Steveston's Baan Lao named North America's best restaurant at World Culinary Awards

Explainer

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine in Steveston has been named North America's Best Restaurant 2026 at the World Culinary Awards.

It is the first Canadian restaurant to receive the title, according to the restaurant's announcement.

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The 20-seat waterfront restaurant also won Canada's Best Restaurant for the third consecutive year.

"Our goal was to become the best Thai restaurant in North America," said 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."

John Phanthoupheng noted the win is an "incredible honour" that validates the team's dedication to their original mission.

"This milestone reflects our wholehearted commitment to sharing authentic Thai flavours with the world," he said.

What are the awards and who votes?

The World Culinary Awards winners are determined through a weighted online voting system by members of the culinary community, industry experts and diners, according to the awards website.

Previous North American title holders include The French Laundry, Le Bernardin and Atelier Crenn.

The award was presented this week in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng accepted it.

What are the owners' plans for expansion?

The owners announced two new restaurants planned for Granville Island in summer 2027.

Baan Baan, Thai Farmer's Table & Bar, will specialize in Isaan cuisine from northeastern Thailand, serving charcoal-grilled seafood and meats with spicy, fermented flavours.

It will be a late-night, sea- and farm-to-table dining concept described as a more casual approach than the original Baan Lao.

Plans include a showpiece "waterfall bar," a private dining room, an expansive patio and a retractable solarium for indoor-outdoor dining.

Le KaNom, Thai Desserts & Caffe, will be a daytime counterpart serving gluten-free and dairy-free Thai sweets.

Both will be located side by side at the Chain & Forge Building at 1425 Anderson St.

"Isaan food is my favourite food. Spicy flavours, fermented sausages, charcoal-grilled chicken and dried meats with sticky rice," said chef-proprietor Nutcha Phanthoupheng. "These are the flavours I grew up with and love most. I want to use local ingredients here with these traditions from my hometown."

What is the background of the chef and restaurant?

Nutcha Phanthoupheng, a former nurse and cancer researcher, opened Baan Lao in 2021 with her husband John at 4100 Bayview St. in Steveston Village.

Its Royal Thai tasting menus feature individually plated courses and white-glove service, with tea, wine, cocktail and sake pairings available.

"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 Nutcha Phanthoupheng.

She said the recognition underscores her shift from healthcare to being a professional chef.

"It encourages me and my team to keep improving," she said of the wins. "I wanted people to look at Thai food in a new way. Thai food is not only street food. I wanted to make good food and make people happy."

The restaurant also serves weekend afternoon tea as another way to explore its Thai culinary program.

The couple expanded into casual dining earlier this year with MaKaam at Time Out Market Vancouver at Oakridge Park, which offers modern, artisan takes on casual Thai classics.

Nutcha Phanthoupheng said the three concepts represent her original vision when she set out on her restaurant journey.

"I had three different concepts in mind. Royal Thai fine dining at Baan Lao. Raised, healthy street food at MaKaam. And now Isaan food at Baan Baan," she explained. "I don't want to do the same thing. I want to challenge myself, too."

What is the vision for the new Granville Island locations?

Nutcha Phanthoupheng said she is looking forward to the accessibility the busy Granville Island area will afford her culinary mission.

"People from many different countries visit Granville Island. It feels like a community," she said. "I can imagine people sitting there, drinking, enjoying music and hanging out with friends. Very fun. Very happy. That is what I want to see."

She underscored her belief that food is about celebrating culture and "bringing people together."

What other projects are in the works?

John Phanthoupheng said the chef is working on a cookbook and they are looking at a retail line of sauces.

"Our goal has always been to build a lasting brand with a wide reach," he said.

For now, diners can visit the original Baan Lao. Reservations and current menus are available at baanlao.ca.

With files from Vancouver Is Awesome and Vancouver Sun