Earlier this year, the beloved Thai restaurant – SalaThai – shocked locals with their closure after 38 years of service.
They held the title of Vancouver’s first Thai-owned and operated restaurant.
The culprit? People speculated it was the lease – a common killer of longtime restaurants in the city.
Well, it looks like the Kongsilp family is gearing up to return in 2025 with a fresh and exciting venture: Jay Nok Modern Thai.
The restaurant will be taking over the empty Flying Pig unit in Olympic Village.
The evolution from SalaThai to Jay Nok marks not just a change in name, but a celebration of Thailand’s vibrant street food and communal dining culture.
Co-founders Sam and Joy Kongsilp have poured their hearts into this next generation of dining, and it’s clear that the legacy of SalaThai lives on.
Joy shared her excitement about this transition, saying, “Handing over the reins to the next generation is a proud moment for me.”
At Jay Nok, expect a lively atmosphere inspired by Bangkok’s bustling markets, where sharing meals with friends and family is at the forefront.
Jay Nok represents the essence of Thai culture—delicious food, a spirit of togetherness, and a blend of tradition with a modern flair.
“Our menu is a love letter to the dishes that shaped us, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist” says Bobby.
Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Bumpen “Jay Nok” Khangrang, whose talent shines with bold flavours and artful presentations—skills she honed both in Thailand and at SalaThai.
Based on the design renderings, the new restaurant’s interior is vastly different from Salathai’s.
Jay Nok will feature a modern, stylish design with cozy booths, a colourful tiled bar, and bright red accents.
It feels sleek and contemporary, with warm lighting, simple artwork, and natural touches like woven planters.
Unlike the old restaurant, which featured traditional Thai decorations, detailed carvings and dark wood tables, this new space has a fresh, modern look with only small hints of Thai style.
So the vibe will be quite different for folks who wished for a Salathai 2.0.
Jay Nok is slated to open in early 2025.
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