If you were a fan of Burrard Street’s Sala Thai, you are in for a treat, as the family behind the Vancouver dining staple is cooking up something fresh. The downtown dining destination known for its Central Thai cuisine operated at 888 Burrard for nearly four decades before it . At the time of the closure, owners shared the restaurant had been a “labour of love” and noted that even though “this chapter may be closing” it was “not goodbye.
” We’re pleased to share that they’ve made good on this statement, as the family behind the eatery will be opening something new in early 2025: Jay Nok Modern Thai. Sala Thai co-founders Sam and Joy Kongsilp call this upcoming opening a deeply personal milestone, as they will turn over their legacy to the next generation. “Sala Thai was built on a foundation of family, tradition, and love for Thai cuisine.
Jay Nok reflects those same values but with a fresh, innovative vision,” says Joy. Thailand’s idea of “Sanuk,” which loosely translates to having fun, is the central pillar of Jay Nok Modern Thai. Aiming to honour Sala Thai’s legacy while forging an “entirely new path,” the restaurant promises a lively lunch and dinner service once it opens its doors.
You’ll find it situated at 127 W 2nd Avenue, which is the former location of local chain . The Flying Pig closed in the fall after owners failed to reach an agreement with the space’s landlord. However, , the group’s restaurant offering Mexican cuisine, is located directly next door and remains open.
Jay Nok Modern Thai will serve up an array of eats and sips inspired by the vibrancy and boldness of Bangkok’s bustling markets. We’re told the menu is “menu is rooted in tradition yet embraces modernity,” and that diners can expect a selection of dishes designed for sharing. The restaurant’s kitchen team is led by Executive Chef Bumpen “Jay Nok” Khangrang.
Chef Jay Nok, who previously worked at Sala Thai, has cooked in Thailand and previously earned her recognition from the Royal Thai Consulate in Vancouver. Other notable names on the team include General Manager Bobby Kongsilp and Project Manager Margarita Virata Santos. The restaurant’s design will feature eclectic street-inspired decor.
The atmosphere will transition from offering bright and fast-casual vibes at lunch to a “glowing social haven” complete with a soundtrack of eclectic beats by night. “Our menu is a love letter to the dishes that shaped us, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist” adds Bobby. “We’re thrilled to share this passion with Vancouver and invite the city to experience Thai street food in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.
” As always, we’ll keep you posted when an official opening date is set for this spot. 127 W 2nd Avenue, Vancouver.
Jay Nok Modern Thai to open in Olympic Village early 2025
If you were a fan of Burrard Street’s Sala Thai, you are in for a treat, as the family behind the Vancouver dining staple is cooking up something fresh.The downtown dining destination known for its Central Thai cuisine operated at 888 Burrard for nearly four decades before it closed its doors in April. At the time of the closure, owners shared the restaurant had been a “labour of love” and noted that even though “this chapter may be closing” it was “not goodbye.”We’re pleased to share that they’ve made good on this statement, as the family behind the eatery will be opening something new in early 2025: Jay Nok Modern Thai.Sala Thai co-founders Sam and Joy Kongsilp call this upcoming opening a deeply personalmilestone, as they will turn over their legacy to the next generation.“Sala Thai was built on a foundation of family, tradition, and love for Thai cuisine. Jay Nok reflects those same values but with a fresh, innovative vision,” says Joy.WHAT IS JAY NOK MODERN THAI? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOWThailand’s idea of “Sanuk,” which loosely translates to having fun, is the central pillar of Jay Nok Modern Thai.Aiming to honour Sala Thai’s legacy while forging an “entirely new path,” the restaurant promises a lively lunch and dinner service once it opens its doors.You’ll find it situated at 127 W 2nd Avenue, which is the former location of local chain The Flying Pig’s Olympic Village outpost. The Flying Pig closed in the fall after owners failed to reach an agreement with the space’s landlord. However, Ophelia, the group’s restaurant offering Mexican cuisine, is located directly next door and remains open.Jay Nok Modern Thai will serve up an array of eats and sips inspired by the vibrancy and boldness of Bangkok’s bustling markets.We’re told the menu is “menu is rooted in tradition yet embraces modernity,” and that diners can expect a selection of dishes designed for sharing.The restaurant’s kitchen team is led by Executive Chef Bumpen “Jay Nok” Khangrang. Chef Jay Nok, who previously worked at Sala Thai, has cooked in Thailand and previously earned her recognition from the Royal Thai Consulate in Vancouver.Other notable names on the team include General Manager Bobby Kongsilp and Project Manager Margarita Virata Santos.The restaurant’s design will feature eclectic street-inspired decor. The atmosphere will transition from offering bright and fast-casual vibes at lunch to a “glowing social haven” complete with a soundtrack of eclectic beats by night.“Our menu is a love letter to the dishes that shaped us, reimagined with a fresh, modern twist” adds Bobby. “We’re thrilled to share this passion with Vancouver and invite the city to experience Thai street food in a way that feels both familiar and entirely new.”As always, we’ll keep you posted when an official opening date is set for this spot.JAY NOK MODERN THAIAddress: 127 W 2nd Avenue, VancouverInstagram