Whilst staying at iuDia in Ayutthaya, our guide told us there were very few ‘suitable’ restaurants within the historic Thai centre. Having tried the option of the next door hotel, he booked a table for us at the “Kantary Hotel”:https://kantaryhotelayutthaya.besthotelforyou.com/ and arranged for Mr. Tuhoy’s to take us there and back in his tuk tuk at a discounted rate.
Off we set through the city walls and out of Ayutthaya. It was a slightly disconcerting ride back in the relative openness of a tuk tuk, when travelling on a 4 lane motorway with cars and motor bikes weaving all around us.
On arrival, our hearts sank on entering what was a large restaurant where a group of around 20 Americans were already seated.
For some unknown reason there were two menus and some dishes were duplicated, and others weren’t.
We opted for a couple of G&T whilst working our way through both menus which had a selection of Thai and the western food we really wanted after nearly 2 weeks of non-stop local fare. On the western menu were steaks, chops and sausages etc. as well as a range of pasta and pizza.
We ordered an appetizer of garlic bread to share and were pleased when it arrived as an appetizer, and not with the main dishes as had been the case in most restaurants to date. The half litre of house white was a passable chardonnay and arrived with the mains.
We chose a pork chop with mushroom sauce (which was served separately), mashed potato and salad along with lasagne. Both dishes were fine, and although they were not exceptional they made a welcome change from Thai. I had spied an ice cream cabinet in the reception area of the hotel and went out ‘simply to have a look’. However, the choice was so good, it was hard to choose between my very favourite, mint chocolate chip or passion fruit or mango ice cream. I decided on the favourite which was brought into the restaurant.
The bill came to 1,600 Baht/£40, so not a cheap experience, but a good one. As well as the large group, the other customers appeared to be westerners staying at the hotel which also has serviced apartments.
On finishing Mr Tuhoy was there to greet us and after a couple of drinks, the journey back was a breeze.
