Breaking: Sainam, Chef Angus An’s New West End Thai Restaurant, Opens June 13

If you’ve been having trouble getting a reso at Maenam, don’t sweat: Sainam, a new restaurant from Chef Angus An’s Full House Hospitality group is opening in the West End next week to offer yet another opportunity to access his always impressive Thai cuisine.

Chef An won our 2025 Chef of the Year award for his achievements across his many existing, beloved restaurants—noodle bar Fat Mao (our Best Casual winner), the iconic Maenam (Best Thai) and his endlessly busy Sen Pad Thai and Longtail Kitchen outlets.

Sainam, the new addition to the fam, focuses on the Northeastern Thai flavours of the Isaan region, developed with head chef Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon, who grew up there—think laab chicken tossed with Isaan herbs, toasted rice powder and crispy skin; hot-and-sour tom saep baby pork ribs and a punchy pad mee korat with crispy pork jowl.

On June 13, the bright, casual eatery opens its doors to serve up the flavourful dishes. Don’t miss the som tum bar featuring seven different green papaya salads (som tum lao is Laotian-style with salted blue crabs; fried papaya salad is made with papaya fritters).

“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,” writes An. “Dishes from Isaan have very specific flavour profiles—it’s humble, rustic, and honest.”

The liquor license is still in the works for the 1,200-square-foot, 40-seater space. In the meantime, you’ll be in good hands for your non-alcoholic options thanks to Tony Limchai, Maenam’s award-winning bartender. Whatever he whips up will be a delicious way to toast our collective good fortune that An has created yet another (delicious) love letter to Thailand here on Davie Street.

To start, Sainam will be open for walk-ins Tuesday to Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with lunch service to come. 1235 Davie St., sainam.ca