A Metro Vancouver restaurant was just named the best in North America

Richmond’s Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine is no stranger to awards, and it has just added to the trophy case by being named North America’s Best Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards.

This distinction is especially significant as it is the first Canadian restaurant to win the title. Previous North American title holders have included French Laundry, Le Bernardin, and Atelier Crenn. Baan Lao was also named Canada’s Best Restaurant for the third consecutive year.

Braised Water Buffalo Shank and Massaman (Luis Valdizon)

“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 co-owner and 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.”

“Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America,” added co-owner John Phanthoupheng. “To be named the best restaurant overall is immensely gratifying. We hope it brings greater appreciation for the depth and refinement of Thai cuisine.”

Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng (Nora Hamade)

Baan Lao is a 20-seat restaurant set on the waterfront of the historic fishing village of Steveston that opened in 2021 by Nutcha Phanthoupheng, who is a former nurse and cancer researcher. It’s best known for its Royal Thai tasting menus and white-glove service.

In May, the duo also opened MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver, offering modern takes on casual Thai dishes.

If that wasn’t enough excitement already, the couple are also preparing to open two new concepts in Vancouver in Summer 2027, the first of which is Baan Baan, Thai Farmer’s Table and Bar, which will specialize in Isaan cuisine. Expect a late-night gathering place with a showpiece bar, private dining room, and an expansive patio serving charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy fermented flavours.

The second concept is titled Le KaNom Thai Desserts and Caffe, which will offer gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets during the day. Both Baan Baan and Le KaNom will be located on Granville Island.

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Address: 4100 Bayview St., Richmond

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