Busaba Ayutthaya Hotel

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 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.

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.

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.

The restaurant's vibrant colours stand out from afar. In the backyard, a banyan tree provides pleasant shade. The menu features straightforward and unpretentious seafood, pork and chicken dishes. Expect large servings of seafood that make the mouth water at wallet-friendly prices. We recommend trying their rat na noodles. Closing times may vary, so it's best to arrive early.

The owner hails from Nakhon Sri Thammarat and has been serving quality southern Thai cuisine in the ancient capital for over 25 years. Despite its simple décor, the restaurant with its high vaulted ceilings, shady garden and lack of walls is well worth visiting. The southern Thai sour curry with fish is a family recipe and a must-try, while the fried prawns are glazed in a delectably sticky tamarind sauce. Keep an eye out for the daily specials on the white board.