Richmond’s high-end Thai restaurant Baan Lao, sitting on the waterfront in Steveston Village, just made history. The 20-seater restaurant has become the first in Canada to earn the title of Best North American Restaurant in the World Culinary Awards, succeeding spots such as Yountville’s The French Laundry, New York’s Le Bernardin and San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn.
“I wanted to show people that Thai food is more than just street food and introduce them to the beauty of Royal Thai cuisine, which is an important part of our culture,” said Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng, who accepted the award in Montego Bay, Jamaica. “I am very grateful to our team and everyone who has supported us. This award encourages us to keep improving.”
For Chef Nutcha and her husband and co-owner, John Phanthoupheng, the win means much to their cuisine’s visibility.
“Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America,” he said. “To be named the best restaurant overall is immensely gratifying. We hope it brings greater appreciation for the depth and refinement of Thai cuisine.”
The award comes hot on the heels of Baan Lao’s most recent plans for expansion: the couple opened MaKaam at Vancouver’s new Time Out Market in Oakridge this year, while two new concepts are set to open next summer in Granville Island: Baan Baan, Thai Farmer’s Table and Bar, promises Isaan-style cuisine, serving up dishes such as charcoal-grilled seafood and spicy, fermented meats; while Le KaNom, a Thai desserts and caffe, will serve up gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets. The restaurant and the cafe will live side-by-side in Granville Island’s Chain and Forge building.
