The ancient city of Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, has a rich history that includes a diverse culinary heritage. Established around 1350, Ayutthaya became a hub for international trade where foreign traders from Europe, China, India, and Persia brought with them not just goods, but also their culinary influences. This amalgamation of flavors contributed to the complex and unique Thai cuisine we know today.
Ayutthaya's geographical location surrounded by rivers facilitated the transportation of goods and ingredients, making it a melting pot of flavors. The city's wealth and prosperity played a significant role in its culinary refinement, as royal cooks developed sophisticated dishes with intricate flavors for the Siamese royal court. Over time, these dishes filtered down to the common people and became part of Thai culinary culture.