Ayutthaya Food Guide: Traditional foods in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a historical city located in the Central Plains of Thailand. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was one of the most prosperous cities in Southeast Asia from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Today, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of tourists each year who come to explore its ancient temples, palaces, and ruins. As a Lonely Planet editor, I highly recommend trying the local food in Ayutthaya. The city offers a wide range of delicious dishes that showcase the traditional flavors of Thai cuisine. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Ayutthaya has something for every food lover. One of the must-try dishes in Ayutthaya is the famous Ayutthaya Boat Noodles. These small bowls of noodle soup are packed with flavor and usually come with a choice of beef or pork. They are often topped with delicious herbs and spices, giving them a unique and aromatic taste. The best place to try Ayutthaya Boat Noodles is at one of the local floating markets, where you can enjoy the dish while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Another popular dish in Ayutthaya is the Grilled River Prawns. As the city is located near the Chao Phraya River, it is known for its fresh and delectable seafood. The Grilled River Prawns are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs before being cooked over an open fire. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that will leave you craving for more. You can find this dish at many seafood restaurants in Ayutthaya, particularly along the riverside. To satisfy your sweet tooth, don't miss out on trying Khanom Buang. These crispy, bite-sized pancakes are filled with a sweet and creamy filling made from coconut cream and mung bean. They are often topped with shredded coconut before being served. Khanom Buang can be found at local markets and street food stalls in Ayutthaya, and they make for a delicious snack or dessert. Overall, Ayutthaya is a food lover's paradise with its wide variety of delectable dishes. Whether you're a fan of spicy Thai curries, flavorful noodles, or fresh seafood, you're sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds in this historical city.
What to eat in Ayutthaya, Thailand
This is a list of the must have dishes in Ayutthaya. Ranked on best food score.
Mango Sticky Rice
Mango Sticky Rice is a popular Thai dessert that is a must-try when visiting Ayutthaya, Thailand. This sweet and creamy dessert is made with glutinous rice, fresh mango slices, and coconut milk. The rice is cooked with coconut milk and sugar, giving it a rich and fragrant flavor. It is then served with ripe mango slices and a drizzle of sweet coconut sauce. The combination of the sweet mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Mango Sticky Rice is a refreshing and indulgent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
Gai Tod
Gai Tod, also known as Thai-style Fried Chicken, is a tasty and popular street food in Ayutthaya, Thailand. This dish features crispy deep-fried chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and fish sauce. The chicken is fried until golden brown and served with sweet chili sauce or a tangy dipping sauce. Gai Tod is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and packs a punch of savory and aromatic flavors. It is a delicious and satisfying snack or meal option for chicken lovers.
Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup that is famous for its bold and spicy flavors. This hot and sour soup is made with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both tangy and refreshing. Tom Yum Goong is a must-try dish for those who enjoy spicy and zesty flavors. The soup is usually served with steamed rice, providing a satisfying and filling meal.
Som Tum
Som Tum, also known as Green Papaya Salad, is a popular and refreshing dish in Ayutthaya, Thailand. This salad is made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a spicy dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, and palm sugar. The combination of the crunchy vegetables, tangy dressing, and spicy flavors creates a burst of freshness and heat in every bite. Som Tum is a healthy and vibrant dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold and zesty flavors.
Kanom Krok
Kanom Krok is a popular Thai dessert that is a must-try when visiting Ayutthaya, Thailand. These bite-sized coconut pancakes are made from a batter consisting of rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. The batter is cooked in a special pan with indentations, resulting in golden brown pancakes with a crispy outer layer and a soft and custard-like center. Kanom Krok is a sweet and indulgent treat that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The combination of the coconut, palm sugar, and rice flour creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most well-known Thai dishes and a popular street food in Ayutthaya, Thailand. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with rice noodles, tofu, shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and eggs. The dish is flavored with a tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar, giving it a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors. Pad Thai is typically served with lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.
