Baan Lao named best restaurant in North America at 2026 World Culinary Awards

A 20-seat Thai restaurant in Steveston, a historic fishing village south of Vancouver, has become the first Canadian restaurant ever to win the top honour at the World Culinary Awards.

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine, located at 4100 Bayview Street in Richmond, B.C., earned the title of best restaurant in North America for 2026, joining an elite lineage that includes French Laundry, Le Bernardin, and Atelier Crenn — each of which held the title previously. The selection used a weighted voting system drawing from 22 Canadian nominees and 18 from the U.S. The award was accepted in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Executive Chef and co-owner Nutcha Phanthoupheng, a former nurse and cancer researcher, said the recognition goes beyond the restaurant itself. "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," she said at the award ceremony.

Baan Lao, which opened in 2021, is known for Royal Thai tasting menus and white-glove service from a waterfront setting. The restaurant has won Canada's best restaurant title three times, with this year being the third win.

Co-owner John Phanthoupheng said the ambition behind the expansion underscores why the recognition matters. "Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America. 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 success has sparked expansion. MaKaam opened at the Vancouver Time Out Market in May, offering healthy, modern takes on casual Thai classics. Two more locations are set for summer 2027: Baan Baan Thai Farmer's Table and Bar on Granville Island, Vancouver, will focus on Isaan cuisine with charcoal-grilled seafood and meats alongside spicy fermented flavours. It will feature a late-night gathering space, showpiece bar, private dining room, and expansive patio. Le KaNom Thai Desserts and Caffe, also opening on Granville Island, will offer gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets with daytime service.

Phanthoupheng said the team's commitment remains clear. "I am very grateful to our team and everyone who has supported us. This award encourages us to keep improving."