makkasan Road in Bangkok.

Don’t expect air conditioning and comfortable seats, just a large shed with plastic stools and long tables. For just 50 baht (around S$1.97), customers can help themselves to unlimited servings, spanning over 10 kinds of dishes and curries, rice, soup, and even dessert.

This is a popular spot for taxi drivers and budget-conscious diners looking for an affordable meal.

68-year old Prasert Tanungchareonsuk (known as Uncle Sert) has been running this curry and rice buffet spot since 2008. His wife, Auntie Urai, drew inspiration from this eatery in the Don Mueang area. Initially, Uncle Sert wasn’t keen in his wife’s idea as they wouldn’t be making any profit.

Despite her husband’s reluctance, Auntie Urai still went ahead to open the stall (you go, girl!), roping in a relative to help her out. After making 700 baht in earnings on the first day, Uncle Sert had a change of heart and left his job to help her out.

The couple initially charged 30 baht per person, later gradually increasing the price to 50 baht. Uncle Sert has no intention on increasing the price as his main objective is to help the low income community. To cope with rising costs of ingredients, Uncle Sert makes adjustments to source for cheaper products from the market vendors.

He sells over 300 orders, on a daily basis, roughly making around S$590. After covering employee salaries and ingredient costs, Uncle Sert’s daily profit is minimal. To support the underprivileged, he doesn’t mind it at all.

Unfortunately, Auntie Urai was diagnosed with dementia during the COVID-19 period and no longer does the cooking.

Upon arrival, simply scoop your rice, pay at the counter, and grab your cutlery. Uncle Sert encourages diners to eat their fill, regardless of the amount of food taken.

After that, you can help yourself to the array of dishes which includes options like Green Curry, Bamboo Shoot Chicken Curry, Spicy Pork Salad, just to name a few. Dishes are cooked on the spot and replenished once they run out.

On your next Bangkok trip, why not visit Uncle Sert – Auntie Urai Curry and Rice Buffet and tip them a little more to show your support?

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