Hot on the heels of being named the best restaurant in North America at the World Culinary Awards, the team behind Baan Lao is preparing to launch two new concepts in Vancouver.
The first of these two restaurants is Baan Baan Thai Farmer’s Table and Bar, which will specialize in Isaan cuisine. Expect plenty of charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy, fermented flavours.
“Isaan food is Chef Nutcha’s favourite, and she grew up eating fermented sausages, charcoal-grilled chicken, dried meats, sticky rice and all those spicy, fermented flavours. With refrigeration not always available, people in the region traditionally preserved food through fermentation and sun-drying. But beyond that, eating Isaan-style means gathering with friends, drinking, sharing food and having fun, which is exactly the feeling Chef Nutcha wants Baan Baan to have,” wrote the restaurant on Instagram.
The late-night gathering place will consist of a showpiece bar, private dining room, and expansive patio.
“The menu will offer both prix-fixe and à la carte options, with à la carte dishes starting at $20, so it feels accessible and casual while still premium,” added Baan Baan.
The second concept of the team is called Le KaNom Thai Desserts and Caffe, and is described as the daytime neighbour of Baan Baan.
Here, the team will be serving an assortment of gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets during the day.
Both concepts are expected to open their doors in Summer 2027 in Granville Island.
“Choosing Granville Island was intentional. As one of Vancouver’s most visited destinations, it brings people from many different places together, and for Chef Nutcha, that’s what food is about: culture and bringing people together. Baan Baan means a village or community, and she hopes to introduce more people to Isaan food in a more casual setting, closer to downtown Vancouver,” concluded the restaurant.
Baan Lao is a 20-seat Thai restaurant located in Richmond’s historic fishing village, Steveston, owned by Nutcha and John Phanthoupheng. It’s best known for its Royal Thai tasting menus alongside its white-glove service.
In addition to being named North America’s best restaurant (the first Canadian restaurant ever to hold the title), the restaurant has also been named Canada’s Best Restaurant for three consecutive years.
Recently, the couple also launched MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver, offering modern takes on casual Thai dishes.
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