Ban Heng

This cosy shop bathed in natural light serves 50 to 70 types of authentic Thai desserts. They freshly squeeze coconut milk each morning for rich flavours and aromas. As well as the signature khanom mo kaeng (silky Thai custard), you can sample sweet sorghum, thua paep or piak pun.

On Ayutthaya-Ang Thong Road, near Wat Phanom Yong, the shredded chicken noodle soup needs no extra seasoning. The tom yum broth is perfectly balanced; chicken is tender, while slow-cooked chicken feet are an option. Available for breakfast and lunch only.

Here at this blue-roofed local favourite they prove there’s more to Ayutthaya than grilled river prawns. Ingredients are carefully selected from produce grown within the community and it uses fish from nearby rivers as the catch of the day. The herb-scented fish cakes are delectable, while stir-fried Chinese kale with deep fried salted fish is equally impressive. Portion sizes are generous, so check before ordering.

A popular lunch spot for over half a century, they sell a prolific 100kg of meatballs a day. The buoyant balls playfully float in the noodle soup and the condiments are homemade, including a spicy, sour chili vinegar sauce. Fresh-cooked or slow-cooked beef options are also available.

Mr. Liak, this eatery’s owner, started his business way back in 1961 – before moving to his current roadside location in 1977. He serves delicious beef noodle soup at wallet-friendly prices. Beef offal, braised beef, beef meatballs and stewed tendons are among the options available in the savoury broth – vermicelli, herbs and spices are also packed into this signature dish. Expect a wait during peak hours.

Auntie Porn has mastered pork noodle soup for over 50 years, initially on her boat at age 17, now on land. Her Tom Yum soup boasts expertly prepared noodles, rich broth, and toppings like minced pork, fish sausage, or BBQ pork, complemented by red shrimp and peanuts. She also offers tasty fish balls.

This simple eatery is set in the chef-owner's house. The mouthwatering Thai dishes are made from local ingredients and fresh seafood that’s hard to find in this province. This place offers good cooking and well-seasoned recipes with lovely herbal aromas and the natural umami of shrimps and crab meat. Don’t miss the yellow curry soup with lotus roots. It’s best to arrive early, as bookings are not accepted.