In a way, I don't want to share this find, as it is so wonderful and I don't want to see it corrupted! I stumbled upon this place, half hidden in a little alley next to Easy Rider Bar, in Kata. It is run by a fantastic cook (and seamstress!) and her daughter. The food is authentic homemade Thai, not like the rest of the tourist restaurants in Kata, which are horrible and overpriced.
"Momma" does all the work: cooking, serving and cleanup, and every dish is made to order. You help yourself to the ice, and pull out something to drink if desired.
I ate here as many times as I could during my stay in Kata, and if I return, it will be the only place I go. I met a fellow traveler from Britain who told me he's been coming here for years.
It's not easily seen, but well worth seeking out.