Note: Discover the highlights of Saithong River Restaurant, where the ambiance and culinary delights come together to create an unforgettable dining experience.
During our 10-day family tour in Thailand, one of the planned itineraries included a visit to Ayutthaya to explore its stunning temples and royal palaces. A family friend, who is Thai, guided us to various tourist attractions. The tour commenced in the morning, and we began with the must-see attractions starting with the first temple, Wat Mahathat, followed by Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. We thoroughly enjoyed moving from one temple to another. we were all exhausted after a long day of walking It was nearly lunchtime when we completed our visit to the three temples, we find ourselves feeling quite hungry and we decided to look for a restaurant where we could dine. Our family friend then brought us to one of the most renowned restaurants in Ayutthaya. The Saithong River Restaurant is a well-known Thai establishment situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, famous for its riverside seating and large, fresh river prawns.
In Ayutthaya, Saithong River Restaurant presents a serene waterfront dining experience with options for both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Restaurant is set up around a massive banyan tree and often showcases local musicians playing both Thai and Western hits from Friday to Sunday nights. Known for its genuine Thai dishes, affordable prices, and stunning spot right on the Chao Phraya River, this floating eatery is a favorite among both locals and visitors.
The place offers outdoor seating by the river or a comfy air-conditioned dining room. You can pick what you prefer! While the indoor space is cozy, we opted for the beautiful riverfront seating since it’s much cooler outside. Dining open air is relaxing. What I usually notice here is the river, the water looks a bit murky and there are water lilies drifting on the surface.
As we awaited the arrival of our food orders, I found pleasure in the river view that overlooked the temple near our location, with ferry boats gliding by. It was a truly beautiful and relaxing sight to keep us entertained.
The finest offerings at Saithong River Restaurant
As tourists, we are thrilled to experience traditional Thai family-style cuisine.The waitress presented us with the menu, and naturally, we asked our Thai friend to suggest or recommend the best dishes at this restaurant. We also decided to order the popular specialty of the restaurant.For lunch, we enjoyed about five different courses.
Giant Grilled Ayutthaya River Prawns
We started with the Giant Grilled Ayutthaya River Prawns. Everyone was taken aback by the prawns which had extremely long claws and their bodies were cut open like a butterfly revealing the rich body fats inside.
Everyone was surprised by the prawns, they appeared to be grilled to perfection and looked incredibly fresh. It was very delicious!
Thai cuisine focuses on balancing spicy, sour, sweet, and salty flavors. The food came promptly and was served steaming hot.
Tom Yum Soup
We ordered a spicy and sour Thai soup! It was the first dish to arrive and it came to the table still covered and steaming hot. We wanted a milder dish, so we asked the staff at Saithong River Restaurant to adjust the spice level to match our preference for mild spiciness.
The soup was split into 5 bowls since there are five of us, one bowl for each person.
Ho Mok Thale
This dish is my top pick out of the five served. It’s a spicy, creamy Thai curry featuring a blend of seafood like shrimp, fish, and squid, all mixed with tender young coconut, and steamed right in the coconut shell.
Check out the seafood curry right here.
It looks like this and it was incredibly delicious.
Steamed River Fish topped with Ginger and Scallions
Absolutely delicious! Steamed river fish offers a delightful and naturally sweet flavor emphasizing the authentic taste of the seafood. One of the advantages of steamed fish is that it retains essential nutrients enhances its natural flavors and requires no added oil. This makes it a healthy option.
Crispy Pan Fried River Fish Fillet
An impressive meal showcasing a crispy, golden crust and juicy, tender meat on the inside. I love it!
Here on the table, you can see the three river prawns we ordered. They’re fresh and have a wonderfully delicate taste.
Saithong River Restaurant provided warm service and a delightful riverside ambiance resulting in an excellent dining experience. I will certainly make it a point to revisit Ayutthaya and dine at the same river restaurant when we return to Bangkok. I would be more than happy to come back here to enjoy their specialties again
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Saithong River Restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service that will leave you wanting to return.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
Goodnight Fellas