Nine kae restaurant

If you’re heading north for an Ayutthaya day trip, pencil in lunch at Nine Kae — a low-key local spot in Maha Rat where the kitchen turns out punchy, old-school central Thai cooking. It’s the kind of place Bangkok families detour for on weekends: big plates, bright flavors, and no fuss. Regulars come for the greatest hits done right. Think garlic‑fried frog that’s crisp at the edges and juicy inside, a bubbling hot‑plate of pork liver tossed with plenty of ginger, and spicy stir‑fries of river fish with wild peppercorns and basil. There’s usually a rich chu chee curry on the board and a sweet‑tart fried fish with tamarind sauce, plus crunchy kale salads with fresh shrimp when you want something lighter. Portions are made for sharing and the heat level isn’t shy — exactly how it should be. Prices are friendly for the quality — plan around 250–500 THB per person depending on how many dishes you order. It’s an easy add to an Ayutthaya temple run: arrive early for lunch if you’re here on a weekend, as tables fill fast with locals.