It looks like Downtown Vancouver is about to get a fiery taste of Northeastern Thailand this spring!
Sainam, the latest project by celebrated Vancouver chef Angus An, is set to open at the space once occupied by Davie Dosa Company which shut down in December.
Sainam will spotlight the bold and rustic flavours of Thailand’s Isaan region.
Think tangy, spicy papaya salads (som tum) and smoky, succulent grilled chicken (gai yang) that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Khon Kaen.
Head chef Poom Sikarin Sirisupanon, a native of Isaan’s Khon Kaen province and currently sous chef at Maenam, will be running the kitchen.
If anyone knows how to bring the heart of Isaan to Vancouver, it’s this guy.
Chef Angus An, the culinary mastermind behind other Vancouver Thai hotspots like Maenam and Fat Mao, has been enamored with Isaan cuisine for years.
“The food from the Isaan region is so distinct—robust flavors, rustic styles,” An shared.
“I was inspired to bring some of my favourite Isaan dishes to Vancouver, including a variety of som tum dishes and Wechanburi-style gai yang that truly showcase the heart and soul of this unique area.”
If you’re unfamiliar with Isaan, here’s the scoop: it’s a region in Northeastern Thailand that shares cultural ties with neighbouring Laos.
Sticky rice is a staple, and meals are known for their bold, unapologetic heat and sourness—traits that set them apart from the more balanced central Thai cuisine.
The 1,200-square-foot space will seat 40 guests and promises a playful yet nostalgic design. It will revive the space with colourful energy that mirrors Isaan’s spirit.
For now, details are still sparse but it is exciting news for the West End area.
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Address: 1235 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC