Pad Thai Kratong Thong by ama
Tucked along Thanon Maha Rat in Bangkok's historic Phra Nakhon district, this compact Thai eatery has built a loyal following among both locals and travellers drawn to its freshly prepared pad thai and classic dishes. Its location makes it a natural stop when exploring the area's temples and riverside landmarks, offering a genuine taste of everyday Bangkok dining without tourist-area pricing. The setting is open, casual, and unpretentious — the kind of no-frills environment that defines authentic Thai street food culture. Visitors should not expect air conditioning, but the trade-off is food that consistently earns praise: the pad thai arrives generously portioned and well-seasoned, while other dishes such as fried rice, tom yum soup, and Thai tea round out a focused, reliable menu. The kitchen works efficiently, and orders are often taken while guests wait in the queue, keeping things moving at a reasonable pace. Good to know: the restaurant opens daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, so it suits lunch visits or a mid-afternoon meal between sightseeing stops, but does not serve dinner. A queue is common during peak lunch hours, though the turnover is quick and the wait is generally manageable. Arriving in the mid-afternoon tends to mean a shorter wait. No reservations appear to be taken, so simply show up and join the line.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Pad Thai Kratong Thong by ama, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I visited Pad Thai Kratong Thong by Ama just before going to Wat Pho, and I absolutely don’t regret my choice! The food was incredible. The schrimp pad thai was flavorful and perfectly seasoned, and their mango sticky rice was simply delicious. Everything tasted fresh and carefully prepared. The service was also excellent. The man who welcomed us was extremely kind - he even showed me how to properly eat pad thai, which I really appreciated. The only small downside was the wait. We arrived around 12:30 PM and had to wait about 20 minutes. But honestly, it was definitely worth it. Once seated, the service was quick and efficient, and despite the restaurant being busy, we never felt rushed to leave, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I’m truly not disappointed and would have loved to go back again!
What an amazing little place. Popped in for some Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Omelette and Blue Rice. The food was out of this world. We had our order taken while we sat and waited for a table and within 5 minutes we were seated and our food had arrived. The staff showed me the best ways of tasting the dishes together and even gave us bowls and bags of ice to cool down in the heat. I can't express how awesome this place is. The prices were incredibly cheap too. If I'm lucky enough to return to Bangkok, I will come back to this place. Thanks to all the staff. You set the highest standard in Bangkok. Good luck for the future. Neil & Becky.
We came here for lunch. There was a line but it moved quick and they’re very efficient. Our order was taken while we were waiting so food came out fast. The pad Thai came with a ton of chicken. The green curry fried rice was amazing! It was something we didn’t really come across at other restaurants. Definitely recommend trying it! Drinks also great and refreshing!
Location Info
270 272 Thanon Maha Rat, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand+66 84 716 8185www.facebook.com/amaartandeat/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.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter