The iKon Apartment

Transporting diners back in time, this nostalgic eatery overflows with vintage collectibles – navigate your way to your table past retro movie posters, trinkets and antique toys. The signature minced beef curry with fresh coconut milk proves a perfect complement to the crispy fried gourami fish. With over 20 years in business, Banmai Chay Nam draws crowds with its delicious food and scenic views of Khao Yai, especially during peak season.

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.

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.

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.

This third-generation family-run street food joint has been offering tasty boat noodles for over five decades. Try their pork or beef boat noodles for great value — it comes in a small bowl, so more than one may be needed to truly enjoy it.

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.

U-Khao, or ‘land of plenty’, has two dining areas smartly decorated in white and blue. The menu serves up the nostalgic flavours of the owner’s childhood, as it’s based on her mother’s Thai recipes. They use traditional cooking methods presented with a modern aesthetic. The stir-fried stinky vegetables with shrimp is worth trying for its unique flavor. The grilled shrimp relish with vegetables is also highly recommended for its spicy kick and smoky aroma.