Baan Lao's team opens two concepts on Granville Island this summer

Baan Lao—the 20-seat Richmond restaurant that just became the first Canadian restaurant to win North America's best-restaurant title at the World Culinary Awards—is expanding across the water. Owners Nutcha and John Phanthoupheng are launching two new concepts on Granville Island: Baan Baan Thai Farmer's Table and Bar, a late-night gathering space, and Le KaNom Thai Desserts and Caffe, its daytime neighbour. Both open summer 2027.

Baan Baan specializes in Isaan cuisine—the northeast Thai region Chef Nutcha grew up in. The menu centers on charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy, fermented flavours: fermented sausages, charcoal-grilled chicken, dried meats, sticky rice. Historically, the region preserved food through fermentation and sun-drying when refrigeration wasn't available. But more than technique, Isaan dining is about ritual: "gathering with friends, drinking, sharing food and having fun," the restaurant wrote on Instagram—exactly the feeling Chef Nutcha wants Baan Baan to have.

The space includes a showpiece bar, private dining room, and expansive patio. The menu offers both prix-fixe and à la carte options, with à la carte dishes starting at $20 to keep it "accessible and casual while still premium."

Le KaNom, the daytime concept, will serve gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets—a complement to Baan Baan's late-night energy. "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," the restaurant said. "Baan Baan means a village or community."

Baan Lao has held Canada's Best Restaurant title for three consecutive years. The couple also runs MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver, offering modern takes on casual Thai dishes.