Malakor Kitchen and Cafe ร้านมะละกอ
Tucked along Soi Chikun in the Tha Wa Su Kri area, this casual Thai kitchen has earned a loyal following among both locals and temple-hopping visitors looking for honest, satisfying food without the tourist markup. Its location near the ruins — with views of Wat Mahathat visible from the dining area — makes it a natural stop before or after a morning of sightseeing. The menu covers familiar Thai staples prepared with care: pad thai, pad see ew, green curry, laab, pineapple fried rice, and simple home-style dishes like pork with eggplant that lean on clean, full flavours rather than spectacle. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, with friendly staff and a pace that encourages lingering. Mango sticky rice rounds out the meal well for those after something sweet. The kitchen accepts credit cards for bills above a certain amount, though it is worth carrying some cash as a backup. Good to know: Malakor is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM and is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. The mid-afternoon lull between lunch and dinner is generally a quieter time to visit. The address on Soi Chikun is not on the main tourist strip, so having it saved on a map app or sharing it with a tuk-tuk driver before setting off will save time.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Malakor Kitchen and Cafe ร้านมะละกอ, round out your day in Ayutthaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Great little spot to grab a meal after visiting the ruins throughout the city. Very relaxing atmosphere. I really enjoyed the pork and eggplant dish that I got. So simple, yet full of flavor! There's a cute little cat that roams around the restaurant, too.
Stopped by this place before checking out the temples across the street. The food was great and reasonably priced. The workers were very pleasant as well. They accept credit card for checks totalling 500 baht or more.
Amazing food! Ate here twice. The pad thai, pad see ew and laab were all great. Mango sticky rice also good, pineapple rice also great!
Location Info
Soi Chikun, Tambon Tha Wa Su Kri, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand+66 91 779 6475www.facebook.com/papayayoda/Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Also Popular in Ayutthaya
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Worawihan
Restored Buddhist temple with stupas, plus a huge reclining Buddha & smaller seated ones in a row.
Wat Mahathat
Buddhist temple with ruins, colorful shrines & a famed Buddha head surrounded by tree roots.
Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan
Built by the river in 1324, this ornate temple complex features an enormous, gilded sitting Buddha.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Striking restored ruins of a 17th-century royal Buddhist temple in a picturesque, riverside setting.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: August – October (flooding risk)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
22°C – 38°C(72°F – 100°F)
Crowds
Peak: November – February
Getting there
Train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (~1.5 hrs, very cheap). Minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit (~1.5 hrs). Day trip by car from Bangkok is easy.
Getting around
- •Bicycle rental (best way to see ruins)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate half-day rate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Boat tours on the river