Back in January, we shared the news that Downtown Vancouver was about to get a fiery taste of Northeastern Thailand.
And it is all thanks to Chef Angus An and his newest concept, Sainam.
Fast-forward to today, and the opening is officially around the corner.
Sainam will open its doors on June 13 at 1235 Davie Street, the previous Davie Dosa Company space in the West End.
The new spot is a personal project for Chef Angus, whose restaurant empire already includes Maenam, Fat Mao, Sen Pad Thai, and Longtail Kitchen.
Described by Chef Angus as a “love letter to Isaan”, Sainam will be a vibrant tribute to the region’s humble yet unapologetically bold cuisine.
Working alongside Chef Angus is Head Chef Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon, a native of Khon Kaen in Isaan and longtime sous chef at Maenam.
The menu is designed for sharing, and diners can expect to feast on an impressive lineup starting with a dedicated Som Tum bar featuring seven variations of green papaya salad.
Highlights include the classic Som Tum Thai with peanuts and dried shrimp; Som Tum Lao, a funkier Laotian-style salad with fermented fish sauce and salt-cured blue crab; Som Tum Luang Prabang, showcasing ribbon-cut papaya; and a creative Fried Papaya Salad with papaya fritters.
Beyond the Som Tum, the menu dives into classic Isaan fare. Dishes include:
- Wichian Buri Grilled Chicken made with Fraser Valley Loong Kong chicken
- Laab Chicken tossed with Isaan herbs and crispy chicken skin
- Tom Saep Baby Pork Ribs, a hot-and-sour soup with tender ribs
- Pad Mee Korat, a stir-fried rice noodle dish with crispy pork jowl
- Gaeng Phet Gai, a rich red curry with braised chicken and lotus root
Sticky rice, a staple in Isaan dining, will be offered alongside many of the dishes.
To drink, Sainam will initially focus on non-alcoholic cocktails, crafted by award-winning bartender Tony Limchai of Maenam.
The beverage lineup will feature spirit-free creations designed to pair with the bold, tangy flavours of Isaan food.
An alcohol program is expected to follow once the liquor license is secured.
The 1,200-square-foot space, seating 40 guests, has been transformed to reflect the vibrant energy of Isaan, with pops of colour, natural textures, and handcrafted woodwork details.
When it opens, Sainam will offer walk-in service only with no reservations at launch.
Lunch service is also expected to launch in the near future.
Sainam will be joining Provisions Kitsilano, Nhu-Y Cafe, Folietta, and Chez Celine as the newest food spots in Vancouver.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 1235 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC