Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

If you don't have time at Jay Fai or Thipsamai is closed, simply continue on to Mahachai Road and eat there instead. They serve authentic Thai cuisine from the old town, prepared with love and at prices like a cozy neighborhood restaurant, not a well-known establishment. Pad Krapow starts at just 59 baht.

The dishes that keep guests coming back for are the fried rice with green curry, the crab omelet, the cashew stir-fry with shrimp, the fried shrimp, and the spring rolls. Be sure to order the coconut ice cream if you can still stomach it. The staff kindly point out if a dish is particularly spicy before it's served—something I really appreciate. Complimentary banana chips, small side dishes, and hot water are often offered without being asked. The ambiance is quiet and unobtrusive, and the service is warm and attentive.

The kitchen is open daily from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm, thus offering the opportunity for a late breakfast, a proper dinner or a snack after a long afternoon near the temples.