Chef of the Year in Davie Village
When a local legend wanted to innovate with a twist on a classic taste, the ideal spot was the West End. Davie Village became home to Sainam Restaurant, the latest addition to the award-winning Full House Hospitality Group, well-known locally for the Michelin-recommended Maenam.
Thai Food Innovation Direct from Isaan
Angus An is both chef and visionary. In the span of fifteen years, his menus have positioned Thai flavours at the forefront of Vancouver’s cuisine scene. We asked him about the group’s newest location, Sainam Restaurant.
“I wanted to feature the flavours of northeastern Thailand because they are amazing. Many people assume all Thai dishes rely on a coconut base, but the Isaan region of Thailand has a much different growing climate. The recipes of the region reflect a love of papaya salad and grilled meat. We’ve brought the unique Isaan mix of spicy, sour, salty and sweet together in a select menu,” Angus explained.
“Papaya salad has many varieties — at its base, it’s a mix of shredded, green-papaya with seasonings ranging from mild to ultra-spicy. Anyone who’s spent time in Isaan knows how important papaya salad is. Our customers love our Som Tum Thai with peanuts and shrimp, the Som Tum Lao with imported anchovy paste in the Laotian style, and Fried Papaya Salad with fritters. Our entrees are designed for sharing as the Thai tradition is a happy table full of talk and delicious small plates.”
Elevating Som Tum Papaya Salad
Sainam Restaurant features a wide selection of protein-based entrees to complement Som Tum, such as Mee Krop Khon Kaen with crispy noodles glazed in tamarind and caramelized palm sugar. Wichian Buri Grilled Chicken features multiple dipping sauces and makes a hearty meal with sticky rice. For those familiar with Pad Thai, Pad Mee Korat is the Isaan region’s twist on a classic combination of crispy pork and rice noodles.
The Sainam Restaurant is cozy and homelike, with a full selection of beer, wine and specialty cocktails. “Our bar manager has done a great job of creating bespoke cocktails that pair perfectly with our most popular dishes. The Som Tum Thai cocktail is a unique combination of chilli-infused gin, apple juice, house-made tamarind sauce, bitters and cashew. Kaeng Om is a cucumber lemon gin with lychee juice, dill and lime juice. And our Yuzu Elder Margarita is a Thai tequila twist we serve spiked or virgin,” An said.
West End Flavours of the World to Share
Stop in and taste what you’ve been missing in your Thai food experience. Check out why Vancouver Magazine voted Angus An “Chef of the Year” in 2025. Watch as your papaya salad is prepared in the open concept kitchen and relax with friends over dinner, laughter and drinks. Think about grabbing take-out this week — or gather the gang for an at-home delivery and some weekend fun. The best flavours of the far-flung corners of Thailand are waiting for you at 1235 Davie Street.