Hello Hostel Ayutthaya

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.

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.

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.

This well-known restaurant, whose name means ‘raft at the old city of Ayutthaya’, started selling food on the river in 1966. It has since moved into a traditional Thai house, where diners can enjoy flavoursome Central Thai cuisine; local ingredients are used in dishes like their signature green curry with fish balls. The huge river prawns are charcoal-grilled by the restaurant’s entrance, creating a wonderful smoky aroma for everyone who visits. Sit on the terrace for a river view.

This shop beside a canal exudes charm, with its simple wooden shelves and tables. Highlights include the boat noodles in a well-balanced broth and the richly flavoured dry beef soup with tender slices and slow-cooked meat, lifted by roasted peanut aroma.