2 Late-Night Boiled Rice Shops in Ayutthaya. For many of you, when traveling to different provinces, you might find it hard to sleep at night. Your heart starts calling, wanting to go out for a drink and soak in the nightlife. "Sookjai Weekend" understands this very well. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya has plenty of chill spots to hang out, just like any other province in Thailand.
Martial Arts Boiled Rice (Khao Tom Kamlang Phainai)
After leaving a pub, bar, or chill spot, some might feel a bit peckish because they drank more than they ate. Before heading to bed, you need to find a late-night boiled rice shop to fill up. If you prefer a cool, air-conditioned shop, come right here. It feels like an inn for martial artists of the "Yuthaphop" on a crescent moon night. The name says it all: "Khao Tom Kamlang Phainai" (Martial Arts Boiled Rice). It's located around Naresuan Road. This street is perfect as a home base for tourists because it has everything—7-Eleven, cafes, boiled rice shops, and affordable but high-grade accommodations—all within walking distance of major attractions.
The shop has a Chinese vibe that matches its name. I tried ordering my favorite (but rarely eaten) dish, Clear Soup with Tofu, Minced Pork, and Seaweed, to warm up my stomach. After that, I dove into a large bowl of Noodles in Gravy with Marinated Pork (Rad Na). Their marinated pork is truly excellent.
Followed by Deep-Fried Pork Larb (Wait, a boiled rice shop has fried larb too?). This dish is delicious—perfectly sour with just the right amount of spice and a great aroma of toasted rice. It's served with dried chilies to munch on for those who love a real spicy kick.
Ton Or Boiled Rice to Order (Ton Or Khao Tom Tam Sang)
For those who aren't fans of air-conditioning and prefer a classic, street-side boiled rice experience for that authentic "street food" atmosphere, head over to the Kinnaree Circle area. On the Soi Chikun side, there is a late-night food market featuring "Ton Or Boiled Rice to Order." This shop is open until midnight and offers a very friendly, local vibe.
Stir-Fried Kale with Crispy Pork (Kana Moo Krob). It's cooked with a very thick, savory sauce that is incredibly satisfying when poured over hot boiled rice. I've never seen such a thick stir-fry; I suspect they might have accidentally poured half a bottle of oyster sauce in there! The taste is well-balanced, but if you like it extra zesty, just let the cook know.
And then came the Salted Egg Salad (Yum Kai Kem)—you really can't go wrong with the classics. It's served with my favorite pickled ginger. The dressing has a wonderful aroma of pickled garlic that I love, which blends perfectly with the scent of the ginger. This dish is a true signature of the shop. If I were a Michelin Guide inspector, I'd give it ten stars plus!
All of these are reliable spots for a late-night meal. Whether you're coming back from a night out or just happen to get hungry at 1 AM, you can come out, enjoy the night breeze, and have a great meal without wasting any travel time.
