Explore Guides
Local food map
Ayutthaya (Thailand)
Hotels in area
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
400kcal
45gProtein
4gCarbs
22gFat
1gFibre
300 gServing
* Per serving · 300 g. May vary.
Allergens
🦐 Shellfish
Goong Pao
How to order / say it
Say it
กุ้งเผา — [goong PAO]
Order
I'd like the Grilled River Prawns.
Locally
ผม/ฉันขอกุ้งเผาครับ/ค่ะ
Say locally
Charcoal-grilled river prawns with spicy dipping sauce.
Why try it?
Goong Pao is integral to Ayutthaya's culinary identity, representing the region's abundant freshwater resources. It allows travelers to enjoy the freshest local seafood in a traditional style.
How it tastes
The prawns are juicy and succulent with a smoky flavor from the charcoal. The spicy seafood sauce complements them perfectly, adding a zesty tang.
Origin & History — first documented: 1870
This dish has been popular in Ayutthaya since the 1800s, when local fishermen began grilling fresh catches along the Chao Phraya River. Its unique taste has kept it an enduring favorite.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🦐 400 g river prawns
- 🌿 20 g lemongrass
- 🧂 10 g chili peppers
- 🥣 30 ml fish sauce
- 🍋 1 piece lime
Method
- 1 Marinate prawns with lemongrass and fish sauce.
- 2 Grill prawns over charcoal until cooked.
- 3 Serve with dipping sauce made from chili and lime.
More from Ayutthaya
© Wikimedia Commons
Dessert
Vegan
Roti Sai Mai
โรตีสายไหม
roh-TEE sai MAI
Fluffy spun sugar wrapped in a thin crepe-like roti.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Boat Noodles
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ
Gwoy-tee-ow Ruea
Noodles served in a flavorful pork broth with herbs.
© Wikimedia Commons
Street food
Meat
Moo Ping
หมูปิ้ง
Grilled pork skewers marinated in a sweet soy sauce
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Prawn in Tamarind Sauce
กุ้งราดซอสมะขาม
goong raad saawt ma-kham
Prawn dish with sweet and sour tamarind sauce.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Pad Kra Pao
ผัดกะเพรา
pad ga-prao
A highly flavorful stir-fry dish made with holy basil and meat.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Panang Curry
แกงพะแนง
Kaeng Pa-Naeng
A thick, mild Thai curry with peanuts and a creamy coconut sauce.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Massaman Curry
แกงมัสมั่น
Mass-a-man
A rich and mild Thai curry incorporating spices like cardamom and cinnamon
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Fish & Seafood
Gaeng Som Pla
แกงส้มปลา
Gang Som Pla
A sour and spicy fish soup with vegetables.
© Wikimedia Commons
Main course
Meat
Kua Kling
คั่วกลิ้ง
kua-gling
Dry curry made with minced meats and aromatic southern spices.
🥩
Main course
Meat
Curry Rice
ข้าวแกงปักษ์ใต้
kaow gaeng pak-TAI
Southern Thai-style curry served with rice.