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We're spoiled for choice in our city.
While it’s a regular go-to for excellent takeout, Vancouver is rich with choice for authentic Thai restaurants for dine-in, too—and these are the best in the city, as chosen by our Vancouver magazine Restaurant Awards judges.
Unchai, opened by two former Maenam employees, snags the top spot with a dedication to ultra-authentic dishes like the lineup-causing pad ki mao, a stir fry to end all stir frys. (Note that they’ll be taking a wee break between November and January 2022—imagine the lineups on their return!)
Angus An’s Maenam, part of a mini Angus An empire (Fat Mao, Sen Pad Thai, Freebird, Longtail Kitchen), delivers some of the most refined and ethereal take on Thai dishes in the city (and, likely, the country—maybe even the continent). Deeply rich and layered curries and soups pair perfectly with salads full of citrus, fresh herbs, and lemongrass.
READ MORE: The Winners of our 32nd Annual Restaurant Awards
Their former West Broadway room is now destined to become another condo tower, but instead of closing for good, Jitlada pivoted to pre-order takeout and delivery from a commissary kitchen just off of Main Street. All the gems from their former sliver of a room remain, with authentic dishes that always a dose of consistency and classics to the faithful.
The room is always lively, and the food is beautiful: authentic dishes that don’t attempt to be tame, either. The red curry duck is on the three-alarm side of heat, classic larb is comfort on a cold night, and the drunken noodles with prawn (pictured) feel like a warm hug. Add in a mostly natty wine list, excellent cocktails and lovely shrubs, and you’re in for your favourite night out.
The name feels like it shouldn’t be as great as it is, but Bob creates a room that’s fun and dishes that are full of flavour, with a few playful creations in the mix too. Amongst classic massaman curries and pad pik king chicken, there are fusion dishes like Bob’s Poutine: deep fried thin sliced Taro root, topped with lemongrass, lime leaf, deep fried Tofu, chili and green curry sauce.
