A first look inside award-winning chef Angus An's new Vancouver restaurant
The Vancouver food scene has been buzzing ever since award-winning Vancouver chef Angus An shared that he would be opening a new restaurant called Sainam. Now, after months of waiting, the day we’ve all been waiting for is nearly here.
Sainam will be opening its doors on June 13, 2025, allowing guests to experience the bold Northeastern Thai flavours of Isaan in Vancouver.
“My family and I spend a lot of time in Isaan, close to our home in Thailand, and Sainam is our love letter to the region – both in the food and the space,” said An, the owner of Full House Hospitality, which includes much-loved Metro Vancouver restaurants like Maenam, Fat Mao, Sen Pad Thai, and Longtail Kitchen. “The region has incredible energy and distinct, diverse flavours. We’ve poured that inspiration into every detail and look forward to welcoming guests into the space and introducing them to the wonderful cuisine of Isaan.”
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When it comes to the food, the menu at Sainam was developed by An alongside Sainam’s head chef, Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon, who is an active member of Khon Kaen in the Isaan region.
Sainam will feature a dedicated Som Tum “bar” which will have seven different green papaya salad flavours, including the classic Som Tum Thai with peanuts and dried shrimp, Som Tum Lao (a Laotian-style salad with salt cured blue crabs and fermented fish sauce), Som Tum Luang Prabang (made with ribbon-style papaya, made famous in Luang Prabang), and Fried Papaya Salad with papaya fritters.
In addition to the Som Tum bar, the rest of the menu is rooted in Isaan culinary traditions and is designed for sharing. Highlights include the Wichian Buri Grilled Chicken, which features half of a Fraser Valley Loong Kong Chicken that is grilled until aromatic and juicy; Laab Chicken, made with minced chicken thigh tossed with Isaan herbs, toasted rice powder, and crispy skin; and Tom Saep Baby Pork Ribs, a hot and sour soup with tender braised pork ribs.
Olivia Horrell
On the drinks side of things, Sainam is starting with non-alcoholic options first, with its liquor license still in the works. Award-winning bartender Tony Limchai from Maenam will be crafting spirit-free cocktails that can be paired with bar snacks like Isaan Sausage and Fried Chicken Wings marinated with maekwem spice, fried shallots, and herbs.
“Dishes from Isaan have very specific flavour profiles – it’s humble, rustic, and honest,” added An. “It’s food that’s meant to be shared. When guests walk through our doors, I want them to feel transported to Thailand.”
As for the space, this 1,200 sq. ft. 40-seat restaurant has been reimagined to reflect the energy of Isaan through pops of colour, natural textures, and special decorative accents. In fact, An worked on much of the millwork himself, blending clean lines with handcrafted elements (especially around the focal bar). This results in a bright, welcoming and casual eatery that honours the spirit of Northeastern Thailand.
Olivia Horrell
Olivia Horrell
Olivia Horrell
Sainam officially opens on June 13, 2025, with a few soft opening days beforehand. Once open, it’ll operate Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch service is also expected to launch in the future.
Sainam
Address:Â 1235 Davie St., Vancouver
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