AK 阳台

The name of the restaurant encourages guests to ‘focus on eating’ at this quaint house with an open-air pavilion overlooking a serene pond. The chefs, veterans in the kitchen, prepare simple Thai dishes and make their own chilli paste from scratch. The regular pounding of the pestle in the mortar reverberates through nature’s own soundtrack. Try the stir-fried crispy fish with aromatic ginger and salted eggs.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

There's a real buzz about this perpetually busy shop that is worth the drive from Bangkok. The delicious chicken is tender and juicy, served simply with sauces that add a real kick. Opening times are limited as they often sell out within a few hours – a testament to the quality.