Award-Winning Richmond Restaurant Launches World’s First Sommelier-Led Thai Afternoon Tea

Dive into something totally new at award-winning Baan Lao, where Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng is rolling out the world’s first sommelier-led Thai Afternoon Tea.

With a serene ocean waterfront view in Steveston and a dining room with artwork painted by an elephant, the Thai Afternoon Tea is a comprehensive sensory experience.

It was crafted by Chef Nutcha after six months of dedicated research and development.

The menu features 12 dishes spread across three courses named Arun/Dawn, Athit/Sun, and Bulan/Moon.

Each of the courses are designed to showcase a spectrum of flavours from sour and spicy to umami, salty, and sweet.

Chef Nutcha’s Thai Afternoon Tea at Baan Lao breaks from the norm, replacing the standard tea service with a full-time tea sommelier, Lena Pan, a certified TAC expert.

Lena, who will select, brew, and serve each tea using Gong Fu Cha techniques to ensure a perfect match with each dish.

This approach guarantees that every sip is as exceptional as the cuisine itself.

The tea journey begins with Chef Nutcha’s own Lemongrass Pandan Elixir, a refreshing caffeine-free iced herbal tea that prepares the palate for the flavours to come.

This elixir was something we’d be happy to have a bottle of during summer.

The tea pairings include selections like Chiran Fukamushi Sencha from Japan, Yiwu 2006 Shu Pu’er from China, and an exquisite Dong Ding Oolong from Taiwan.

Each is chosen to complement the rich and varied flavors of the food.

Chef Nutcha’s dishes, like the organic chicken breast with steam rice paper dumpling and the crispy mangrove prawn cake, showcase her dedication to quality and creativity.

That means using organic ingredients from her own Thai rice farm, local produce, and fresh seafood from Steveston Pier.

Paired with top-notch white glove service, every guest gets a taste of royalty.

Running throughout the summer on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, this exclusive afternoon tea is a culinary spectacle.

Priced at $95 per person, with optional premium and caffeine-free tea pairings, reservations are essential for those eager to experience this innovative offering.

It makes for something different and a great special weekend date experience at an award-winning restaurant.

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Address: 4100 Bayview Street, Richmond, BC

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