Baan Penny

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.

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.

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.

Situated in a pleasant, cool, and shady location, the riverside offers seating in small Thai pavilions and boasts views of a golden pagoda. The space is decorated in traditional Thai style, in keeping with the cuisine, which features intense local flavours. Try the sour soup with fresh chilli and squid, and the aromatic, flavoursome fried river fish in chu chi curry. Round off your meal with classic Thai desserts made with fresh coconut milk.

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.

Over 70 years have passed, but this renowned spot opposite Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital still serves the same perfect rotis with candy floss, made by the same family. Two flavours are available — the original is especially worth trying. As popular as ever, be prepared to queue.