Sukhothai is a small, relaxed province, and its food matches: simple bowls of noodles, market snacks and river fish rather than fine dining. The star is kuay tiew Sukhothai, a sweet-savoury noodle dish now copied all over Thailand, but the real thing tastes best in its home town, eaten at a roadside stall after a morning cycling among the ruins. This guide covers the dishes to try, the markets worth an evening and a few long-running noodle shops. For temples and routes, see our things to do in Sukhothai guide.
- Must-try dish: Sukhothai noodles (kuay tiew Sukhothai)
- Best for eating: New Sukhothai town, plus stalls outside the historical park
- Price level: Mostly budget; a bowl of noodles costs very little
- Michelin: Sukhothai is not covered by the MICHELIN Guide, so explore markets and local favourites
Dishes to try in Sukhothai
1. Kuay tiew Sukhothai (Sukhothai noodles)
Thin rice noodles topped with roasted and boiled pork, crispy pork rind, sliced green beans, ground peanuts and a little palm sugar, finished with lime and chilli. Order it dry (haeng) to taste the sweet-sour-salty balance, or with a clear pork broth (nam). It is a breakfast and lunch dish; most shops close by late afternoon.
2. Sukhothai-style pad thai
Local stir-fried noodles often come with pork rather than shrimp and a slightly different seasoning from the Bangkok version. Noodle shops that serve kuay tiew often have pad thai on the menu too.
3. Khao perb
A speciality around Si Satchanalai: soft steamed rice-flour sheets wrapped around noodles, vegetables and seasoning, then eaten with a light broth or dipping sauce. Look for it at stalls near the second historical park.
4. Khanom jeen
Fresh fermented rice noodles served with curries such as fish-based nam ya and a basket of raw vegetables and herbs. Morning markets are the best place to find several curries side by side.
5. Grilled and curried river fish
The Yom River runs through the province, and riverside restaurants serve snakehead and other freshwater fish grilled with salt, in spicy salads or in sour curries.
6. Northern-style curries and dips
Sukhothai sits where central and northern cooking meet, so you will find chilli dips with steamed vegetables, herby soups and grilled pork alongside central Thai stir-fries.
7. Thai sweets and fruit
Markets sell coconut-based sweets, sticky rice in banana leaf and seasonal fruit. In the cool season look out for local oranges and sweet tamarind from the wider region.
8. Iced coffee and tea at old-style cafés
Old coffee shops in New Sukhothai still brew strong Thai coffee with condensed milk, often served with toast or patongko (fried dough) for breakfast.
Markets and night food
- Night market, New Sukhothai: Evening stalls in the town centre sell grilled meats, noodles, desserts and fruit. A busy weekend market has been held on Nikorn Kasem Road; ask your hotel which nights it runs. Map
- Food stalls outside the historical park: A line of vendors near the central zone serves noodles, drinks and snacks until around sunset. Map
- Morning market, New Sukhothai: The place for khanom jeen, sweets and an authentic local breakfast. Map
Long-running noodle shops worth a visit
Two well-known Sukhothai noodle shops face each other on Charot Withi Thong Road, the main road between New Sukhothai and the historical park. Both are popular with Thai travellers and usually open from early morning until mid-afternoon.
- Jayhae: Perhaps the most famous name for kuay tiew Sukhothai, also known for its local pad thai. Map
- Ta Pui: A long-established shop that claims to be one of the original Sukhothai noodle vendors. Map
Opening hours and days off change, so check the latest reviews or call before you go.
Food at Sukhothai’s festivals
During Loy Krathong in November, the historical park fills with stalls selling grilled snacks, noodles, sweets and drinks, and some years feature a market styled on the old Sukhothai era. At Songkran in April, temples and communities often prepare food for merit-making. Combine your meals with the festival highlights in our Sukhothai travel guide, and read the Songkran etiquette guide before joining the water fights.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sukhothai famous for food-wise?
Kuay tiew Sukhothai, the sweet and tangy pork noodle dish with green beans and peanuts. Try it both dry and with broth.
Where should I eat near the historical park?
Stalls by the central zone and noodle shops on Charot Withi Thong Road are the most convenient. Most close in the afternoon, so eat lunch early.
Is street food in Sukhothai vegetarian-friendly?
Options are limited because many dishes use pork. Ask for jay (vegan) or mai sai mu (no pork), and look for vegetarian restaurants marked with a yellow flag.
Are there Michelin restaurants in Sukhothai?
No. The MICHELIN Guide does not currently cover Sukhothai, so local markets and family-run shops are the best way to eat well.
More food and travel guides
Cover photo: Sukhothai noodle ก๋วยเตี๋ยวสุโขทัย – img 02.jpg · Chainwit. · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
