Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine Richmond

Baan Lao: Award-Winning Royal Thai Fine Dining in Steveston

Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine is Metro Vancouver's most decorated Thai restaurant. Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng's riverside dining room in Steveston serves refined Royal Thai cuisine, and it has been named Best Restaurant in Canada at the World Culinary Awards (2024 and 2025) and North America's Best Restaurant (2026).

Here's what to know before you go.

About Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine

Chef Nutcha grew up on a farm in Thailand's Isaan region and worked as a nurse and cancer researcher before turning to cooking. She trained with Chumpol Jangprai, chef-owner of two-Michelin-starred R-Haan in Bangkok, and with Vichit Mukura, who cooked for the Thai royal family.

She opened Baan Lao in 2021 with her husband and business partner, John Phanthoupheng. Organic rice comes from her family's farm in Isaan.

The Menu

How It Works

Baan Lao is known for its multi-course tasting menu, with wine and tea pairings, served with white-glove hospitality.

What to Order

• Royal Thai tasting menu: multi-course, with optional wine or tea pairings.
• Mangrove black tiger prawn phat Thai: a returning-guest favourite.
• Wild sockeye salmon green curry: served with organic jasmine and riceberry rice.
• Japanese tiger prawn with lobster tom yum: a signature.
• Mango sticky rice: with a hand-carved mango rosette and coconut ice cream.

Dietary Needs

Thai cooking relies on fish sauce, shrimp paste and peanuts. Tell staff about allergies and ask about vegetarian options.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Elegant, intimate and on the Fraser River.

• Best for: anniversaries and special occasions
• Views: the Fraser River
• Dress code: smart casual to dressy
• Good to know: book well ahead

Location: Steveston, Richmond

Baan Lao is at 4100 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC, on the waterfront boardwalk in Steveston Village.

Hours of Operation

Baan Lao serves dinner on select days, with limited lunch service. Check current hours and book in advance.

Reservations

• Reservations are required and can be made online.

Price Range

Baan Lao is a fine-dining restaurant; the tasting menu has been priced around $190 per person before pairings.

Awards and Recognition

• World Culinary Awards: Best Restaurant in Canada (2024, 2025)
• World Culinary Awards: North America's Best Restaurant (2026)

Contact Information

• Address: 4100 Bayview St, Richmond, BC
• Phone: 778-839-5711
• Website: baanlao.ca
• Neighbourhood: Steveston, Richmond
• Cuisine: Thai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baan Lao known for?

Royal Thai fine dining in Steveston.

Who is the chef?

Nutcha Phanthoupheng, a former nurse and cancer researcher from Isaan.

Has it won awards?

Best Restaurant in Canada (2024, 2025) and North America's Best Restaurant (2026) at the World Culinary Awards.

Where is Baan Lao?

4100 Bayview Street, Steveston, Richmond.

How much is the tasting menu?

It has been about $190 per person before pairings.

Do I need a reservation?

Yes.

Is there a view?

Yes, of the Fraser River.

Is it good for a special occasion?

Yes.