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A Swedish-owned steakhouse serving since 1993

943 viewsBy Willy Thuan · Living in Phuket since 1994

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Buffalo Steakhouse in Karon Beach is one of the oldest Western restaurants on Phuket’s west coast. The Swedish owner opened the first branch in Patong back in 1993, a year before I arrived on the island. I first walked in soon after landing in 1994, and have been coming back ever since. Over 30 years later, the steaks are still cooked the same way, and the quality has not dropped.

The Location

The Dino branch sits on Karon Road, the main street running through Karon Beach, just opposite the popular Dino Park Mini Golf. If you walk south from the beach, you will pass a row of restaurants and shops before spotting the large Buffalo sign above an open-air dining area. The trademark red roof is hard to miss. The restaurant faces the famous Dino Bar across the road, which is how the branch got its nickname.

Atmosphere

The setting is casual. Open-air seating at the front with the classic red-checkered tablecloths you would expect from a steakhouse. If it gets too warm, the back section has air conditioning, which regulars appreciate. Those who prefer the breeze can sit at the front, where there are no glass windows. The restaurant faces the main road through Karon. Good for people watching, but not exactly quiet. The interior has wooden tables and warm lighting. A large illuminated Buffalo logo hangs on the back wall.

About the Food

The restaurant specialises in Australian beef and Scandinavian dishes. The beef arrives vacuum-packed and chilled, not frozen. This makes a difference in texture and taste. You can order ribeye, sirloin, tenderloin, or even Wagyu that has been grain-fed for 500 days.

Their Plank Steak is a Swedish classic. A beef fillet served on a wooden board with piped duchess potatoes around the edge. It looks impressive, and the meat is cooked properly to your requested doneness. Another signature is the steak stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in bacon. The BBQ ribs come with fries, corn on the cob and coleslaw. Good portions.

What sets Buffalo apart from other steakhouses in the area is the Scandinavian side of the menu. Toast Skagen, Swedish meatballs with mashed potato and lingonberry, and Wiener Schnitzel attract the large Nordic tourist crowd that stays in Karon. The kitchen also does Thai food if someone in your group is not in the mood for meat.

They make their desserts in-house. The apple pie gets mentioned constantly, and it is worth ordering. Served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Buffalo Steakhouse works well for families, couples wanting a break from Thai food, or anyone craving a proper steak. It is not fancy, but after more than 30 years in business, they know what they are doing. The team is friendly, the owner is often around, and the prices remain fair for the quality of beef you get.

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