Amazing Ayutthaya Food in Thailand’s Ancient Kingdom

Many visit for the temples but locals know Ayutthaya food is reason enough to take a day trip from Bangkok.

Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital, is a must-visit destination for history lovers. Its UNESCO World Heritage ruins tell the story of a once-thriving kingdom, featuring iconic temples, Buddha statues and river views.

But Ayutthaya isn’t just about history. The city is home to a thriving food scene, offering traditional Thai dishes that reflect its rich culinary heritage.

Local flavors and centuries-old recipes combine to create dishes you won’t find elsewhere.

Whether it’s a steaming bowl of boat noodles or a sweet roti sai mai, Ayutthaya’s food is as unforgettable as its historic sights.

Ayutthaya Food

Here are 10 traditional Thai foods to try in Ayutthaya and where to find them:

Steamed Dumplings | ขนมจีบ

Steamed dumplings are a popular snack in Ayutthaya, featuring juicy pork or shrimp wrapped in thin, translucent dough. These bite-sized treats are steamed to perfection, with a soft yet firm texture.

A Liang’s version is particularly loved for its delicate balance of savory pork and the tangy dipping sauce made from soy, vinegar, and chili.

Recommendation: Visit A Liang Dumplings at 45/1 Naresuan Rd, Ayutthaya.

Boat Noodles | ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ

Ayutthaya is known for boat noodles, a dish with roots in canal-side cooking. These small bowls are filled with rice noodles, pork or beef, and a deeply flavored broth made with herbs and a touch of blood.

Boat noodles, or guay teow reua (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ), get their name because they were traditionally sold by vendors from small boats along canals and rivers in Thailand. This method of selling food was especially common in Ayutthaya, where waterways were a primary mode of transport and commerce.

The bowls are typically small, so customers could eat quickly and avoid spills on the rocking boats. The rich, flavorful broth includes spices, herbs, and often a small amount of pig or cow blood, which enhances the taste and gives it a slightly thick texture.

   

Today, boat noodles are often served in restaurants, but they retain their original small portions and intense flavors, paying homage to their canal-side origins.

Pa Lek is the most famous spot for authentic boat noodles, offering a variety of toppings and the traditional small-portion servings that make it easy to try multiple bowls.

Recommendation: Head to Pa Lek Boat Noodles at 81/20 Khlong Makham Riang Rd, Ayutthaya.

Beef Noodles | ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ

Beef noodles are a hearty dish with tender beef slices, fragrant broth, and rice noodles. The broth is spiced with cinnamon and star anise, creating a warm, comforting flavor.

Nai Liak is a Michelin “selected” restaurant but still remains a local spot renowned for its perfectly cooked beef and well-balanced soup.

Recommendation: Stop by Nai Liak Beef Noodles at 29/1 Uthong Rd, Ayutthaya.

Grilled River Prawns | กุ้งแม่น้ำเผา

Ayutthaya’s grilled river prawns are a local specialty. These large, sweet prawns are cooked over charcoal, which adds a smoky depth to their natural flavor.

The prawns are served with a spicy seafood dipping sauce, and their creamy head fat is a sought-after delicacy. Rimsaun offers a scenic riverside dining experience to complement this dish and sweetens dishes with Thai fruits such as tamarind.

Recommendation: Try grilled river prawns in tamarind sauce at Rimsaun, located at 15/3 Uthong Rd, Ayutthaya.

   

Roti Sai Mai | โรตีสายไหม

Roti sai mai is Ayutthaya’s most iconic dessert. Thin, fresh roti wraps are filled with colorful, fluffy sugar threads made from spun sugar.

This dessert originated from Ayutthaya’s Muslim community and is still made using traditional techniques. You can find vendors all over the city making them.

Recommendation: Grab roti sai mai at Thin Roti Shop, 46/1 Moo 1, Ayutthaya.

Kai Yang | ไก่ย่าง

Kai yang, or grilled chicken, is marinated in garlic, cilantro, and white pepper before being grilled over charcoal. The slow cooking process creates crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.

Kampun Gai Yang is famous for its flavorful chicken, served with sticky rice and spicy dipping sauces for the perfect meal.

Recommendation: Visit Kampun Gai Yang at 96 Moo 6, Tambon Phai Ling, Ayutthaya.

   

Pla Plao | ปลาย่างเกลือ

Pla plao, or salt-crusted grilled fish, is cooked over open coals to lock in its natural juices. The salt crust ensures the fish remains moist and flavorful.

Served with herbs and a tangy dipping sauce, this dish highlights the region’s access to fresh river fish. River Grill Restaurant prepares this dish exceptionally well.

Recommendation: Order salt-crusted fish at River Grill Restaurant, 50 Pa Maphrao Rd, Ayutthaya.

Tod Mun Pla | ทอดมันปลา

Tod mun pla are Thai fish cakes made with fish paste, curry paste, and k lime leaves. These patties are deep-fried until golden, offering a chewy texture with bursts of herbal and spicy flavors.

Panthainorasingh Market is a great place to experience this traditional snack, made fresh to order.

Recommendation: Try fish cakes at Panthainorasingh Market, 19 Moo 3, Ayutthaya.

Khao Mok Gai | ข้าวหมกไก่

Khao mok gai, Ayutthaya’s chicken biryani, features tender chicken and fragrant yellow rice cooked with turmeric and aromatic spices.

This dish is hearty and satisfying, with roots in the Muslim community’s culinary traditions.

One of the best spots to enjoy this dish is at Bismillah Halal Restaurant, which serves it fresh with a side of spicy chili sauce.

Recommendation: Enjoy chicken biryani at Bismillah Halal Restaurant, 22/2 Uthong Rd, Ayutthaya.

Snakehead Fish Curry | แกงส้มปลาช่อน

Snakehead fish curry is a staple dish in Ayutthaya, featuring chunks of freshwater fish in a tangy, spicy tamarind-based broth. The curry is balanced with fresh herbs, turmeric, and seasonal vegetables, giving it a bold, aromatic flavor.

But if you don’t like curry you can always have it deep fried or grilled.

Snakehead fish looks like it has the head of a scaly snake. It is loved for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. It is a common local river fish in Ayutthaya.

Recommendation: Try snakehead fish curry at Khrua Nai Nang, 77 Moo 6, Tambon Khlong Suan Phlu, Ayutthaya.