Best Buffet in Chiang Mai Under 300 Baht (Unsponsored)

Best Buffet in Chiang Mai Under 300 Baht (Unsponsored Review)

We have all been there. You just finished a session with some of Haze Buds’ finest Amnesia Haze or Gelato. The sun is setting over Doi Suthep, the air is cooling down, and suddenly, it hits you.

The Hunger.

Not just a little snack craving. We are talking about a primal, bottomless need for food. The kind of hunger where ordering one plate of Pad Thai just isn’t going to cut it. You need volume. You need variety. You need a buffet.

But Chiang Mai is tricky. There are the expensive hotel buffets by the river that cost 1,500 Baht (great for a date, bad for a Tuesday), and then there are the sketchy 99 Baht roadside spots that might leave you regretting your life choices the next morning.

You need the Goldilocks zone: Under 300 Baht, high quality, hygienic, and absolutely delicious.

At Haze Buds, we take our “munchies” seriously. We don’t just eat; we curate. We look for textures, flavors, and vibes that enhance the post-smoke experience. After extensive “research” (it was a tough job, but someone had to do it), we have compiled the definitive list of the best budget buffets in the city.

These reviews are 100% unsponsored. We pay full price, just like you.

1. Auf Der Au Garden: The German Meat Paradise (Considered the best buffet)

Location: 1, 3 Rat Uthit Road (Near the Gymkhana Club) Price: Lunch ~230-250 THB | Dinner ~280-300 THB (Check their Facebook for latest daily rates) The Vibe: A quiet garden party at your German uncle’s house.

If you have never experienced a German buffet in Thailand, you are missing out on one of the great joys of Chiang Mai. Auf Der Au is a legend in the expat community, but it flies under the radar for many tourists.

Why It Hits the Spot

When you are “enhanced,” your palate often craves savory, salty, and comforting flavors. German food is the king of comfort. Imagine walking into a lush, green garden. It’s quiet. There is no loud pop music, just the sound of clinking cutlery and birds.

The Food: This isn’t just hot dogs. This is culinary craftsmanship.

The Meat Station: We are talking about massive hunks of Roast Pork with crackling skin that shatters like glass when you bite into it. Homemade sausages that snap perfectly. Meatloaf (Leberkäse) that is tender and rich.
The Sides: Spätzle (German egg noodles) covered in gravy. Creamy mashed potatoes. Red cabbage braised until it’s sweet and tangy.
The “Health” Illusion: They have a massive salad bar. But let’s be real, you are here for the potato salad with bacon bits.

The Haze Buds Verdict: This place is perfect for the “Introvert High.” If you want to eat massive amounts of food in a peaceful, respectful environment without being rushed, this is it. The flavors are mild but deeply satisfying.

Pro Tip: Save room for dessert. Their homemade cakes and puddings are included in the price. The Vanilla Sauce is liquid gold.

2. Jae So Mookata: The Authentic Local Grill

Location: Several branches, but the one near the Super Highway is classic. Price: Approx. 199 – 239 THB (Drinks often extra, but still under 300 total) The Vibe: Smoky, loud, energetic, and unapologetically Thai.

If Auf Der Au is a polite garden party, Jae So is a rock concert. Mookata (Thai BBQ) is not just a meal; it is a sport. It involves a dome-shaped skillet over a bucket of charcoal. You grill meat on the dome and boil vegetables in the soup moat around the edge.

Why It Hits the Spot

This is for the “Active High.” If you are with a group of friends, laughing, talking, and feeling energetic, you need an activity. Mookata gives you something to do with your hands.

The Food: Jae So is famous for one thing: The Marinade. Many cheap buffets use low-quality meat and mask it with MSG. Jae So uses decent cuts of pork marinated in sesame oil, oyster sauce, and secret spices until the meat is incredibly tender.

The Sauce (Nam Jim): This is the dealbreaker. Jae So’s dipping sauce is legendary. It’s spicy, garlicky, and sour. When that spicy sauce hits your tongue, it wakes up every single nerve ending. It cuts through the “cotton mouth” instantly.
The Variety: It’s not just pork. You have liver, squid, jelly-fish, and a mountain of morning glory and glass noodles.

The Haze Buds Verdict: You will smell like smoke when you leave. Accept it. It’s part of the ritual. The combination of the heat from the charcoal, the cold drinks, and the savory meat creates a sensory overload that is absolutely euphoric.

Pro Tip: Don’t burn the pork! Appoint one friend as the “Grill Master” (preferably the one who smoked the Sativa, not the Indica).

3. Khanom Jeen Baan Jed Yod: The Noodle Heaven

Location: Near Jed Yod Temple Price: ~120 – 150 THB (Incredibly cheap) The Vibe: Fast, casual, and spicy.

We needed to include a lunch option that is so cheap it feels like stealing. Khanom Jeen is fresh rice noodles served with various curries. It is a Northern Thai staple.

Why It Hits the Spot

Sometimes, you don’t want to grill, and you don’t want heavy potatoes. You want Slurp. Rice noodles have a unique, slippery texture that is incredibly satisfying to eat.

The Food: You grab a plate of fresh white noodles. Then, you walk to a line of clay pots bubbling with different curries.

Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan): Sweet and spicy coconut milk.
Nam Ngiao: The Northern specialty. A spicy, tomato-based pork broth that tastes like a spicy bolognese.
Fish Curry (Nam Ya): Rich and herbal.
The Toppings Bar: This is the best part. An endless array of fresh/pickled vegetables, fried chilies, boiled eggs, and sprouts. You can customize your bowl to be a masterpiece of crunch and spice.

The Haze Buds Verdict: For ~120 Baht, you can eat until you can’t walk. The variety of curries allows you to take your taste buds on a journey from sweet to spicy to savory in one sitting. It’s fast, it’s local, and it leaves you plenty of budget left over for… other things.

The “All-You-Can-Eat” Strategy

Eating at a buffet while high requires a game plan. Do not go in blind.

Hydrate First: Drink a full glass of water before you start eating. It primes your stomach and helps with digestion.
The Lap: Do a “scouting lap” before you put anything on your plate. See all the options. Prioritize the high-value items (meats, special dishes) before filling up on rice or noodles.
Pace Yourself: Cannabis can sometimes suppress the “I’m full” signal from your brain. Eat slowly. Enjoy the textures. You have time.

Conclusion: Value is King

Chiang Mai is an amazing city because you don’t need to be rich to eat like a king. Whether you want the European comfort of Auf Der Au, the smoky thrill of Jae So, or the spicy rush of Khanom Jeen, there is a spot for you.

So, next time the munchies hit, don’t just settle for a 7-Eleven toastie. Grab your friends, count your coins, and head to one of these spots. Your stomach (and your wallet) will thank you.

See 3 more budget-friendly spots in our free magazine.