Vancouver’s dining scene is about to welcome something entirely new this winter.
Earlier this month, a Noms Mag community member (@dinevancity) spotted a new restaurant coming to Alberni Street.
It turns out the spot is actually Chef Chanthy Yen’s new project: TOUK, a contemporary Cambodian restaurant set to launch in November 2025.
In case you didn’t know, Chanthy Yen was the recent Season 11 Top Chef Canada winner.
The project marks Chanthy’s first restaurant in Vancouver as both co-owner and executive chef, and he describes it as the culmination of his journey.
“I’ve always dreamed of a space where I could celebrate Cambodian cuisine in a way that feels authentic to me,” Chanthy said in a statement.
“TOUK is about honoring my roots while pushing the boundaries of what Cambodian food can be in today’s culinary landscape.”
The name TOUK, which means “boat” in Khmer, represents passage, memory, and heritage.
It recalls both the boats that carried food and family across Cambodia and Chanthy’s own story as a Cambodian-Canadian chef.
The restaurant will take over the former Archer unit, which unexpectedly closed earlier this year after a lease termination.
Inside, TOUK will span nearly 2,300 sq. ft, with 50 seats in the main dining room, five at the bar, and a second-level standing bar called LOOLAA designed for up to 20 guests.
The overall design of the restaurant will highlight earthy tones and a 3 panel feature artwork by celebrated Cambodian artist FONKi, capturing Chanthy’s food memories and cultural inspiration.
The menu will reflect Cambodian and French influences, built around locally sourced ingredients and refined technique.
Both à la carte and prix fixe offerings will be available.
On the beverage side, TOUK will showcase cocktails from award-winning bartender Tara Davies, Vancouver Magazine’s Bartender of the Year 2025.
This opening also represents a major collaboration in Vancouver’s restaurant world.
Chanthy has teamed up with Dave Loeuy, the owner of Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded Song, and Terrence Feng of Kin Kao.
For Chanthy, TOUK is also a homecoming of sorts.
After years of experience in Montreal and Vancouver, including his role as Culinary Director of the Kitchen Table Group earlier this year, he is stepping into a project that feels deeply personal.
His career has spanned Michelin kitchens, acclaimed Montreal restaurants, and even serving as personal chef to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Now, with TOUK, he is creating a landmark space that reimagines Cambodian cuisine for Vancouver.
Set to open this November, TOUK now joins a lineup of anticipated new spots like UCHU, Kavita, and Cha Tra Mue.
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: 1152 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC